The ride of a lifetime
The amateur cyclists rode from Empangeni and through (among other towns) Ladysmith, Clarens, Middleburg, Aliwal North, Grahamstown, PE, Plett, Hermanus and into the Mother City
TWENTY Rotary Club of Empangeni members and their support crew pulled into Cape Town last week to mark the end of the epic 2018 Connection Ride – which saw them cycle over 1 200km in the name of charity.
The amateur cyclists rode from Empangeni and through (among other towns) Ladysmith, Clarens, Middleburg, Aliwal North, Grahamstown, PE, Plett, Hermanus and into the Mother City.
All along the journey (which was funded by each Rotarian personally) they forged relationships with fellow Rotary Clubs members.
Challenging time
Ride Captain Andrew Killick said the cyclists had a challenging time, but the weather played along and on most days
‘Overall, we had wonderful cycling conditions.
‘South Africa is a really beautiful country and one appreciates creation at a slower speed than that of a car.
‘We appreciate the sponsors, donors, families and supporters in our quest to raise funds for Rotary projects.’
He said that was a pleasure to serve as the ride captain, as the cyclists all had a common goal – to ride safely from Empangeni to Cape Town.
‘Special thanks to President Barbara Robarts, Fulvio Pace and Steve Tandy (Rotary Ladysmith) for their help and assistance in this mammoth task,’ he said.
Two to tandem
Glynn and Jean Harborth (on a tandem) said that the hardest part was getting up at 4.30am, packing vehicles and being on the tandem by 5.15am.
‘Then when the world changed, and it was just us, the bike and the road.
‘An experience never to be forgotten – and who else can wake up each day and go cycling for a different charity?’ they said.
Money in action
The funds raised from the Connection Ride will be used for social upliftment of communities and the care and support of HIV/Aids victims.
All fund-raising projects are overseen by Rotary International.
Through global grants, the Rotary Foundation provides additional contributions to funds raised by Rotary clubs and districts for international service projects.
The Rotary Club of Empangeni will partner with one or more Rotary clubs and districts, and the money raised through the 2018 Connection Ride will be supported and added to by further donations from the districts concerned and by the Rotary Foundation in the form of a global grant.
Distribution of funds raised during the ride will be detailed in the press in coming months.
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