How much can you endure for a good cause?
LINKSFIELD – Local resident to undertake enduro cycle race for Thembalami.
Thembalami Care Centre supporter Sean Wheeler will soon undertake a gruelling 1 100km single stage off-road cycle race to raise funds for the Rand Aid-run home in Lombardy East.
The extreme self-supported mountain bike race is from Bloemfontein to Cape Town. Cyclists will hit the dirt trail on 30 November.
“This will be the toughest ride of my life,” said the 50-year-old Wheeler, who is no stranger to endurance events. He previously completed the East Rand to East Coast ride and, by reaching St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal, helped raise R30 000 for Thembalami.
“The race is much tougher than the St Lucia ride as it is on a mountain bike as opposed to a road bike. I will be on my own, I carry all my own gear, temperatures will be high and it is double the distance in less time,” said Wheeler.
His father, Mike, has been a resident of Thembalami for more than four years, and Wheeler is determined to do what he can to give back to the Rand Aid Association care centre for the fantastic care his father receives. “I want to help those who are unable to help themselves,” he said, despite only recently being re-employed.
The Bedfordview resident has paid for his own entry through his tour business, Pedal Africa as well as for equipment, logistics and the training to participate in this extreme event.
Thembalami is his nominated charity and he hopes people open their hearts to help him help the care centre and the vulnerable people who live there. “Many of these frail people, who are from all sectors of society, are forgotten about and the amazing caregivers need all the help they can get. Knowing that I am riding for a worthwhile cause will help me finish.
“So even if you only have a few rand to spare, know that 100 per cent of it will go towards Thembalami. You or your company will definitely make a difference.”
The ride will take Wheeler through the Karoo to Cape Town. “I have 120 hours, five days, to complete the one-stage race.”
Sponsors will be able to track Wheeler’s progress on the internet via www.themunga.com
If anyone wants to assist, please deposit your donation into Rand Aid Association’s bank account: Standard Bank Greenstone, account number 000 178 8701, reference: Munga (and your name, if desired).
“You can let me know about your contribution at sean@pedalafrica.com or keep it anonymous and just reference ‘Munga’ without your name,” said Wheeler.
Details: For more information on Thembalami, contact Elize Raath on 011 882 4434 or visit www.randaid.co.za
Read: Cyclists ride for Thembalami Care Centre
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