Daveyton cycling club aims to pedal to the top
The club was launched in 2020 to promote a healthy lifestyle.
The Mpongo Cycling Club (MCC) was started as a pastime activity during the height of Covid-19 in June 2020.
When its members got a taste of professional cycling at the 947 Cycle Tour last year, the excitement pleased their palate.
The club morphed into a fully-fledged cycling club that aims to promote healthy living.
“Our objectives include developing and promoting youth and women cyclists, helping our riders participate in local and national events and partaking in community outreach programmes,” explained the club’s media relations officer, Sakhele Gqabaza.
The area around the club’s base at the Lido in Daveyton is abuzz with activity every day. This bustle is unrelated to cycling as the Lido is a popular spot for partying for young people in the community. The club’s ethos is rooted in helping young people.
Could this have been the reason they chose it as their base? “It was a coincidence. One of our members owns a business on the premises,” said Gqabaza.
The club’s office is sandwiched between the popular Butcher 2.0 and Ka Dipitseng restaurant. It’s a small room packed with bicycles and repair equipment, hardly noticeable from far.
MCC members meet on weekends for their weekly joy rides. Gqabaza told the City Times that since their launch, they have seen a steady membership growth.
“We have over 60 affiliated members and on our weekend rides, we are joined by 50 guest cyclists. The club has the potential to influence the youth of Daveyton to take part in this sport,” he said.
As they line up for their ride, passers-by cheer with excitement while others line up on pavements, watching with envy. Gqabaza said that symbolised the impact they have had on the people of Daveyton.
Although they started with no resources and equipment, their mission was clear.
“We want to foster a cycling culture in townships. Cycling is a global phenomenon and even during these unprecedented times, the sport continues to thrive.
“Although it’s expensive, people in townships are using the little they have to participate.”
Last year, they launched their cycling kit – blue tops and black tights with blue-and-white trims.
“That signalled our intention. We are growing as a club.”
The young members are already showing glimpses of talent. Although lacking the technical acumen of their peers, Gqabaza believes the club’s next elite cyclists will emerge from this group.
Chairperson Maswazi Mdluli explained that the MCC is more than a cycling club.
“We hold rides for special causes. We have a Mandela Day and Women’s Day ride and breast cancer awareness events throughout October.
“We also have a sanitary towel initiative where we donate to schools. We support health initiatives that promote healthy living in our community,” Mdluli said.
He added they need sponsorship for their elite and young riders.
“The club needs resources. We are growing and the funds have been coming from our own pockets. We have been lending the younger guys our bikes. We need sponsorship.”
Anyone interested in helping the club may contact Gqabaza on 072 623 3126 or mpongoct@gmail.com
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