Sean does it again for Thembalami
Known as the toughest race on earth, the Munga is a non-stop, single-stage, semi-supported mountain bike race through the remote and rugged Karoo.
Sean Wheeler beat his personal best time when he completed the 2020 Munga Mountain Bike Race in a time of 98 hours and 50 minutes.
Despite a 45km longer route, Sean was able to shave two hours off his time.
Known as the toughest race on earth, the Munga is a non-stop, single-stage, semi-supported mountain bike race through the remote and rugged Karoo.
Riders have 120 hours or five days to ride around 1 125 km and make the cut-off. The race took place in the first week of December.
Sean was riding to raise funds for Rand Aid’s Thembalami Care Centre.
His dad Mike was a resident of Thembalami for many years before he died earlier in 2020.
Sean said he rode in memory of his dad and all the care centre’s caregivers.
“I, unfortunately, missed my goal of 80 hours, but was extremely glad to finish the race within the 120-hour cut-off and to better my previous best time,” said Sean.
In his last Munga in 2018, Sean raised R45 000 for Thembalami but the financial uncertainty and economic downturn meant that less than half that amount was raised this year.
The amount of money raised was not the only casualty of South Africa’s economic crisis.
On his return to work after the race, Sean learnt that he was to be retrenched, after four years with his company.
“We are extremely grateful to Sean and stand in awe of his achievement. Despite the challenges he has faced this year, he remained committed to helping Thembalami. This shows incredible strength of character. The money raised will be put to good use,” said Thembalami manager Esme van der Walt.
Speaking about the race, the Greenstone resident said apart from the additional 45km, there were hundreds of kilometres of soft sand and rocky sections.
“I was going well until the 400km mark and then it felt like both my thighs had been smashed hard with a baseball bat. I think the soft sand and strong headwind did the damage and it took me a day to recover.
“Picking up a saddle sore at the 400km mark also added to my misery. I then settled into survival mode to the end.”
Some statistics for Sean’s race:
• Average moving speed: 16.3km/h
• Average heart rate: 135. Maximum heart rate: 235.
• Minimum temperate along the route: 8°C. Maximum: 53°C.
• Average power 90 watts. Maximum 666w.
• Elevation: 6 886m.
• Total Distance after a few navigational errors 1 135 Km
• Actual sleep: around seven hours total.
