David Grier kicks off book tour
ROSEBANK - Well known chef and endurance athlete David Grier launched his latest book India: Lost and Found at CycleZone in Rosebank.
Reflecting on his previous endurance races for charity, Grier shared the wisdom gained through his experiences in his past adventures, from being the first of two people to conquer the full length of the Great Wall of China in 2008, running the full 3300km coastline of South Africa in 2008, solo paddling across the ocean to Madagascar and then running across the island in 2011.
Grier recalled harrowing tales of physical endurance, from scrapping off leeches on his feet, pacing through shark infested waters to almost being erroneously admitted for prostate surgery in a nondescript Indian hospital.
He emphasised that each extraordinary feat was undertaken to raise money for his charity the Miles for Smiles Foundation, which sponsors free surgeries to children and adults across central and southern Africa with facial disfigurements through Operation Smile.
“We have raised enough money for 2000 operations” said Grier, “the book itself took two years to write as it takes a while to unpack the stories and to put it together”.
India: Lost and Found is a compilation of stories, maps and photographs of Grier and his team’s 93-day adventure through 4008km of India, starting from the northern most Himalayan foothills of Kashmir down to the country’s southern tip.
Grier cited that his biggest motivation was the cause his races support, he chose Operation Smile because the rewards are tangible, one can see the results and changes affected on individuals who benefit from the surgeries.
He noted that his team was integral to the success of the completion of each race, and that the culmination of his experiences has provided him with perspective and taught him to be grateful for the things he has, after watching others cope with their unfortunate circumstances.
Grier chose CycleZone in Rosebank as the venue of his book launch, as his team member Nick Heygate is a regular of the establishment.
CycleZone is a new virtual high-tech cycling studio that offers monitored indoor power cycling and performance testing.
Details: milesforsmiles.co.za
