UPDATE: Werner fights on against the odds

WHEN the brave ones bite the dust, Werner Nienaber wipes off the dust, jumps back in the saddle and peddle like Lance Armstrong on a steroid fix.

The never-say-die Race Across South Africa (RASA) Freedom Challenge rider has broken two bicycle frames in 11 days, with 1 335km of the 2 300km under the belt and is still going strong.

Nienaber is driven to secure funding by sponsors for the extention of the ABLE Early Intervention Centrum for Children on the Autism Spectrum and his ride has so far been momentous to say the least.

On day 11 en route to Hadley, Nienaber whatsapped his Able Freedom Challenge supporters with the bad news:
‘You are not going to believe this… my second frame broke. In exactly the same place. Brand new frame.Walking to Kleinpoort to see if I can get it fixed.’

Once there he sent a message which would put Bear Grills to shame: ‘Trying to fix the bike with dropper, wire and chewing gum at Kleinpoort.

‘There are a lot of plan maker mechanics apparently.’
Not keen on a time penalty, he tackled the 72km to Hadley in the dark on a patched frame and prayers.
Dubbing the patchwork a ‘boere fix’, he reported on Wednesday that the frame was holding against all odds.

He is now heading for Cambria, where Johann Rissik will assist him with fiber fix.
On his travels he reported a near collision with an aardwolf at Kranskop, running the gauntlet with an upset stomach and falling asleep on the bike, but enjoying wildlife sighting – three massive bearded vultures and a secretary bird catching a snake.

RASA stretches from Pietermaritzburg to Wellington and the race is unsupported – navigated by maps and a narrative only.

He is sponsored by DMV Consultants, Alpha Panelbeaters, Meerensee Veterinary Clinic and private sponsors.

His progress can be tracked at https://www.freedomchallenge.org.za or https://www.ritchieford.co.za/Freedom-Challenge.aspx