Sounded like a neat route suggested and for what it is worth – I would be keen
to help a team of folk get together and pursue the concept. Flying over and
back to organise the thing was never the idea and is kinda silly.

Again for what it is worth some random comments I would make are
• The most important mistakes are generally made on the very first day. These
gigs are not easy and there have been lots try around the world and some
succeed. I would suggest respect and interrogation of those that have and have
not is a fair starting point.
• I liked the keep it simple to start with – many have begun this way – and it
will need some big thinking and risk taking later
• I have typically worked with and for NGOs and this feels like a much better
fit than other models. And I like the words of Bill who organises the Woodford
Music Festival – “every music festival must aspire to save the world first…”
• If the team of people organising the thing are having fun and enjoying working
with each other, they are more likely to do it again. So if the going gets
tough on a gig – it is almost never helpful to point out what someone is doing
wrong.
• I reckon South African’s were as easy as any to deal with and found people
very appreciative. I do confess to still being constantly confronted and
affronted by the legacies of South Africa’s history.
• I have great faith in the concept and reckon the key from here is to have it
managed locally and avoid the remote management
• We have a list of many thousands of cyclists in Sa that probably has a half
life of a couple of years or so. And a little black book of people we have met
who have shown interest.

So sing out if you want to get together and think I can help.

Paul