Maltese man cycles from Maastricht to Malta for charity

62 days after setting off on a solo cycling expedition from Maastricht in the Netherlands to Malta in aid of Dar Sagra Familja and The Scout Association of Malta’s Ghajn Tuffieha Campsite, Chris Mercieca, a 22-year old International Relations graduate has almost made it to Rome.

Mercieca says the idea started out as a homecoming trip after three years of studying abroad in Maastricht. “In the Netherlands, I got used to doing everything by bike. Going to university, doing groceries, even getting to the airport. So with graduation approaching and the time to head back to Malta coming up, I thought – why not do that by bike too?” he says.

Yet as his first long-distance expedition, this has still come as quite a challenge. “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been told I’m crazy ever since I first shared the idea of setting out on this trip. I did start to doubt my own sanity at times, but in the process I became intent on seeing this through and covering the entire distance by bike. With every person who challenged the idea and told me it wasn’t possible, I became even more determined to prove that it was. I’ll be honest – the cycling’s been tough at times. From Switzerland all the way down to Pisa, I had three weeks of non-stop mountains and hills. But once you set your mind to it, you just keep going”.

The expedition’s route passes through seven countries over a distance of approximately 3000 kilometres. The entire distance till Reggio di Calabria will be covered by bike, unaided and solo, and the route then continues down the Sicilian coast to Pozzallo. At the current pace, he calculates that he should arrive in Malta around mid-October.

This all depends on what happens along the way, though. “I’ve already lost a set of panniers to wear and tear, and the bike’s starting to make some interesting sounds. On an extended cycling expedition, things inevitably won’t go as planned…and that’s precisely the fun of it”.

Chris Mercieca

The two beneficiaries were chosen with the aim of aiding in the continuous growth and development of society’s greatest asset, its young generation. The Ghajn Tuffieha campsite is rather unique for being one of the only official campsites on the island where individuals – scouts and the general public alike, can come together and enjoy nature at its best. The site, managed by the Scout Association of Malta, relies almost entirely on volunteers for its upkeep and ongoing embellishment. Two existing buildings on-site are currently being re-fitted, with one destined to be a dining hall and kitchen and the other a dormitory.
Chris’ has been a scout since the age of eight, first with St. Aloysius’ College Scout Group and later with 1st Sliema Scout Group. According to him, “my scouting experience has definitely played a large part in making me who I am today, and I’ve also been able to witness first-hand how beneficial it’s been to countless others.”

Dar Sagra Familja, meanwhile, is located in Zabbar and run by the Sisters of St Joseph. It offers a home to around twenty children coming from troubled families, giving them the support needed to receive an education, build a solid future and integrate into society. The home’s needs vary, with expenses ranging from annual school supplies for its residents to the day-to-day maintenance costs of the large building. “The connection with Dar Sagra Familja is maybe less of a personal one, yet a meaningful one nonetheless. I wanted to reach out to a second beneficiary, and when a friend referred me to the home, I knew I’d come across the worthwhile cause I’d been looking for.”

All money raised will go directly to these two beneficiaries. SMS donations can be made by texting 50617306 (€2.33), 50617903 (€4.66) or 50619297 (€11.65). Alternatively, donations can also be made via direct bank transfer or through PayPal. Details are available online at http://homebound.co/donate

For more about the expedition and updates from the road, visit http://homebound.co or follow Chris' progress on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HomeboundMT