2014 East Coast cycle tour

THE ER2EC Charity cycle tour has commenced on Saturday December 13 and will finish this weekend.

Carnival City has been on board to sponsor this year’s event, to raise funds for The Society for Animals in Distress, Care for Wild, Thembalami Home for the Aged and St. Lukes Children’s Home.

A strong field of 25 enthusiastic cyclists will take the saddle for their gruelling yet spirited 605 km journey ride to St Lucia on KwaZulu-Natal’s East Coast. The journey will see the riders and five crew members stopping over in Standerton, Vryheid and Hluhluwe to finish off with a refreshing dip in the sea and much needed rest in St. Lucia.

Started in 2010 by avid cyclist Julian Bryant, and his wife Pascale, the ER2EC is staged annually to raise funds for worthy non-profit organisations. The previous three events have raised more than R250 000, and this year, hopes are pinned on raising R100 000. In addition to sponsoring the starting venue, Carnival City has pledged R3 000 towards the 2014 ER2EC Charity Cycle Tour.

Riders entering the four-day tour pay for their “place to pace” and are also required to raise funds. The race organisers, the Bryants, secure additional sponsorships for the charity organisations that will each receive a quarter of the monies raised.

Carnival City’s Marketing Manager, Michelle Smith, said: “We are thrilled to play host to the start of the ER2EC Charity Cycle Tour for the second time. It is a fantastic initiative which gives cyclists an opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes while doing something they love. We wish all the riders a safe and smooth journey to the coast, and hope that the ER2EC achieves its fundraising target for 2014.”

Companies that would like to contribute towards this tour and help this group of weekend welfare warriors reach their fundraising target can contact Pascale Bryant on 082 461 0869 or email hedgeandhog@icon.co.za