Riaan Manser

Riaan Manser claims to have been the first man to ever cycle around the coast of Africa by bicycle [Around Africa on My Bicycle, Riaan Manser, ISBN: 978-1-86842-247-0] .

His stated reason for the trip was "My vision is to assist the African Renaissance by cycling around the entire coastline of Africa. In doing so, I hope to generate both local and international awareness of just how dire the standard of living is in Africa. My aim is not to change the world, but to give this continent’s upliftment schedule a shot in the arm through education. Education of not only the children I will meet along the way, but also of the powers-that-be both here in South Africa and abroad." [ [http://www.africa365.co.za/Default.asp?pageid=675 Becoming the first man to circumnavigate the entire african continent by bicycle ] ]

He was given an "Adventurer of the Year" Award in 2006 by "Out There Magazine", and met Nelson Mandela to present him with a photo of himself on a bicycle.He is currently in Madagascar attempting to become the first person to circumnavigate the world's fourth largest island by kayak, alone and unaided.

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