Wenslus Murape
Jemira Chitakunye
A DAREDEVIL biker has just completed an adventure, covering over 9 000kms, in which he travelled across seven African countries — Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda — to take part in the 52nd Africa Concours D’Elegance in Nairobi.
The adventure was spread across 32 days. Johane Nyagura, 58, was the only local biker who made it to Kenya out of the four who had been invited to this year’s event.
He was also helped by the Anglican Church in Kadoma who gave him a letter which enabled him to get help, including accommodation, from Anglican Churches in Zambia and Kenya.
Nyagura, who has been a biker for 20 years, started his journey on his bike on September 8 and arrived in Nairobi on September 20.
He left the Kenyan capital two days later and arrived back home on Saturday. On the return trip he travelled through Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
“I want to thank everyone who made my journey a success, I made history to become the only biker from Zimbabwe who has connected seven countries.
“Some have tried and failed and did not make it across seven countries, I thank God for the success,” Nyagura told H-Metro.
He said his journey was made successful with the help from a few friends.
“My utmost gratitude goes to the Anglican Church in Kadoma who wrote a letter for me so that I could be accommodated at any of their churches from Zambia to Kenya.
“I faced a lot of challenges, including avoiding bad drivers who pretend as if motorcyclists are not part of the road users.
“I avoided a number of accidents and I give all the honour to God who protected me throughout the journey.”
At the 52nd Africa Concours D’Elegance in Nairobi, Nyagura finished in fourth place out of 20 riders who took part in the competition.
Nyagura is part of Zimbabwe Free Riders, a 53-member club that races for charity, including raising funds for the Chinotimba Old People’s Home.
He is a nurse by profession.
He started bike riding when he was 15 and, despite a major accident in 2016, he has become one of the top bikers in the country.
He said his recent success story is a testament of the determination to never give up despite all the odds which he faced along the way.
Online Reporter