IT is done and dusted – the exhausting bicycle race to raise funds for Jeffreys Bay’s 7th Heaven Children’s Haven.
When Baptist pastor Brad Jones decided to enter the 361 km 36ONE MTB Challenge (Kouga Express, 1 March 2018), he did not quite foresee what was waiting ahead. But his passion and vision for the Children’s Home was the driving force; and he and Richard van Lieshout, who had travelled from Johannesburg to render moral support, took to the road at 18:00 on April 22, the one grimly quiet and the other chattering nervously.
The riding was to be “clever, not hard,” since they were hoping not to ride through the night twice. Even so, they could not keep up with the more experienced riders and fell behind. After the first check-point which offered coffee and warm clothes, they pedalled through the night and over rolling hills. After Rooiberg at dawn, the descent was pleasant, but it made the climb towards Calitzdorp even worse.
After checkpoint 2 it was uphill, painful, and gruelling, demanding pure grit.
How does one describe 5500m of pedalling uphill? But it was fun – especially after they reached their destination after 20 hours and 46 minutes!
R40 000 was raised for the Children’s Haven. However, the journey is not over yet. If members of the public wish to ride for this great cause, they are asked to contact the staff at the Haven or the Baptist Church.
The organisers wish to thank every person who made the event possible, said a much needed prayer or helped in any other way. All contributions will be appreciated. Banking details are:
Acc holder: 7th Heaven’s Children’s Haven, FNB Branch 210515, Acc nr. 62227513969. Type: Cheque, Ref. Your name and cycle.
All donations are tax-deductible.
