Cyclists ride for a purpose

ALTHOUGH the 606km Ride for MRP Foundation demanded intense mental and physical energy from its 74 participants, this year’s ride with purpose was also filled with plenty of hero-moments.

The 10th edition of the two-day stage ride (December, 1 and 2 December) from Secunda to Durban gathered cyclists from local businesses, learners, business executives and accomplished athletes including triathlete Mhlengi Gwala and mountain biker Mboneni Ngcobo, as well as rugby legends; Joel Stransky, Jeremy Thompson, Wayne Fyvie and Warren Brosnihan to raise funds and awareness for the MRP Foundation.

ALSO READ: King of the Hill takes on 606km ride 

In addition to her fervent fund-raising efforts (R19 000 so far), Zisandele Mkhize, one of the 14 women who took part in the event, was awarded the ‘ABSA Rider of the Day’ and R25 000 towards her fund-raising efforts after displaying an impressive amount of perseverance on Day 1 of the ride. Despite dislocating her toe she pushed through the pain to complete the second stage.

“Sunday was a rough day but there is something about riding home and knowing your surroundings that gives you a second wind. We all share one thing, the human condition.

“I know what it is like not to have food in your stomach, I have been there and I understand that it is something that needs to change. This event and the foundation is close to my heart, especially when you actually see a difference being made,” said Zisandele.

This year’s ‘King of the Hill’ went to the talented Unathi Nxumalo, a 17-year-old rider from Thandaza High School in Hammarsdale. The first-time cyclist was the first person to reach the top of the infamous Warthog Hill, part of Griffin’s Hill Mountain Pass, near Mooi River, a punishing 3,76 km climb with a 244m elevation.

Unathi is part of the KZN Cycling Development Team and was sponsored to ride the event by Beaver Creek. He was elated with his Day 1 ‘win’, saying, “I feel happy because I know what poverty is like

and I’m happy to be riding with the purpose of helping children who are going through poverty.”

One of this year’s most heartfelt moments was when past Dusi2C winner,ABSA Rider of the Day’ a, received a Giant Contend bicycle from first-time cyclist, Wim Hollander. Wim rode in honour of his late stepfather, Paul Els, who rode the event last year but tragically lost his life in a cycling accident soon after the 2018 Ride.

ALSO READ: MRP Foundation pays tribute to its fallen Kloof hero

Paul raised a phenomenal R118 000 for the Ride, the second highest among the peloton, and received the Giant Contend bicycle for his fundraising events.

Third-time rider, Mboneni, expressed his gratitude for the donated bike saying, “I am very excited as this is the first time I will have my own bike especially for the road. This ride is always challenging. If you don’t prepare it will hurt you.”

Karen Wells, head of MRP Foundation, thanked the cyclists and partners for their commitment to raising funds and awareness for the MRP Foundation.

The public can still support the riders in their mission to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation through EFT, Paygate and Zapper donations.

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