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Bike breakdown puts brakes on Barwani’s epic African trip

17 Oct 2019

Omani biker Maher al Barwani who was on a road trip to Africa has appealed for financial assistance to repair his bike. Barwani who started his journey on July 22, 2017, with the aim of covering 46 countries in Africa is stuck in Durban. 

With just one city away from his dream, Barwani said he needs around RO2,100 to repair the bike. “Right now I am stuck in Durban and I call upon sponsors and supporters to help, so that I get my bike repaired. Only today the dealer here in Durban told me the repair will cost RO2,100. I can’t afford that,” Barwani told Muscat Daily on Wednesday.

Barwani said that he has been in Durban for 50 days now. “I am just 1,700km from Cape Town which is the last point of South Africa. After that I plan to cover Namibia, Angola and Congo before heading home,” Barwani said. 

A messenger of peace, road safety and a united Africa, Barwani received warm hospitality from locals wherever he went, but his biggest challenge has been financial assistance. However, no number of problems can dampen his spirits. 

“The biggest challenge I have faced throughout my journey is getting sponsorship. Such journeys cost a lot. Before starting my journey I managed to solve ten per cent of the issue after I got a sponsorship from PDO.” 

The rest of the trip was supported by his family and friends. 

“I wished I got official support for all aspects of the journey,” he said. 

“This journey is part of promoting Oman in general and it should be a collective effort. Both government and private sector firms should support this initiative. Wherever I go I spread the word about Oman and its charms among both adults and schoolchildren with different activities.”

Barwani wants to be the first Omani to travel the length and breadth of the African continent on a bike. Like his previous trips, this one too is a solo journey. 

“It is always a bit risky to travel alone but I remain positive but I rarely feel lonely despite setting out from Oman solo as I meet different people.”

He added, “People can see my work on Instagram @maheralbarwani. My WhatsApp number is +968 9974 7924.” 

 

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