By: May Rostom

We have all admired this particular movie scene where two actors are on a motor-bike, on a highway with wind blowing in their face and they're extending their arms out. Some of us got to experience the feeling first hand, some didn’t get the chance to, and some weren’t really moved by that scene, but what we all had in common? Thinking of how beautiful that ride must have been.

For the first time in Egypt, the Cross Egypt Challenge will give you the chance to try something new. A group of 16 people decided to travel all the way around beautiful, Egyptian land; exploring their country’s heritage and enjoying the beautiful scenery on their scooters.

Picture this, a group of adventurous people with a new found love for scooters, and a very good cause. According to the spokesperson of the challenge, Ahmed Elzoghby, the non-profit initiative was brought about by a group of Alexandrian friends, and is meant to “help promoting tourism to the country as well spreading the culture of alternative transport”.

Tourism rates in Egypt have been dragged to 45% after the January 25th revolution, where they’re expected to decrease furthermore by the end of the year, and that’s how Ahmed and 16 other friends decided to promote tourism in Egypt by scooting their way through 10 iconic cities in Egypt, riding on their environmental friendly Vespas.

Over the past couple of months, the demand for Vespas and motorcycles has increased due to the cost effectiveness of the vehicle. It doesn’t require much fuel hence being environmental friendly, you don't need to get stuck in traffic anymore (which is Cairo’s number one con), it is fun to drive the Vespa especially on a nice Friday morning, and you won’t have to worry about parking anymore. On the 14th of October, the challenge will kick at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, then scooting to Cairo- Pyramids, River Nile, the Sphinx, Suez canal, Taba, Nuweibaa / Dahab, Sharm Sheikh, Suez, Hurgada, Luxor, Karnak, Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel, and Aswan.

The message behind this 1700 KM scooter ride is to prove that Egyptian roads are safe to travel, and worth a visit especially after the great Egyptian revolution. If you want to join in on the fun, an application will be uploaded on their website/ Facebook page: Cross Egypt Challenge for you to fill. Don't miss out on the great fun; chances are you will never get to do anything like this again.