This passionate young man took up the challenge of cycling across Africa to raise awareness and funds for Operation Smile, giving children with cleft palates a reason to smile.
He finished this amazing venture on Monday, March 2 when he touched down at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
What Keegan has done is truly remarkable. Unofficially he has smashed Dutchman Robert Knol’s record of 70 days 3 hours and 50 minutes, in which Knol cycled from January 24 to April 4 back in 2011.
“Keegan will only have broken the record once we have sent in all the evidence and only once they have approved it,” said Paige Cook, Capetrek communications liaison.
Having set out with the determination to get it done, Keegan has not disappointed, cycling over 10 000km across the scorching roads of Africa, and through being harassed by locals, a mechanical break down, and other trials, this young man has set out and completed what very few can barely dream of.
By Sunday Keegan had clocked in 10 000km.
“Every kilometre has a story, I have turned my legs over thousands of times, and still the job is not done,” he said.
He added on Facebook that the Hex River Valley was an incredible sight to see after a pressing 228km, leaving him with only 100km to go to reach Cape Town the following day where he would be reunited with his loved ones.
“I still can’t believe it, I have nearly crossed a continent,” he said.
On Saturday Keegan posted some inspiring words thinking back on the head winds he had been riding against.
“I realised that slow going was still ‘going’ – so keep moving forward,” he said.
On Friday afternoon he was roughly 100km from the Three Sisters mountains and treated himself to some canned spaghetti and meatballs.
“The people I have met along the way have been incredible,” he said, thinking back on all those who have given him some form of support along the way, whether it be something as simple as a smile or cheer, to those routing for him at the sides of the roads.
At the end of day 55, Keegan had finished 250km where he spent the night in Kimberly, the following day saw him fast approaching Beaufort West and putting another 182km under the pedals.
Paige, his girlfriend, was eager to meet up with Keegan. She and other cyclists met with him in Cipla, Belville where they would all complete the trek together.
Keegan’s Facebook page was buzzing with words of congratulations and relief in that he had finally finished his journey.
“Mr Keegan Longueira my friend. Congratulations! Thank you for being such a inspiration to so many people, may you be blessed in these last few km. May God bless you and enjoy the feelings and emotions that all come with finishing this adventure,” said David Deiner.
“Good luck for the last stretch Keegs, you have shed light upon many people’s lives with your amazing achievements thank you for being such an inspiration,” said Joshua Quiterres.
Brent Bronwyn, one of his friends that joined him along the trip, said that he was proud of Keegan’s accomplishment, and thanked him for the experience.
Keegan arrived at the Waterfront in 59 days and 8-odd hours.
Waiting at the finish line was his mom, “I have aged by 15 years in these last two months,” she said in an interview with Awesome South Africans.
Awesome South Africans added a profile on Keegan to their website, she asked that they not tell Keegan about the other profiles such as Angelo, DeBruyn or Ron because she knows this will just plant the next seed in Keegan’s mind.
Operation Smile, the benefactor and reason for the Cairo to Cape Trek, also came out to meet Keegan.
Keegan crossed the line and went around the corner to spend 15 minutes of reflection, before coming back to greet everyone who had come to show their support. He then pulled off his shoes and jumped into the water.
“Thanks so much for all your guys’ love and support, you guys move me,” he said.
