GEORGE NEWS - Wilderness resident and South African cycling legend Cathy Carstens, multiple-time Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT) winner and author of a new transformational memoir, is partnering with the Pedal Power Association and the Bicycle Empowerment Network (Ben) to back a community cycling project in Vermaaklikheid.
Vermaaklikheid is a small rural community about 160km west of George near the Duiwenhoks River, close to Riversdale.
The initiative, co-ordinated by Josie Borain, aims to provide bicycles to members of the Vermaaklikheid community, improving access to work, school, town and essential services.
Borain, a former international supermodel and acclaimed photographer, now lives in Vermaaklikheid.
She has dedicated herself to community development and conservation in the area, chairing the Duiwenhoks Conservancy, a non-profit organisation made up of local stakeholders committed to protecting the river valley and surrounding land.
Borain plays a key role in initiatives such as the bicycle project, which aims to improve mobility, access to education, work and essential services for the residents of Vermaaklikheid. Carstens visited Borain and the conservancy in December to gain some insight into the community's specific needs.
The conservancy was started in 2000. Thanks to the support of the Pedal Power Association and Ben, many residents have already received bicycles, making a huge difference in their daily lives.
But not everyone has benefitted, and there is also a growing need for bicycle maintenance to ensure the project's sustainability.
Carstens and her group of riders at the CTCT are now raising funds to extend this initiative further.
"Bicycles in Vermaaklikheid represent more than transport - they offer freedom, independence and a renewed sense of pride," she said.
Members of the community and cycling enthusiasts are encouraged to support Carstens and her friends in helping Vermaaklikheid ride forward.
A resident of Vermaaklikheid with the bicycle he received as part of the initiative.
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