Unfortunate postponement for motocross rider who hoped to participate in Retro Roof of Africa

FOURWAYS – The Retro Roof of Africa was due to take place on 21 March but has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

April 8, 2020

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

Fourways resident Gerald Leightley hopes the Retro Roof of Africa motocross race has only been postponed and not cancelled entirely.. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

A Fourways resident and long-time motocross biker who has been preparing to take part in a 250km racing event in Lesotho has had his plans put on hold due to the coronavirus.

Gerald Leightley, who has been in the motocross scene for almost 50 years, and still feels as young as ever, was going to take part in Retro Roof of Africa race on 21 March.

Fury Ford Fourways has assisted Leightley with equipment and race expenses. Different items such as shirts, gazebos and the vehicle in which the bikes travel have been branded by the Fourways dealership.

On 16 March, Retro Roof of Africa organisers emailed participants to inform them that the event has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, this did not deter the veteran motocross rider.

“We were suspecting that the event would get cancelled. Hopefully, it is postponed and not cancelled.

“They are looking to have a date between August and November this year, but only time will tell.”

What is meant to be the 53rd staging of the event, the Roof of Africa is a race that originated in Lesotho by the Thaba Bosiu mountains. The race used to be 1 000km long but has reduced in distance over the years to 250km.

Leightley spoke on misconceptions that many people have on the sport of motocross.

He said that many think it is not all too difficult to ride a machine like a bike. “One thing you get told a lot is that you’re too old to ride, but riding keeps you young.

“A misconception people definitely have is [around] fitness. It’s a physically demanding sport. Watch a guy when they finish a race – all sweaty, out of breath and physically exhausted.”

A goal that Leightley has once the Roof of Africa takes place is to complete the race. “It is pretty tough to complete it in one piece. Just to complete it is a fair achievement since many people come to compete from all over the world.

“Being in the front of the race can make someone even happier.”