Three days and 275 km of conquering for hope

 
For these cyclists, the 275 km route will consist mainly of district roads and will be covered over three days. They will start in Parys and will travel through Koppies to the first overnight stop at Riemland Guest Farm near Heilbron.
The second day will be the longest with a 130 km ride from Riemland to Bethlehem. The final day is a relaxed, 40 km ride from Bethlehem to Clarens.

The adventure ends with a well-deserved Sunday brunch in beautiful Clarens, not nicknamed the jewel of the Free State for nothing.
Winter cold, long roads and tired legs will be sure to challenge these fearless mountain bikers, who will be riding in aid of the Lehlohonolo Day Care Centre for orphaned and vulnerable children in Tumahole, Parys.
The centre, started by Father Lewis Balink in 2002, provides day care for children ranging from infant to Grade 12.
In his lifetime, Fr Balink sourced conti- nuous funding for the centre and a non-profit organisation called Saso (South African Samaritan Organisation) was founded to look after the centre and its children. He cared for these children until his passing in 2007.
The Lewis Balink Foundation then took over the centre. A German choir currently supports the centre with a food budget per month, but that is all they have. Even so, the centre offers the children food, art classes and education on a daily basis.
The centre is in desperate need of ablution facilities for the 65 children and teachers. Thanks to donations from abroad, the Lewis Balink Foundation can start building a  portion of the planned facilities, but requires additional funding to complete it because there is a shortfall of around R62 000.
The local cycling community hopes to make a financial contribution in order for the foundation to continue the good work they are doing at the Lehlohonolo Day Care Centre.
They are asking members of the public to support them with a pledge of R1 for every kilometre they ride.
The total distance is 275 km. ‘We’re asking businesses or non-profit organisations to show their support with R5 per km.’
Please pledge your support by calling or SMSing Christian at 083 566 1172.
For those who cannot support financially, the cyclists will gladly accept any second-hand toys, art supplies or stationery at Egweni from 9:00 till 10:00 on Friday, 13 July.
Conquer for Hope is organising the tour. This is an initiative that joins hands with business, endurance adventurers and creative professionals to take on epic outdoor adventures while spreading a little cheer along the way.
Follow the progress of the building project on the Lewis Balink Foundation’s Facebook page. Anyone who would like to help can also contact Iris on 083 650 8712.