Mission Morocco
On June 6th Toby Forte and Jess Jackman will be setting off from Devon, UK on an epic adventure to Morocco, North Africa. They will be navigating their way and carrying all their equipment, whilst covering an average of 75 miles per day.
The aim of the challenge is to raise funds and awareness for two very worthy causes...
STEPHEN MURRAY FUND..
In 2007, professional BMXer Stephen Murray suffered a catastrophic fall attempting a double back flip at the Dew Action Sports Tour, Baltimore. He suffered severe spinal injuries and is now paralyzed below the neck, however, continued support from family and friends have encouraged his positive attitude and it is essential we continue to support his cause. To make a secure online donation please follow this link: www.staystrongapparel.com Please quote 'MISSION MOROCCO' with every donation.
SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES...
SOS Children's Villages are a charity who aid orphans across the world by providing them with a place to live, medical facilities, and an education. These are all things we take for granted at home, but will make a world of difference to these children. On arrival in Morocco, we will be visiting one of the orphanages in Dar Bouazza to see firsthand the difference our fundraising can make. To make a donation please visit www.justgiving.com/missionmorocco2009
These are both amazing causes, and we have set ourselves a real challenge, so please give generously. All donations go directly to the charities. We can make a difference! Thank you!
The aim of the challenge is to raise funds and awareness for two very worthy causes...
STEPHEN MURRAY FUND..
In 2007, professional BMXer Stephen Murray suffered a catastrophic fall attempting a double back flip at the Dew Action Sports Tour, Baltimore. He suffered severe spinal injuries and is now paralyzed below the neck, however, continued support from family and friends have encouraged his positive attitude and it is essential we continue to support his cause. To make a secure online donation please follow this link: www.staystrongapparel.com Please quote 'MISSION MOROCCO' with every donation.
SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES...
SOS Children's Villages are a charity who aid orphans across the world by providing them with a place to live, medical facilities, and an education. These are all things we take for granted at home, but will make a world of difference to these children. On arrival in Morocco, we will be visiting one of the orphanages in Dar Bouazza to see firsthand the difference our fundraising can make. To make a donation please visit www.justgiving.com/missionmorocco2009
These are both amazing causes, and we have set ourselves a real challenge, so please give generously. All donations go directly to the charities. We can make a difference! Thank you!
The Route
Bikes
Equipment List
Latest blog updates
07/06/2009
Today we visited the SOS Children s Village in Ait Ourir, at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It was an amazing opportunity to see where your donations for the charity have been going. The villages are designed to give orphaned children an opportunity to live a healthy family life, with parental figures, healthcare facilities [...]
07/02/2009
After a very rough ferry journey, we arrived in Tangier, and spent several hours talking to some local men over mint tea before jumping on the night train!
Somehow, we found our way through the maze that is the Medina, from the station and the most amazing Riad where we are spending our days relaxing on [...]
06/29/2009
On the ferry on our way to Morroco now! Will try to send some updates along the way. Will be visiting the orphan project in a day or so, so please keep donating as your money will make a difference….thanks to everyone for your continued support… yeeeeew!
06/28/2009
Yeeeeew! We’re at the closest campsite to the ferry port and all set for Morroco in the morning! So psyched to be here and after our 23rd day in the saddle and another 70 miles across the mountainous coast we’re truly ready to chill out! Going to head down to the beach now and try [...]
06/27/2009
Today started off great… aware that the coastal route will take longer than the original plan, we have been getting up early to get the miles in. We spent the morning cruising along the coast-pretty riding past the beach with all our kit whilst british tourists sunbathe under palm trees! After some climbs and mountain [...]
06/26/2009
Crazy early start to get some miles in, we watched the sun come up as we climbed through the mountains…. then due to roadworks had to change our route and ended up bombing down the freeway. We were pulled over by the police (and luckilly, cycling enthusiasts) who showed us a new route and even [...]
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Interviews
Toby Forte
Age: 25
Occupation: Bicycle sales manager- Shiner Ltd
What’s your history in cycling?
I competed as a BMX racer from the age of 10. This continued to progress and I turned professional when I was 17. I competed worldwide for BMX, Four X and Dual Slalom for several years, and I still ride as often as possible, however, these days it’s solely to put a smile on my face.
What are your reasons for cycling to Morocco?
After years of serious injury, including a severe brain injury, I became focused on helping others who haven’t had the fortunate recovery I had. If I can challenge myself and use that to raise funds and awareness for others, then I’m willing to do everything possible. I have never been able to sit tight and relax and setting what seems like unachievable goals, is always a great way to push myself. Jess and I have both wanted to visit Morocco for sometime, and the fact we can do it for two such worthwhile causes is just amazing.
What are your apprehensions?
This is going to be a real challenge, we will be navigating our own route, whilst carrying all equipment. We will be cycling up to 100 miles a day in all weather conditions, then finding camp and preparing food with the worlds smallest stove! But this was set out to be a challenge, and I’m confident we will overcome any barriers.
Occupation: Bicycle sales manager- Shiner Ltd
What’s your history in cycling?
I competed as a BMX racer from the age of 10. This continued to progress and I turned professional when I was 17. I competed worldwide for BMX, Four X and Dual Slalom for several years, and I still ride as often as possible, however, these days it’s solely to put a smile on my face.
What are your reasons for cycling to Morocco?
After years of serious injury, including a severe brain injury, I became focused on helping others who haven’t had the fortunate recovery I had. If I can challenge myself and use that to raise funds and awareness for others, then I’m willing to do everything possible. I have never been able to sit tight and relax and setting what seems like unachievable goals, is always a great way to push myself. Jess and I have both wanted to visit Morocco for sometime, and the fact we can do it for two such worthwhile causes is just amazing.
What are your apprehensions?
This is going to be a real challenge, we will be navigating our own route, whilst carrying all equipment. We will be cycling up to 100 miles a day in all weather conditions, then finding camp and preparing food with the worlds smallest stove! But this was set out to be a challenge, and I’m confident we will overcome any barriers.
What are you most looking forward to on the trip?
I think the feeling of achievement will overcome any of the hardships along the way. I’m really looking forward to spending an entire month outdoors, and I’m sure we’re going to see some amazing sights along the way.
And after Mission Morocco…
One step at a time… Secretly I’m already thinking about the next venture... I wish I could relax sometimes!
Jess Jackman
Age: 23
Occupation: Student
When did you first get into cycling?
Growing up I always had a bike, and Toby and I cycled everywhere on our travels around Australia. However, it was only when I began training for a charity cycle in Vietnam that I really got into it. We started riding regularly and covering long distances, which was really rewarding. Toby has always been passionate about bikes, but now he’s got me hooked!
What inspired you to cycle to Morocco?
I have always liked to set myself challenges, and have wanted to visit Morocco for a while now. However, wherever possible, I like to combine trips abroad with doing something positive for the country I am visiting, and therefore decided to take on the venture in aid of SOS Children’s Villages as well as Stephen Murray.
What are your apprehensions?
I’m aware it’s going to be a real challenge and I know that after cycling 100 miles every day, the thought of finding a campsite and cooking dinner isn’t always going to be that appealing, but we’re doing it for all the right reasons, and that’ll keep me going. Stephen and the children at SOS do not have the opportunity to take on such an epic adventure, so it’s up to us to make the most of it.
What are you most looking forward to on the trip?
I’m looking forward to it all! You experience so much more of a country on a bike. The Pyrenees are going to be spectacular and the coastal routes should be amazing! I’m really looking forward to waking up early and riding as the sun comes up…
And after Mission Morocco…
This is a huge challenge so I’m focusing on this for now, but I’ll never stop planning future trips. There’s nothing more rewarding than taking on a challenge in aid of a worthy cause – in this case two amazing causes- so hopefully we’ll raise masses and really make a difference.
Occupation: Student
When did you first get into cycling?
Growing up I always had a bike, and Toby and I cycled everywhere on our travels around Australia. However, it was only when I began training for a charity cycle in Vietnam that I really got into it. We started riding regularly and covering long distances, which was really rewarding. Toby has always been passionate about bikes, but now he’s got me hooked!
What inspired you to cycle to Morocco?
I have always liked to set myself challenges, and have wanted to visit Morocco for a while now. However, wherever possible, I like to combine trips abroad with doing something positive for the country I am visiting, and therefore decided to take on the venture in aid of SOS Children’s Villages as well as Stephen Murray.
What are your apprehensions?
I’m aware it’s going to be a real challenge and I know that after cycling 100 miles every day, the thought of finding a campsite and cooking dinner isn’t always going to be that appealing, but we’re doing it for all the right reasons, and that’ll keep me going. Stephen and the children at SOS do not have the opportunity to take on such an epic adventure, so it’s up to us to make the most of it.
What are you most looking forward to on the trip?
I’m looking forward to it all! You experience so much more of a country on a bike. The Pyrenees are going to be spectacular and the coastal routes should be amazing! I’m really looking forward to waking up early and riding as the sun comes up…
And after Mission Morocco…
This is a huge challenge so I’m focusing on this for now, but I’ll never stop planning future trips. There’s nothing more rewarding than taking on a challenge in aid of a worthy cause – in this case two amazing causes- so hopefully we’ll raise masses and really make a difference.
