Tulsa Groups Raise Thousands To Give Away 29 Bikes In Uganda

A bike racing team from Tulsa, Cura Racing, partnered with a nonprofit in Tulsa and another group in Kenya to do something good.

They raised more than $8,000 to donate 29 bikes to people in Uganda.

Austin Edgar, team creator of Cura Racing, says his trip was magical.

His mission started when the founder of the nonprofit Cura for the World told him how far people in Uganda have to walk to get to school or the doctor. He was determined to help.

Edgar says the day he gave away bicycles in Uganda was one of the most memorable days of his life.

"The birth of my daughter and some other events will always be special, but it’s up there,” said Edgar. “I mean, it was one of the most special days of my entire life. It was just beautiful.”

The trip is the culmination of three years of dreaming and planning, and it's changing the lives of 29 people.

"That started me down a road of how do we make this happen? What would it take? First, was what kind of bike would they need. You know, it’s got to be durable," Edgar said.

The bikes can hold up to 500 pounds.

Students, farmers, and people who work for the nonprofit Project Orphans in Uganda have the bikes. It's about better mobility and independence. 

"They can get their water, they can field their crops, they can go to school, they can be on time for things, they can help people get the medical care they need," Ashley Mckinney, Communication Director for Project Orphans, said.

All 29 people had no idea they were getting a bike.

"Sitting there, fitting each person, then looking at the smiles and then getting to push them off and watch them pedal their bike; it was magical," said Edgar. 

Ashley Mckinney with Project Orphans watched everyone ride their bikes for the first time.

"It was Austin and all the 29 people,” said Mckinney. “They had their hands in the air going down the hill, and so it was just like pure joy."

After seeing all those smiles, Edgar says he's motivated to keep helping the people in Uganda and plans to return next year.

"I think there's a million ways to help in this world; you just got to figure out where your heart’s at and what you think you can do to help your fellow brother," said Edgar.

Austin says they've reached their goal of raising enough money for 30 more bikes.

Now, he's focused on raising more to build a medical center in Uganda where people can get overnight medical care.

You can help by clicking here to donate to Project Orphans and here to Cura for the World.