BRANDON Smith is a local resident and ex-professional cyclist who cycled up and down Comaro Road for 305km with an altitude gain of 8 975 – which amounts to a Mount Everest climb – on Saturday May 27.
Brandon started a blanket drive with Meals on Wheels and successfully managed to collect a total of 80 blankets with this cycling drive.
“I always thought an Everest would be a fun idea on a bike – the concept for doing it up and down Comaro Road happened two weeks before the attempt. I posted a status on Facebook asking which climb to attempt and Meals on Wheels also stepped in about a week prior to the cycle which worked out perfectly, as it gave me a purpose to cycle for and I could help raise blankets,” said Brandon.
The cyclist had a fantastic crew to assist him and many friends who gathered to support the initiative, with some even riding a few laps as well.
Brandon is currently head bicycle mechanic at URcycling and also does a bit of coaching at Hoërskool Driehoek. “I thought it would be a good way to show my students that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It just takes a bit of vasbyt and I wanted to prove that it is doable,” he said.
People were directed to drop blankets off at URcycling in Vanderbijlpark prior to the ride; and, on the day, at an Engen garage.
Brandon speaks about his preparations leading up to the event, saying he did the bare minimum – no more than 150km in total distance and no more than 2 500m of climbing.
“I only did a few rides and was unfit. On the Saturday before the cycle I did a 12-lap tester to find a pace to ride at and the week before I just did a night ride – and then the attempt. The plan was five laps then rest, refuel, eat, repeat. I never thought I would finish it but the encouragement from Facebook, and people on the road cheering me on, and mostly my support crew kept me going,” said Brandon.
Effort-wise, he said he worked on a certain speed and gearing and used all the mental power he could possibly access – and the first six hours was easy and full of laughs. Six to ten hours in, the ride was bearable. At about 4.50am, Brandon was close to giving up.
“The cold hit me, I was tired and felt like throwing in the towel but my friend Fransua came at just the right time and spurred me on. From there on I was back in the zone back to my lap times I targeted and felt good again,” said the cyclist.
Brandon thanks his support crew for their help during his cycle. Anyone who would like to donate blankets is requested to contact Meals on Wheels.
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