Riding bicycle is a family affair for the Mushwanas
Married couple, Ntwanano and Khetani Mushwana believe that embarking on a cycling journey was one of the best decisions they ever made.
Although they both grew up riding bicycles as kids, they only started riding again in 2018 when they bought their first mountain bikes. “We wanted an activity which would keep us active, as we were not that fit after the joys of marriage. “We both agreed that cycling would work for both of us,” Ntwanano explained.
Despite their new rides, they would only do occasional 5km rides once in a while. In January 2020 the pair bought their road bikes, but they were still not committed to the cause of fitness. It all changed in August of last year when they decided to join a cycling club and that’s when they were both became committed to it.
Ntwanano told the Herald that between August and December of last year, his quality of life changed for the better. “My physical energy increased, endurance level went up, I can spend five hours and more on a bike,” he added. In this period they managed to participate in three races which they both finished.
They completed the Amashova race in Durban which was a total of 80km, Tshwane Classics, 65km, and The Ride Joburg, 97km. In 2021 alone he cycled for 2000km in total and this year he plans to participate in six races. In March he will be taking part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour which was formerly known as the Cape Argus. He also wants to shed more weight and they also want to sign up their two sons into a cycling club.
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The two boys Ndzalo (5) and Khanani (3) both also have bikes and are riding at home. Mushwana denounced the fact that cycling is an expensive sport. He says it is only financially demanding in the beginning when you have to buy the bike and gear. He further added that there are sports shops that sell at a reasonable price and also social media groups that sell second-hand bikes.
His encouragement to people is to just start and not wait for the perfect bike. The Nkowankowa born rider, furthermore said that he would like to open an academy where he can teach people how to ride safely. He says in most cases women who have never been on a bike usually find it hard to ride or those that have had bicycle accidents in the past are traumatised and never want to ride again.
He says he has the patience to teach such people. He concluded by saying the best part about this journey is doing it with his wife and that has given them enough time to spend as a couple.
