Cyclists pedal against poverty
A group of 50 cyclists all committed to put their bodies on the line to help raise R1 million for the MRP Foundation’s programmes.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2017/12/50stride1_98392.jpg)
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 (Sunday, 3 and Monday, 4 December).
South African Rugby Legends, John Smit, Jeremy Thomson and Wayne Fyvie, along with chairman of the Mr Price Group, Nigel Payne (Jhb), previous Dusi2C winner, Mbongeni Ngcobo (Cato Ridge) and SA triathlete, Mhlengi Gwala (Chesterville), 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.
ALSO READ: Wyebank gogos grateful for clothes donation
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2017/12/50stride2_86220-520x390.jpg)
Day one saw the passionate cyclists depart from Nigel, Johannesburg before daybreak to tackle 346 kms with them powering through 261 kms on day two.
On 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, atop the Durban Station, for a high-spirited end.
ALSO READ: Pedal power sites encourage young cyclists
“A big thank you to all the 2017 Ride for MRP Foundation partners: Absa, SPAR, Futurelife, CMH Nissan Durban, Expand-a-Sign, Maxed, City Logistics, KTM South Africa, Traderplus, Cyclesphere and Giant Bicycles,” said Pierre Tostee, MRP Foundation head of communications.
To help raise one million rand, visit the MRP Foundation website, https://www.mrpfoundation.org/.
You can also donate and stand a chance to win a new Nissan Micra Active from CMH Nissan Durban.