In February 2020, some of the Wheels 2019 team got to visit Bensa, Ethiopia and see one of the first (of eight) certified healthy villages. The ride, which originally was hoping to help Lifewater transform four villages, was able to raise double their original goal and transform eight villages. From that trip they were able…
The past six years have been filled with incredible and challenging cycling to support over 18,000 Africans by bringing safe water, sanitation and hygiene training to their villages. After seeing the work firsthand in the Congo, Uganda and Ethiopia, Wheels4Water has a big announcement. Lifewater International will now be the owner of the Wheels4Water event…
The 2019 day 4 and ride is officially completed! This has been a ride of extremes, but most importantly a ride with a purpose. As the team battled up Mt. Evans 14,000+ ft. summit only one W4W rider made it to the top. Day 4 was an emotional one, but we focused on the village…
Life in Odako Anidi: Aberash’s Story At 27 years old, Aberash Tonsisa and her husband are raising three children under the age of seven. Most days, in the rush and worry of things, Aberash feels as though a thousands pounds sits on her shoulders. Although far less than a thousands pounds, the weight of two…
Day 3 is done! The Wheels 4 Water team biked Vail Pass and Loveland Pass. It was a very hard ride, Sarah unfortunately injured her knee and had to take time to rest mid morning. There was a bit of hail and sleet coming up Loveland Pass but we pushed through. We finished in the…
Life in Sodo Chefae: Lamitu’s Story Fear is a common feeling in Lamitu’s household. When the youngest children fall ill, fear washes over her. When things get serious, fear rises to Lamitu’s chest, making breathing burdensome. But, the mother of five has great courage, and she always finds a way to act in the face…
Day 2 is done! We rode 96 miles towards the final three big climbs, as the day got hot we were looking for something to cool us down, we were fortunate to have water available to us when we needed it. Today and tomorrow will be challenging :flushed: But we are honored to do this…
Life in Chefae Anidi: Mamo’s Story Almaz lay in bed when we arrived to meet her family. A thin blanket lay over the mother of three, and the edges of her mouth pulled into a frown. “I worry for our kids that they will be affected by the disease,” her husband, Mamo, said. “We are…
Day 1: The team took off from Leadville to Aspen, Colorado. On the way they climbed through Independence Pass which tops out at 12,095 feet. It was beautiful, chilly and challenging day fighting a headwind all the way up. But nothing compared to the walk Bekelech and her daughters take three times a day for…
Life in Chilaka Huleti: Bekelech’s Story Neither Bekelech nor her husband, Damise, have ever gone to school in their lives. They grew up in rural Ethiopia, where survival took precedence over education, and survival was a full-time endeavor. Today, Bekelech and Damise raise their five children in Chilaka Huleti village. Three times a day, Bekelech…