The 2019 Pedal For a Purpose was our 11th Cycle Challenge which we gratefully report ran smoothly again this year. Cyclists that took part are Ian Burnett, Darryl and Bernadene Aspey, Nial Mc Donald, Micheal Lemmer, Glen Brits, Sandy Harriss, James (Jimmy) Armstrong & Cinzia Van Der Merwe.
Back Up Drivers : Gordon Thompson (Chairman of the Board), Dawn Schmidt, Riccy Durheim, Marchel Grant and Laura Page, African Bank Sponsor. It was wonderful to have one of our key sponsors, Laura Page, physically with us for this event.
Emergency Services : Alan Leicester and his staff from Alderson Ambulance kindly accompanied us the entire journey.
Our SPONSORS were Hemingways Casino, African Bank, Twizza, Border Irrigation, Queenstown Roundtable, Link FM with broadcasting, Time Clothing with discounted Cycling shirts, Gonubie High School for lending us their trailer, Cancer Care with Goody Bags, The Country Bumpkin, Comrades Bowling Club donation from their annual Classic Competition that helped purchase meals and refreshments, SAP, SANRAL, Department of Transport, Garth from BCMM Traffic Control, QTN Traffic Department and various Companies and Individuals that sponsored cyclists. We thank you all for making this even possible.
Please read the Article Published in the Go & Express – ” St Bernard’s Hospice Pedal for Purpose to raise funds for Palliative Care for ALL”. Link below. It gives good insight into why we did this challenge.
GO ARTICLE ON CYCLE CHALLENGE 21 November 2019.docx
CYCLE CHALLENGE 2019 : A Glimpse of what the days entailed
Tuesday : 19th November 2019
Early to bed for some as the St Bernard’s Hospice 3 Day “Pedal for a Purpose” Cycle Challenge kicked off at 6h30.
The Starting point was 34 On Bonza, Bonza Bay Road (next to 36 On Bonza Boutique Hotel) All cyclists and support members arrived on time, excited about the days ahead and started pedalling!
Wednesday : 20th November – East London to Stutterheim
The weather was fantastic with no winds bothering cyclists like they did in 2018 and we made it to our accommodation in Stutterheim in record time. Ingrid and her team had an amazing generous spread of food ready for us to get stuck into – then we headed for rooms for quiet time before our get together this evening at 18h00. Thank you to all our photographers.
After Dinner : Wednesday Evening – The Manderson Hotel in Stutterheim
A wonderful evening was had by all, with Ian Burnett managing the “fines”. Gordon Thompson, Chairman of St Bernard’s Hospice, ran a great joke competition, but managed a serious note when he, on behalf of St Bernard’s Hospice, shared his genuine words of appreciation and thanks to all cyclists for their participation.
Thursday : 21st November 2019 : Stutterheim to Queenstown
We arrived Safe and sound at the Guest Lodge in QTN around ????. The cyclists cycled through a sweltering .. blistering … almost unbearably HOT day. The weather conditions gave renewed respect for our cyclists AND back up drivers. Alderson Ambulance were FANTASTIC in especially assisting with ushering the group into QTN. Having Alan and his crew reminded Marchel Grant of the Liverpool song her family love so much …”You never walk alone”.
After Dinner : Thursday Evening : The Burrough Guest Lodge in Queenstown
All shared how they battled on this day of the challenge, but reflected on that fact that they had made it. They shared photos, and took some, to build memories on and as a gentle reminder as to WHY these good people chose to join the Cycle Challenge, and for some, every year. People join not only raise much needed funds for St Bernard’s Hospice, but also in memory of loved ones, neighbours; family or friends. See Ians List stuck on his bike and Sandy’s tribute to Craig Kaiser who passed away on the evening of the 20th
Friday : 23 November 2019n : Leaving QTN and Heading for East London – 150km
The last leg of our Cycle Challenge – Queenstown to East London in one day, left QTN at 6am.
After a very long and difficult day for everyone, they arrived home safe and sound around ????. 187km from Queenstown to East London – 12 hours on the road in very hot weather, made the sight of loved ones as they cycled into Country Bumpkin all the more special ! The breakfast packs Annelize Marais of the Burrough Guest London, Queenstown, packed were one of the key reasons our cyclists were sustained through the day! The Burrough is an amazing B&B and we recommend them to anyone needing a place to stay when in QTN.
A lovely, informal, relaxed prize giving was held, where all cyclists received a certificate of completion. A few beers were shared, battle scars compared and then everyone rushed off for a warm shower – and sleep!
WELL DONE cyclists, back up drivers and Alderson Ambulance Services.
