Durban man takes on off-road adventure
"I am going to have a positive mindset though, and do my best! " Brandon Jooste.
A DURBAN man is taking to the road on a quad bike in this year’s Quads 4 Quads off-road adventure ride from Durban to Johannesburg, starting on 5 October.
Brandon Jooste, who was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a degenerative disease, is confined full-time to a wheelchair.
He heard about the event from his friend, Ari Seirlis, who has taken part in the event more than a dozen times
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“I felt it was something I would like to challenge myself to do! There was a lot of planning involved and I started emailing for sponsorships in February this year. It all fell into place and I have sponsors, and have everything technically worked out. Being on a quad bike is so freeing, I really enjoy it!” he said.
His initial sponsor, Fabricon Engineering, sponsored the quad bike while Fox and Thor helped with the kit. Statio Property and Miview sponsored two action cameras.
“People have really come together to support me. I started training in April and have ridden every weekend since May. I’ve also had to go on a diet for the past few months as I had to drop weight to be able to be comfortable on the ride,” he said.
The 1 000km event starts in Ballito, and the first leg is to Weenen.
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The riders then go on to Newcastle, then Standerton, finishing at Carnival City on 8 October, all with the aim to raise funds for the QuadPara Association.
“I will have to do 250km a day, but because of my condition, I don’t function too well in the cold. I am going to have a positive mindset though, and do my best! I have high hopes, and will have the support of four friends who I have roped in to ride with me, which makes me feel better about the adventure,” he said.
“I used to play in a band, I love writing and playing music, and I used to play cricket, but I am unable to do this now. Quad biking gives me new freedom, I really love it,” he said.
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