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Enkosini Annual Fundraiser

Rides for Rangers - Our Annual Fundraiser

(Rangers at Lapolosa Wilderness Circa 2012)

For the past 18 years, my rangers have primarily done anti-poaching by foot, with the exception of a few head rangers who traverse by ATV.  Walking is quiet, cheap and accessible, though slow.  ATVs are loud, expensive and limited, though quick.  I’ve desperately been seeking a solution that combines the best of both, and finally discovered Motorized Mountain Bikes!

I’m calling this campaign “Rides for Rangers” as our mission is to protect Enkosini’s reserves by empowering rangers with new motorized mountain bikes and basic field equipment.  Anti-poaching teams are only successful if they can actually reach the areas being poached, quickly and quietly.  Our goal is to raise enough funds to give each ranger, in each of our reserves in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, a new motorized mountain bike which they can then use for daily patrols.  

Motorized mountain bikes are mobile, stealthy and low impact.  They are also the most efficient and least disruptive vehicles for maintaining reserve security.  Mountain bikes with small engines are light enough for rangers to carry over large obstacles in remote locations and can be pedaled or pushed when stealth is needed or gas runs out (qualities not found in motorcycles or ATVs).  Advantages include: 1) entire setup costs less than $500; 2) fuel economy is enormous (100k per liter); 3) tire replacement/repairs are inexpensive; 4) less destructive to bushveld than ATVs; 5) less costly to replace parts than ATVs; 6) top speed on flats will reach 25mph; 7) remote regions with rough terrain are reachable; 8) replacement of entire engine is $200; and finally 9) much simpler to diagnose/fix if problems do arise.

For those of you interested in the nitty-gritty, the mountain bikes would be equipped with a simple 2 stroke gas engine similar to the following kit:

I love our annual fundraiser because it’s the one time per year that I can beg, borrow and plead for support from my friends, family and conservation-minded supporters.

Rangers want to be valued.  They want tools to rival the poachers.  It’s truly special to see the joy on a ranger’s face when taking the first ride on a new motorized mountain bike.  By donating towards proper field equipment, donors around the world (you!) are validating and respecting their work, which in turn renews their enthusiasm for and commitment to protecting wildlife and wildlands. 

All gifts, of any amount, are meaningful and appreciated. DONATE today: www.enkosini.org/Donation.htm

“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito” - African proverb

Gratefully yours,
Kelcey and the Enkosini team

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