Johan Oosthuizen, founder of the charitable organisation Fuel on Wheels, recently achieved a milestone that he describes as “one of the best moments of my life” when he was invited to participate in a charity ride for men’s health alongside cycling legend Mark Cavendish in the United Kingdom, raising R2.1 million for the cause.
The opportunity, which Oosthuizen initially mistook for a spam call, has proven to be a significant breakthrough for his decade-long charitable mission in the local community.
Speaking to UD Express about the moment he received the invitation, Oosthuizen said, “When I first received the invitation from Mark Cavendish, I thought it was just a spam call! Taking that call turned out to be one of the best moments of my life, as I learnt I’ll have the incredible opportunity to participate in a charity ride for men’s health in the UK.”
The invitation holds particular significance for Oosthuizen, who has long admired Cavendish’s achievements. “Mark Cavendish, Wayne Pheiffer, and Daryl Impey are some of the greatest inspirations behind my journey as a cyclist today. Having the opportunity to ride alongside a world champion while engaging in charity work filled me with priceless joy,” he explained.
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Oosthuizen emphasised how Cavendish’s story continues to inspire his own mission: “Mark’s incredible story ignites my belief in making changes and the importance of perseverance and never give up! I salute him!”
During the ride, Oosthuizen was able to share the impact Fuel on Wheels has made over the past decade. “Yes, I was able to tell him the difference we are making in our community for 10 years,” he noted, highlighting how the organisation has consistently moved forward with strong community support.
The exposure gained from riding with the world champion has already begun benefiting the charity. “Fuel on Wheels always moved forward with our local community believing in us every kilometre we take on to be part of Cav. He told the media in the UK what we are doing and what we stand for. For that, I believe we are moving forward,” Oosthuizen said.
Reflecting on the personal significance of the achievement, Oosthuizen described the experience as unforgettable despite challenging conditions. “Definitely riding with All-Time Hero is one of the best riding days, except for the cold weather and snow; it was so worth it. When we started Fuel on Wheels, our mandate was always people-first, with love and care for them. Every time, we created a beautiful story to tell.”
The ride represents not just a personal achievement but a validation of Fuel on Wheels’ mission and approach to community service. Oosthuizen’s participation alongside Cavendish has provided the charity with international recognition and demonstrates the power of perseverance in achieving seemingly impossible goals.
Oosthuizen concluded by expressing gratitude to those who made the opportunity possible: “A heartfelt thank you to Monster Energy Cares in the UK for making this possible. It truly is an incredible company to be part of, and our leadership is nothing short of world-class.”
