Scicon, supplier to the MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung team, is launching a specially designed saddlebag collection, the Qhubeka Scicon Edition. Profits from the sale of the distinctive yellow and black saddlebags are donated to mobilize people in South Africa with bicycles.
“We are honored to be part of a meaningful program that helps people transform their lives through a bike. In the 2013 season we started supporting the MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung team. Beyond our commitment to the team, we now want to support Qhubeka directly with this project. We rely on our worldwide network and contacts to help us raise funds and invite everyone to participate in this program.", says Christian Pearce, Sales & Marketing Manager, Scicon Technical Bags.
Qhubeka and Scicon were brought together by the MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung team. Douglas Ryder, director of the team explains: “We are constantly looking for practical ways to spread the word about the Qhubeka brand. The idea of a Qhubeka saddlebag seems so simple - and so effective at the same time. All our riders use the saddlebag and are always asked for it. We are excited about this product and are convinced that the saddlebag will really go down well in the market. We have been working with Scicon for the past year and are provided with a range of products. The quality of the products is world class.”
Qhubeka is a non-profit organization that provides bicycles in exchange for community service, environmental projects, or academic outcomes. A large part of South Africa's rural population has no access to transport and has to travel long distances to get an opportunity for education, health, trade or services. School children are particularly affected by the lack of mobility. Out of 16 million school children in South Africa, 12 million walk to school. Of these, 500.000 walk more than two hours each way, totaling more than four hours a day, to attend school. Bicycles are the most effective and economical way to tackle this problem quickly.
“Our partnership ensures that a portion of Qhubeka Scicon saddlebag sales is used to contribute to our Qhubeka programs. This shows how the international cycling community is committed to strengthening communities in South Africa”, said Anthony Fitzhenry, founder of Qhubeka.
In Germany, the Qhubeka Scicon saddlebags are available online at www.sciconbags.com/ride4change