When Chienyenwa Amadi, popularly known as Chibeda, mounted her motorcycle in Lagos and set off toward Europe, she wasn’t chasing adventure for its own sake. She was riding with a purpose one fuelled by pain, resilience, and an unwavering desire to save lives.
In an interview with Just4WomenAfrica, Chibeda shared the deeply personal story behind her extraordinary journey: riding a motorcycle from Lagos to France and back to Lagos to raise funds and awareness for people battling cancer.
Breaking Stereotypes, One Ride at a Time
Chibeda’s journey into the biking world began in 2019 when she enrolled in a motorcycle riding school. Though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed her plans, she officially began riding in 2020. From the start, her motivation was clear to challenge stereotypes and push against the limitations society often places on women.
“I wanted to show that women can do things people think they cannot,” she said. In a male-dominated biking industry, Chibeda stood out, driven by a rebellious spirit and a desire to redefine what strength and courage look like in a woman.
Turning Pain into Purpose: The Birth of Ride for Life
The idea to ride across continents was born out of loss and compassion. Chibeda has lost two loved ones to cancer and has seen others struggle to survive due to the high cost of treatment. One case hit especially close to home a woman who had to pause chemotherapy for six months simply because she could not afford it.
Chibeda stepped in, using her personal funds to help complete the treatment. But when her resources ran out, she realised a painful truth: there are countless others like her friend who need help.
That was how Ride for Life was born a bold initiative to turn her passion for riding into a lifeline for cancer patients.
Ten Months of Preparation, Thousands of Kilometres of Courage
Planning the journey took nearly ten months, involving physical, mental, financial, and logistical preparation. Chibeda mapped routes across multiple African and European countries, factoring in terrain, border requirements, political stability, and security conditions. She leaned on the wisdom of fellow bikers who had undertaken similar expeditions, learning from their experiences.
Still, nothing could fully prepare her for the realities of the road.
Trials on the Road: Fatigue, Injury, and Faith
One of the biggest challenges Chibeda underestimated was rest. Exhaustion caught up with her while crossing borders between Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso. After riding long distances with little sleep, she suffered an accident that left her with a hand injury requiring stitches.
Despite the pain, she pressed on riding all the way to France and back with limited use of her fingers.
Guinea tested her faith with over 300 kilometres of treacherous off-road terrain, worsened by language barriers that led her to the wrong border. France, on the other hand, challenged her physically with extreme winter cold. Entering Europe in December meant riding through rain, freezing temperatures, and relentless weather conditions often stopping every few kilometres just to warm up.
In Morocco, her motorcycle broke down in the middle of nowhere. Unable to speak French or Arabic, she relied on a translation app and prayer. Help came unexpectedly when a stranger returned with a truck, transported her bike to a mechanic, and helped her continue her journey a powerful reminder of human kindness across borders.
Why She Rode Back
Many questioned why Chibeda didn’t simply fly back from France. Her answer was simple: impact.
Riding back was meant to spark conversations, turn heads, and amplify awareness. “Anyone can fly back,” she explained. “But riding back makes people stop and listen.”
Although fundraising was emotionally draining and the donations initially fell short of expectations, Chibeda refused to stop. Encouraged by her brother, she realised that awareness itself is powerful that starting the conversation about cancer and financial support already makes a difference.
Still Riding, Still Giving
When asked if she plans to do it again, her response was immediate and unwavering.
“I will do this over and over again,” Chibeda said. “As long as it helps someone live, smile, or breathe again.”
Her journey is more than a motorcycle expedition. It is a statement of courage, compassion, and commitment proof that one woman, one bike, and one purpose can move hearts across continents.
Through her ride, Chienyenwa Amadi (Chibeda) reminds us that sometimes, the road to saving lives begins with the courage to start no matter how long or difficult the journey may be.
Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.
