Danie Beyleveld celebrated his 47th birthday by doing what he loves – flying down dusty mountain bike tracks in the 45km Hill2Hill half-marathon from Cato Ridge Golf Club to the Polo Club at Hillcrest.
“I was able to spend my birthday doing the sport I love with the people I love. I am grateful to have such great support from my family,” said Danie.
“I have done a good few half-marathons before, but the hill2hill is very special to me. I set a goal for myself and came very close to achieving it. Three years ago I rode this race, so I had a reasonable idea what to expect. Being much fitter and well prepared, I could pace myself and I completed it almost two hours faster in 3 hours, 37 minutes and 30 seconds.
Although the prosthesis seldom gives me any problems, sweating does cause it to loosen up and it makes it difficult for me to get power to the pedal,” said the Toti Cycle Club member.
Danie was born in Vereeniging, grew up in Vanderbijlpark and matriculated at Transvalia High School. He moved to Toti about 23 years. He is married to Chareen, who also rides with him, and has two children, Erica (20) and Christo (23).
“After losing my leg I could see no future. I did judo at the time and was doing very well. That was gone. I spent about 14 months in and out of hospital. It took some time, but I managed to walk well with my prosthesis. It was important to focus on what I could do, rather than what I couldn’t. At first, that was challenging.
I tried my hand at swimming and did the Midmar Mile twice. I took up diving and enjoyed a few other sports, but I never found that one thing that grabbed me. I told my colleague one day I would like to try mountain biking, but I didn’t have a bicycle. He offered me his. In June 2010 there was a 10km race at Scottburgh, which I entered. I was totalled after the first five kilometres, but I finished it.
My greatest challenge to date was completing my first stage race this year, the Dusi2c over two days and 143km in total.
I believe there are many amputees who do mountain biking, but I have not met any of them. It would be fantastic if more amputees or people with other disabilities join the sport. Whether you ride for fun or race to win, the sport has many variations that suits everyone.”
Danie said the best advice he can give to fellow amputees is ‘do it’. “Focus on what you have and make the most of it. Rather try and not succeed than not try and regret it. You do not want to one day wonder what could have been. That goes for whatever your dream is.
It is advisable to join a club to do rides with like-minded people. I am blessed to belong to a club where the riders are really patient with me and very supportive.”
