Chiropractic Cycle Tour passes through Newcastle

The observant resident would have spotted a group of cyclists riding through town on Saturday bearing the name, Chiropractic Cycle Tour 2014.

This group of cyclists are chiropractic students from Durban University of Technology (DUT), and the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the only two universities in the country that offer the degrees.

Their objective is to spread interest in chiropractic studies and the benefits thereof, while raising funds for the Durban Children’s Home and the Marburg Home, two orphanages the students have taken under their wing.

“It’s our seventh cycle as DUT and the second that UJ has joined, and this is our furthest ride,” explained event co-ordinator, Janine de Goveia.

Their estimated trip was 640 kilometres, but Ms de Goveia was sure the group would be completing a lot more.

“Besides just chiropractic awareness, we also want to encourage people to live healthy lifestyles,” said Ms de Goveia.

The group of 14 cyclists have been making their way from Johannesburg to Durban, and Newcastle was one of their stopping points.

Among the cyclists was Michael McBean, one of the event co-ordinators, and also a fitness enthusiast.

Many other members of the team had previously cycled in events such as the Amashova Cycling Challenge, and Ironman competitions.

“Sometimes you wonder why you do it. When you’re sore, or you’re cold, or tired, you wonder. But then you push through and in the end, when we see the smiles on the childrens’ faces at the homes, we get a sense of fulfillment and we know it was all worth it,” said Mr McBean.

The group travelled from Newcastle to Ladysmith and Bergville on Sunday. Thereafter, they planned to cycle to Estcourt, Hilton and finally Durban during the course of the week.

The group wished to extend their thanks to all their sponsors, New Active Gym, and a community member who went out of their way to assist one of the cyclist after a part of his bike was damaged during the trip to Newcastle.