Help cyclist take part in race for a good cause
“Nika sends around 20 riders and pays for their entry and accommodation fees. But the riders have to raise R55 000 for Nika.”
Rynfield resident Michael Chumbley pleads with the community to help him get to the starting line of the ‘toughest mountain bike race on earth’, the Munga mountain bike race on November 29.
The 47-year-old ultra-distance specialist wants to realise his five-year dream of taking part in the 1 124km event from Bloemfontein to Wellington in the Western Cape.
The cyclist said this race isn’t just to get to the finish for personal gratification. He said he wants to also raise funds for the NPC, Nika Capital, which raises funds for previously disadvantaged children to fund their education from nursery school to tertiary.
“I need your help. I’m taking part in the Munga for Team Nika to raise funds for Nika Capital, which raises funds to improve education in South Africa.
“Help me ride for a purpose. What an absolute privilege it will be to be part of this amazing cause. This race has been on my bucket list for years now. I’m truly blessed to be able to tick this box and make a difference in our communities,” Chumbley explained.
“Nika sends around 20 riders and pays for their entry and accommodation fees. But the riders have to raise R55 000 for Nika.”
Chumbley has made steady progress in his fundraising endeavour but has less than 20 days to raise around R32 000 and is pleading with locals to help him make a difference in someone else’s life.
“We’ve realised as South Africans that we all have to play our part to make our country a better place. If you are just going to continue with your daily routines without helping and then point fingers at the government and say our country is going down the drain, what have you done to help?”
He said companies that donate will receive an 18A tax certificate.
Preparation
The Munga is a non-stop race that gives riders five days to arrive at the finish. Chumbley said he hopes to complete the event in three days.
He said he’s in peak physical condition and has covered over 12 000km in training since the beginning of the year, adding that he targets a top-five finish.
“Physically, I’m in the right shape. It’s a multi-day event so you can go through some rough patches where you sometimes would think you won’t make it. It becomes a head game after 600km.
“I pray that my head stays in the game and the stars align and maybe even achieve a podium place. In the ultra-distance racing, I’m one of the top guys. This is something I’m passionate about. I train for 12 to 14 hours a week.”
To donate, visit https://www.givengain.com/ap/michael-chumbley-raising-funds-for-nika-capital
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