It is interesting that many people across the planet today are going on rallies and tours to make sure that they drive their point home. I suppose the one journey across the globe that is really hitting the headlines is that of the ‘Olympic Torch’. But we are here to discuss something that is far less controversial and far more helpful to the planet. Jules Fils Otong Bassong is set to tour Cameroon on his bicycle made out of some of the finest wooden materials nature has blessed Cameroon with. The 40-year old Bassong looks physically strong and upbeat about what he has embarked.
The cyclist is a carpenter and architect by profession and he has crafted his wooden bike in over 2 years. In fact, that is how long it took for Jules to put his plans in to practice and come up with the journey of going through the heart of Cameroon. Bassong’s take off town is Bamenda, the chief town of the Northwest Province of Cameroon. It has taken him 13 days, on his wooden bicycle, from Bamenda to Buea, the capital of the Southwest Province. In the course of cycling from Bamenda to Buea, the sculptor cum cyclist has passed through some major towns of Cameroon.
The rider wishes to finish his journey in his home town of Puma and he just wants to tell the world that Africa and Cameroon have a distinct identity and culture and have plenty of potential. This is probably one of the greenest journey’s in the history of mankind. If you are using a wooden bike, then you must be doing the planet more favor than most. He says he can produce these wooden bikes in thousands if the right sponsor helps him. I sure hope someone does.
