A COMMON goal of breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality in South Africa, inspired and united a brave group of 50 cyclists from diverse backgrounds to ride an incredible 606 km in just two days in the eighth edition of the challenging Ride for MRP Foundation supported by Absa.
South African rugby legends, John Smit, Jeremy Thomson and Wayne Fyvie, along with Chairman of the Mr Price Group Nigel Payne, previous Dusi2C winner Mbongeni Ngcobo and SA triathlete, Mhlengi Gwala, all committed to put their bodies on the line to help raise R1 million for the MRP Foundation’s programmes in skills development and education.
With just over 24 hours of cycling time, the tight-knit peloton relied on camaraderie to fight mind and body fatigue as well as soaring temperatures of 40 degrees celsius to complete the strenuous ride with purpose. Day one saw the passionate cyclists depart Nigel, Johannesburg before daybreak to tackle 346km with them powering through 261km on day two. Upon approaching Durban, the tired but determined peloton was escorted by the Metro Police through the bustling CBD, to the finish line at the Mr Price Group Support Centre, at the Durban Station, for a high-spirited end.
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It was the first time former Springbok Captain John Smit cycled such a distance but he managed to finish the endurance ride strong.
“The heat and pace were an incredible challenge but it was amazing to see how everyone worked together. This ride resonated with me as it just doesn’t make sense – it’s crazy to think you’re going to ride on a bike for two days from Johannesburg to Durban.”
Just like the strong sense of teamwork evident in the peloton, the ride represents the power of teamwork in achieving a larger common goal, a concept Karen Wells, MRP Foundation Manager, believes is true of South Africa. “At the heart of doing good, is the power of partnerships and working as a team with one purpose in mind. We’re only able to build a stronger country if we join hands and work together as a team. By reaching our fundraising goal of R1 million, we can unlock the potential of so many more young South Africans.”
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