A CHALLENGE is always like an open invitation for well-known Fuel on Wheels cyclist Johan Oosthuizen. Especially if the challenge is towards charity to benefit the aged, vulnerable children as well as animals in need.
He is currently challenging the record of Russell Kelsey from London who cycled 100km daily for 100 days! In doing so, he challenged Survivor SA 2018 winner, Tom Swartz, to join him in completing 100km, on day 50, which was last Friday. This challenge within the challenge was held at Symara Knitwear, Despatch, one of the local companies which also value charitable events to the benefit of the local community.
“Tom is absolutely crazy, always ready to take up a challenge, and he gave me a go! He is tremendously tough and the kind of guy to have on your side. I love it. We had lots of fun cycling together,” said Oosthuizen, a regional manager at Monster Energy Drinks.
He said the company has commenced with a Monster Energy Fitness Challenge comprising ten employees per team and an individual, taking up challenging the team.
“I am that individual. And have been beating the teams for the past three months, receiving R18 500 which must go towards charity.”
Oosthuizen has utilized the funds for a food drive and has also donated a wheelchair. His 100km for 100 days challenge is also in support of the food drive.
To cycle 100km daily takes a lot of discipline. On a spinning bike Oosthuizen will on averages complete the distance within three hours and twenty minutes, but taking his bicycle, he average four hours to cover 100km.
This he does daily and some days already starts at 03:00 to get it all done.
“The residents and businesses of Despatch and Uitenhage are amazing. Their support over the past six years is phenomenal. I wish to thank and salute them all. They know who they are,” said Oosthuizen.
Tom Swartz said when Oosthuizen invited him to participate, he immediately said, “No problem. I am always happy when it comes to charity. But, he did not tell me it was 100km. My bum is very sore, but it is a challenge and I do not easily say no to a challenge, especially where charity is involved.
“A motto I live by is, # I Love Your Face, because everybody needs to feel special. I cannot say I love you, because I do not know you, but I can say I love your face. My other motto is # I am not done yet, today is a new day, a new beginning.”
Oosthuizen’s next 100km in 100 days promotion day will be at La Rochelle on Monday, 22 March. On 11 April he will be at Windfarm fuel station next to the N2 where Luister!FM presenters will join the cycling challenge.
Oosthuizen said, if he has completed the 100km for 100 days, he might as well take up the challenge to do 100km for 365 days!
