Six local bikers went more than the extra mile when they rode to Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape to participate in one of the largest charity biking events in South Africa.
Quentin Ferreira said the Ride for a Child is an annual event that sees bikers from all across the country travel to Jeffery’s Bay all in the name of charity.
About a year ago, he and a couple of friends, who share a deep passion for motorbikes, decided to start a social biker group called The Newcastle Adventure Bikers.
“We are not a motorcycle club; we are simply a group of friends with a love for motorcycles who just travel together randomly around South Africa just for the fun of it,” said Ferreira.
When Quentin heard of the Ride for a Child event, he felt compelled to attend it, as he has always been a very charity-driven person, especially when it concerns children.
“We spoke about the event among ourselves, and we all agreed that this was something we needed to do and immediately started our preparations.”
The six friends left for Jefferys Bay on Thursday, February 22, and travelled the 1200 km over two days, stopping at various places along the way for rest and sleep and to simply admire the scenery.
On Saturday, February 24, a total of 2616 bikers gathered in Stormsriver, about 50km from Jefferys Bay in a joint convoy, travelling together in formation until they reached the Mentors Country estate, where they celebrated their achievement at the Bike Town Ride for a Child fund-raiser.
The event hosted a variety of artists, beer tents, and tantalizing food trucks before the bikers headed home.
A challenging ride:
Freddie Stoltz endured extreme pain during his trip after he injured his leg after falling with his motorcycle in Nelspruit about a week before the charity drive.
Despite temporarily needing crutches, he still decided to go ahead and travel the 2400 km with the support and motivation of his friends.
Unfortunately, Robin Reineke had to turn back home when the group reached Uvongo because of a shoulder injury and could not continue.
A record-breaking event:
The aim was to gather a 4 500 motorcycle formation, but sadly, this was not possible. However, the previous record of 2000 was surpassed and the South African record is now 2616.
“This was such an amazing and successful event, and it was a privilege to have been a part of such a big event. Unfortunately, we couldn’t break the record of 4500 bikers, but regardless, the turnout was exceptional.
“I will be attending next year. We would, however, like to make this annual event from our side and get as many local bikers involved as possible, and maybe next year we can help break that 4500 record,” he concluded.
Quentin urges anyone interested in getting involved in the 2025 Ride for a Child fund raiser to contact him for more details on 083 327 0249.
More about Paediatric Care in Africa:
The organisation believes that all children have the right to the best possible healthcare. They aim to improve the health situation of vulnerable children in all communities in South Africa.
“We provide medical assistance to sick children whose parents are poor by taking them to private general practitioners, medical specialists, clinics, and by arranging and conducting large-scale medical outreaches in their communities with volunteer doctors, whereby the doctor goes to them. Ensuring that a sick child is seen by a doctor or specialist and receives the treatment and medication they need, is one of our main daily activities as we assist around 400 children annually.”
They also regularly organise medical outreaches in local communities to improve the health situation of the children.
The children are examined, diagnosed, and treated by a highly professional and skilled group of volunteers comprising doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, auditors, speech therapists, and other volunteers. Malnutrition, cerebral palsy, and growth disorders are a few examples of diagnoses made in children attending such a medical outreach day.
After the children have been examined and treated, they are, if necessary, referred to a specialist for further medical treatment, or medication is obtained with a script from a pharmacy.
For more information on the organisation, all that they do and even how to get involved, visit https://www.pediatriccareafrica.org/
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