U.S. enthusiasts help build team in a place where biking is a way of life.

BUTARE, Rwanda - Daniel Cooper was steering his bike up into the lush hills of northwestern Rwanda, taking in the scene's beauty, when he realized he wasn't riding alone.

Someone was behind the Chicago-area stock trader, pedaling hard and gaining ground on the long rocky incline.

Soon villagers were lining the road, cheery wildly, and Cooper was locked in an impromptu race.

He had the clear advantage - clad in sleek lycra, riding a lightweight aluminum, full-suspension mountain bike.

His competition, a local in rubber boots, rode an ancient steel clunker from China that had spindles for pedals - with 50 pounds of potatoes strapped on the back.

"He passed me with a big old smile on his face," Cooper, 34, said with a laugh. "It was an incredibly embarrassing moment, but also an inspiring one."

Thousands of these guys, Cooper knew, pedaled through the hills of Rwanda, hauling food, water and people on battered old bikes - some even crudely crafted out of wood.

Imagine, he thought as he stood there panting in October 2005, what they could accomplish with a coach and decent equipment.