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