The Mzungu Express

Ever since arriving in Malawi I had been toying with the idea of buying a local bicycle as a means of transport, as well as offering me another medium for fitness. And with the most expensive African bicycle costing a touch under $100 I couldn't resist, and so I am now the proud owner of an Eagle Road Runner.

The Eagle Road Runner In All It's Glory

With my bicycle safely back in Nkhata Bay my mind began to tick over, and no sooner was I riding it around than an idea popped into my head. Whilst in Malawi last year I remember using bicycle taxis, more commonly known as 'cyclomento', and seeing there wasn't a single one here in Nkhata Bay I decided to become the first official cyclomento.

One Man and His Bicycle

You don't need a licence to run a cyclomento business, but you will need a few modifications to your standard African bicycle. First I needed a comfy seat for any potential passenger, and so it was off to the carpenter to have a cushioned seat made, which I have to say is just like sitting on a sofa. Next it was off to the welders to have reinforced steal supports put under the seat, after all you can't discriminate between customers based on weight.

The Modifications Begin

As is often the way in Africa you have one job done and it ends up leading to another being required, and so with a new seat and reinforcements fitted it was off to have a full service of my bicycle. A new set of tyres, and a few extra nuts and bolts later and my cyclomento business was one step away from take-off.

Reinforcements for the 'Larger' Customer

The final step, and by far the most important, was the sign for the back of the bicycle. In Malawi the word 'mzungu' means white person, so what better name for my bicycle than 'The Mzungu Express'. Finally my bicycle was ready for business, and so it was off to town to look for customers. It took me all of ten minutes to find my first client, who I cycled just over a kilometre for the handosme sum of 25p, a cheaper taxi in the world I don' think you will find.

A Seat Fit For My Queen (You Know Who You Are!)

Even though business has been a little slow of late, with many seemingly scared to ride with a mzungu, my bicycle has elevated me to something of a minor celebrity in Nkhata Bay. If I am seen walking anywhere now I am flooded with questions enquiring as to where 'The Express' is, and why I am not on it. Even a simple ride to the internet cafe is greeted with a host of shouts and whistles from market stall owners chuffed at seeing a white man on an African bicycle.

An Armchair Ride

Despite it being public knowledge I am here for two months I have already recieved a range of different offers for 'The Express' when I leave. Be it three ducks, five butter fish, a carving of my choice or as much Malawian Gold as I care for there are endless options when it comes to trading my bicycle. But for now I have a business to run and thus 'The Mzungu Express' will remain with me.

The Mzungu Express

Nkhata Bay, Malawi