Earth Owl, in cooperation with the Khuthaza Foundation, held their first annual Ride4Life event on World Environment Day, June 5.
One of the reason for the event was to raise awareness about cleaning the environment, especially the Blesbokspruit area.
The proceeds gathered will be put towards cleaning initiatives in the Nigel, Springs and Heidelberg areas, as well as the planting of indigenous trees.
“I would say the day was successful,” said Roché Pepler, one of the co-founders of Earth Owl.
“A lot more people showed up than we could have hoped for in this cold weather, and I think everyone enjoyed the day and the events.
“There were a few last-minute changes with the tracks, but I believe everyone enjoyed the mountain biking experience.”
Around 130 people showed up to partake in the event.
Enough proceeds were acquired for at least 12 clean-up initiatives and the planting of 200 trees.
“The idea is to host this event every year around the same time,” explained Santana Pestana, the other co-founder of Earth Owl.
“That is to say World Environment Day. We’re also planning on hosting the event at a different location that can be ideal for mountain biking as well. That way we can keep the event fun and interesting.”
The winners of the events were as follows:
The Pro Earth race (40km)
• Kyle Robertson (first)
• Jayden Gourd (second)
The Khuthaza Rookie race (25km)
• Gerhard van Zyl (first)
• Tiaan Fereira (second)
“I only started mountain biking a few weeks ago,” said van Zyl after receiving his prize.
“So I wasn’t sure which track to choose, but it was really great fun.”
Spot prizes and prizes for the best spirit were also up for grabs.
Fun activities and workshops were also held on the day for those who didn’t want to compete in the races.
“Unfortunately, our final event of the day, the 10km neon night ride, which we called the Night Owl, had to be cancelled due to a veld fire,” explained Pepler.
“I would also like to thank the team who helped organise this event: Bianca Wannenburg, Santana Pestana, Charmon Ulbrecht, Bluebell Pearman, Wilkie Wilkinson, Linda van Niekerk and Brad, without who this day wouldn’t have been a success.
“My message to the people of Nigel is to support local and support each other.
“We need to stand together and build our small town together.
“Look at the beauty in life and focus on that because only then can we have a good life.”
