"They've definitely had their share of the elements! From freezing cold weather, a storm that flooded their route and lots of mud, they've had it all. But they are still giving it their all, as they know that their efforts will give more children the opportunity to finish school!" were the sentiments of fundraising coordinator, Adéle Basson.
This year's tour was shipping company owner and keen mountain biker Trevor Law's third consecutive effort. He got involved through tour organiser JJ Steyn (Classic Cycles) and Delarey Brugman, who started the foundation in 2004 with his wife Sandie. The bigger group of cyclists this year definitely increased the social element of the tour. However Law admits that the wet, muddy and cold weather, which meant at least three layers of clothing, added an element that the group did not have to contend with last year. For him, as well as other cyclists like Mike Powell and Leon Boshoff, who are teammates in next year's Cape Epic, the CA2CX is good base training as well as a charity initiative.
For Powell, who was joined by two work colleagues from Reeds Motor Group who sponsored the tour's vehicle, this was his first tour. According him, the toughest part of the route was definitely Van Wyks Pass because of the 28km uphill climb to 2300m above sea level. However, the camaraderie that was built between participants from various walks of life was definitely a highlight. After six days in the saddle, Powell admits, "you become quite good mates!"
The tour departed from Belville and made its way through Worcester, Montague and Calitzdorp en route to Knysna.
Nan Kirtley, who is repeat tour participant with her husband Lloyd, felt that the tour was about the same difficulty as last year. Yes, the weather was worse but she was fitter than in 2011, so that equalled out the difficulty aspect.
The 'Give Me a Chance' foundation has the ultimate vision of giving promising children - who have proven their courage way beyond the challenges of poverty and demonstrated some form of achievement against all odds - an opportunity in life.
Focus is not only on a child's school performance but the aim is to assist them to become commercially active after school with a strong moral fibre.
Financial, moral and extramural support is provided for these "adopted" children who are also mentored by members of the foundation's local church, NG Kerk Sentraal, Stellenbosch. The occupation of these mentors ideally corresponds with the career that their mentees would like to enter upon matriculation, thus contributing to a holistic development of each adoptee.
Visit www.givemeachance.co.za for more information. Donations can be made to: Give Me a Chance; FNB Cheque Account; 62239698444; Branch: 200610 (Stellenbosch).
Delarey Brugmann (right) and his fellow cyclist lined up and ready for the last leg of their 647km journey! (visit www.georgeherald.com for more photos).
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: LEEANNE PRATT, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
