FROM Table Mountain to the great pyramids, Gaven Sinclair will be pedalling for the Red Cross and the orphans and vulnerable children within its Psychosocial Support Programme.
‘I always enjoyed cycling, so when I decided to do something for a good cause, a cycle seemed the obvious answer,’ said Sinclair during a brief hiatus in St Lucia. When he left Muizenberg in Cape Town on 15 August, he had nothing but the backpack on his back and no idea where he would spend each night of this incredible journey.
‘I calculated a rough daily cycling distance so knew where I would spend each night but I don’t have the funds to book hotels or B&Bs’. ‘So far, I have experienced the most amazing hospitality on my journey but I have spent the odd night in police stations, on the beach and even in the bush alongside the N2’.
Choosing the Red Cross as his cause because of its global presence and support offices in every country through which he will be pedalling, Sinclair said he plans to visit these offices throughout his journey. ‘I want to connect with the rural children supported by the organisation and its programmes,’ said Sinclair.
Sinclair spent most of last week in St Lucia where he was treated to all the activities in the area. ‘My downtime in St Lucia has revitalised me and helped me get ready for the next leg. I cannot thank Budget Backpackers/Monzi Safaris and Advantage Tours and Charters enough for the hospitality and wonderful experiences they have shown me’.
Sinclair braved Monday’s gale force winds as he headed north, through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, en route to Sodwana Bay, Kosi Bay and the Mozambique border. Gaven’s Cape to Cairo progress can be followed on www.gavenpedals.co.za.