Father & Son Become the Oldest and Youngest Persons to Mountain Bike Kilimanjaro

    LAGUNA BEACH, CA, April 01, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On March 10th, 2017, University of Alabama student and amateur MMA fighter, Tate Nelson (age 22), joined his father, former University of California - Irvine's Men's Tennis Coach and Tennis Pro, Rob Nelson (age 57), to challenge mind and body on a five day mountain biking trek on Mt. Kilimanjaro, an elevation of 19,341 ft. above sea level in Tanzania, Africa.

Rob Nelson founded the Cycle Kili campaign, which focuses on raising awareness to Africa's Orphan Crisis caused by AIDS. The Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania has the highest rate of AIDs in Africa. According to a new study, researchers say, "Children exposed to HIV, but not infected, have a 70 percent increased risk of dying, often within the first two years of life." Some die of premature death and most are left orphaned. These orphans have been found in horrific circumstances (sewage, ditches on the side of the road, and in piles of trash) and taken to Treasures of Africa (TOA), a ministry that cares for orphans, abandoned and abused children at the foot of the famous mountain.

In addition to raising public awareness about the AIDS Orphan Crisis, Cycle Kili aims to raise $1.96 million for TOA. Funds will go toward constructing a new 5.4 acre campus, to be deemed, "The Treasures of Africa Leadership Village," which will include school buildings and a farm to grow food to feed the community.

When asked why he decided to spend his Spring Break taking on this tremendous challenge, Tate replied, "First reason was to help out those less fortunate than we are. This is my 5th visit to Africa. I have worked with TOA in the past and have a heart for people there. Secondly, what feeds and motivates me is to pursue something that people say 'I'm not able to do' and face adversity." At age 22, Tate Nelson has become the youngest person to Mountain Bike Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Rob exclaimed "If Kilimanjaro presented physical demands for my son and an elite athlete, at my age it did the same things to me, but tenfold. It's about taking action and doing something for the benefit of others with perseverance, resilience, and optimism!" At the age of 57, Rob Nelson has become the oldest person to Mountain Bike Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Historical Mountain Bikers of Kilimanjaro
Year - Rider, Age on Mountain
2017 - Rob Nelson, 57
2017 - Tate Nelson, 22
2017 - James Lawrence, 40
2016 - Rebecca Rusch, 47
2016 - Patrick Sweeney, 48
2016 - Danny MacAskill, 30
2016 - Hans Rey, 50
2011 - Doug Pitt, 44
1985 - Nicholas Crane, 31
1985 - Richard Crane, 28+

For those that want to get involved or make a donation go to our website WWW.CYCLEKILI.COM and follow our social media handles.

Social Media: #cyclekili

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