Alistair will ride for a cause on his unicycle

He has been cycling for over 30 years at other biking events and competed in the 94.7 on a tandem with his wife Helen Buhler last year.

He says he cycles for Vita Nova is due to the work the centre does for cerebral palsy, HIV/Aids children as well as the mentally disabled.

The centre is reliant on funds provided and raised by the East Rand Round Table, local businesses parents and donations from the public, therefore, he would just like to do his part in assisting in raising funds for them.

According to him the organisers of the race are doing a sterling job in encouraging people to ride for a cause.

Alister says it is excellent as it has total road closure and is safe.

He encourages Springs cyclists to get out there and ride for a cause, preferably for Vita Nova.

He suggests whilst doing it, spare a thought for those people who do not have the physical ability to ride a bicycle.

His challenge is to ride a unicycle at this year’s event, which he learnt to ride for the first time in 2009.

He bought his first unicycle, tried it but found it too difficult.

It stayed in the garage for a couple of months before he gave it another try.

After committing himself to try each day he managed to learn to ride it and realised it was not as difficult as it appears.

The body and arms are being used to keep the balance and control and to keep it upright.

While a bicycle is controlled with the handlebars for balance, with a unicycle a lot of control is done with the feet.

Although he lives in Benoni, he attended Pinegrove Primary School and  Springs Boys’ High School.

He says he has cycled many races, but only for the enjoyment

He has taken part in social off-road unicycling called municycling ‘M‘ for mountain unicycling and also play unicycle hockey.

“Unicycles are not just reserved for circus clowns, there are a lot of disciplines in unicycling.

“You get flatland, trials, street, mountain and distance riding,” he adds.

Until last year, he took part in triathlons but due to injuries from running he had to stop.

He completed five Ironman South Africa events, the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run.

In addition to his cycling and unicycling he enjoys windsurfing and paddling.

The 94.7 Cycle Challenge organisers try to promote the “Ride for a Cause” slogan.

“So if anyone is going to ride the 94.7, why not do it for a worthy cause and be one of the thousands of cyclists trying to make a difference in other people’s lives,” he says.

To be part of the Vita Nova’s charity ride, contact Pieter Eserhuizen on 076 054 2076 or email pietere@brds.co.za.