IN a feat called ‘superhuman’ even by veteran mountain bikers, RASA (Race Across South Africa) Freedom Challenge rider, Werner Nienaber, arrived ‘cold, wet and hungry’ at Diemersfontein, Wellington on Monday evening.
After a murderous 16 days, 12 hours and 38 seconds in the saddle, covering 2 300 kilometres of the most inhospitable terrain, Werner received a hero’s welcome by his elated family.
He was also wrapped in a bright red genuine Basotho blanket, traditionally bestowed on first time RASA riders.
Speaking on behalf of the exhausted man of the moment, his wife, Eliza, said he was ‘relieved’.
During the last two days of his perilous journey, Werner battled winds of 120km/h and continuous sleet rain.
‘The journey was mentally draining because he slept only three hours per night and rode against the wind.’
His frame that broke three times, was another source of worry- about 30% of riders’ bikes break, causing them to quit.
The last day, coming through Steyn’s Kloof, Werner carried the bike for eight endless hours, climbing on all fours and fighting through dense fynbos.
Streams turned into rivers because of the rain and temperatures dropped to extreme cold.
On the final day, he covered three passes – Steyn’s Kloof, Fisantekraal and Du Toit’s Kloof.
On a rocky 12 kilometres stretch, covered in eight hours and heading for Steyn’s Kloof, Werner’s nightmare realised when the bike started breaking on a third place in the frame, but after repairing it with a Wrap Tech repair product, it lasted to Diemersfontein.
Support
‘Pyga Suppliers rendered amazing service and support.
‘The first frame was supplied with a mechanic to assist and a second frame was flown down to Port Elizabeth, but was not used owing to a six hour penalty.
‘The owner of Wrap Tech drove through to Willowmore to give their product to the race office for repairs .’
Werner in a message to the Zululand Observer said, ‘You realise that you are carried by God’s grace, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.
‘I want to thank followers and supporters for their humour and prayers, which carried me through impossible times.
‘Werner completed the challenge to raise funds for the extension of the Able Centre for Children on the Autism Spectrum in Meerensee.
His sponsors pledged donations per kilometre and the final figures are not yet available.
The route stretches from Pietermaritzburg to Wellington.
Riders may not be seconded, but race organisers supply 26 support stations, including farm houses and monasteries.
Riders may only make use of a narrative and maps.
Cyclists are monitored with trackers.
