Edenglen Cycling Club hosts cancer awareness ride
The ride was free for all with the only entry criteria to ride being that riders must wear pink.
Described as a massive success, 200 riders took to the Cradle of Humankind when Edenglen Cycling Club hosted a ride for cancer awareness.
The event, Paint the Cradle Pink, which initially started as an idea between two friends, particularly concerned about a family member who suddenly contracted cancer, grew into something special.
The initial idea behind the event was to have a social ride in support of the affected family and club members were encouraged to join.
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Hosted on October 1 the event highlighted the camaraderie and spirit among the cycling fraternity.
Cyclists from across Johannesburg attended and rode the 55km, 100km or 150km distances on offer.
In preparations for the event, club members spoke to Khetiwe Khumalo of TA Riverstone Lodge in the cradle.
Khumalo, who has her own cancer survival story, agreed that the lodge would be used as a venue to host the ride.
According to club member Aurelia Masino, EGCC has for some time been selling pink cycling shirts to its members.
She said a portion of the proceeds are being donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa.
Once preparations for the event were underway, Leilani Geduld of Cansa was contacted. She supported the club with fliers, which were quickly shared across social media.
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In the space of two months, sponsors came on board with overwhelming support.
The ride was free for all with the only entry criteria to ride being that riders must wear pink.
Some of these sponsorships were spearheaded by Breyton Paulse a frequent rider of EGCC, when his rugby commentary duties permit.
Sponsors included:
•Renault South Africa who provided support vehicles to ensure the safety of the cyclists.
• ENZA construction, which provided refreshments before and after the ride.
• Old Mutual who provided the watering holes along the route.
• Dischem that provided pink Biogen goody bags with water bottles and energy products.
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Reactions from attendees were similar, describing the event as an amazing one with ‘gees’. In the end, a significant amount of money was also raised and donated to Cansa.
Generous donations from several people, including the proud EGCC, totalled over R35 000. Several pledges of cash donations were made which could push the amount raised past R50 000.
Elijah Masubelele, from Cansa, said it wasn’t about the money but the awareness which was created around cancer screening.
Cansa needs these donations to provide early screenings and help prevent fatalities.
EGCC has pledged from now into the future to make October its cancer awareness month.
Donations to Cansa can be made to:
Bank: ABSA
Account number: 9282709835
Branch: 632005
Savings account
Ref: cradle and your name.
Based on the success of this event the cycling club intends to host this event annually on the first week of October.
EGCC welcomed all cyclists of any ability to join its cycling family, it caters for cyclists in the Edenvale, Edenglen, Bedfordview and Greenstone areas.
Visit https://team-edenglen.co.za/ to register.
