Kiyosike Intashya

The Bike Shop -
After three visits up to the washing station I was able to work on negotiations for the remaining particulars to get the bike shop business up and running. We were figuring out the best and most effective accountability for the coop with regard to ownership of the parts, tools and the business as a whole. We will be splitting the cost of the interior build out. This will be fairly minimal, shelving and a cabinet for storage, a work bench and the outdoor work area awnings.
I finished up the sign for the shop. They chose the name, it is directly translated from Kinyerwanda to the "Swallow Kiosk". The swallow is synonymous with swiftness, efficiency and productivity. I think an apt name for sure. SPREAD contacts Jay Ritchey and Douglas will help to facilitate the remaining paticulars in my absence. The shop is much needed. Farmers without proper tools (most of them) are damaging the bikes trying to make repairs. This is the shop, just next to the dry storage 100yds from the washing station.

2nd Annual Wooden Bike Classic

Two very full days of bike racing in all forms. Friday was the Kigali to Butare road race. As expected, the Rwandan National team finished at the lead. Was so great to see the level of hope and inspiration that they bring to Rwandans. Kids chanting the names of the riders, and yelling "Team Rwanda"!!
Saturday featured four races - the Coffee Bike, Single Speed, the Mountain Bike, and the finale - the Wooden Bike Race. It was a hectic day, intense sun, and much excitement. The Wooden Bike Race was by far the most entertaining. Nearly all the racers ran with their bikes, carried them or whatever portion of them that was left after wrecks and breakage. It was an energetic mayhem; everyone seemed to be having a blast. I think for sure next year I'd like to be on one of them rather than just at the sidelines. I am thinking a lot about some race organizing for the states. I think it could be really amazing, RACE FOR RWANDA!!

I am understanding much better the rate at which business happens here. This is the first day in four that I have been able to connect and post here. It is good to slow down, but also frustrating.

Gacaca, genocide courts, Wednesdays in Butare

From the morning until afternoon, all business is suspended on Wednesdays in Butare for the local genocide courts. Gacaca, pronounced "gachacha", is a tradition inspired system of local community justice. The word, in Kinyerwanda translates to "justice on the grass. Its aim is to:

• aid in the reconciliation of all Rwandans and promote the building of unity
• speed up the legal preceedings by using all available courts
• reconstruct what happened during the genocide, enabling survivors to be part of the justice process.

The slowing of the commerce during this time was impressive. I was eating lunch inside the restaurant so as not to advertise their being open during these hours. I am looking for more information on the progress of these courts, a system of regular reporting. We shall see what I can find.