It always intrigues me, the extraordinary feats people will undertake in order to realise a dream, prove something to themselves, test their endurance and raise money and awareness for a cause close to their hearts.
Whether its climbing Kilimanjaro, running the Comrades Marathon, swimming among ice bergs or sailing solo around the world, each day you hear stories of people who have pitted themselves against the elements, set themselves near-impossible goals and gone to incredible lengths to reach those goals – often inspired not to give up by the fact that someone less fortunate than themselves is depending on them to complete the course.
The Tour d’Afrique is one of those events that creates another opportunity for individuals to achieve something truly epic.
The 12 000 km race, which takes around 4 months in total to complete, starts in Cairo, Egypt, and ends in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to the website, the purpose behind the event in two-fold:
“While Tour d’Afrique is first and foremost an endurance event for professional and amateur cyclists alike, its mandate is to assist desperately ill people in some of the poorest nations in the world receive better health care while simultaneously proliferating the bicycle as a viable means of transportation.”
The 2009 event saw 51 cyclists representing 11 countries cross the finish line at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town this weekend - and great news for SA is that the top three positions in the men’s’ race (riders Allan Benn, Bruce McPhail and Tim Gane took the honours in 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively) and the first place in the women’s race (Taryn Laurie) went to South Africans.
When asked by a reporter what kind of reward he would be getting for winning the race, Allan Benn said that apart from the medal and certificate the only thing he would be taking away with him was the incredible feeling of having completed the race, and that winning was its own reward.
Over the past five years the Tour d’Afrique Foundation (and its supporters and sponsors) has donated and distributed over 1000 bicycles to HIV/Aids Health Care Workers through Africa. In addition the event is used to spread the word on preserving the environment by cycling, walking and using public transport.
Cape Town’s acting mayor Grant Haskin, who was at the finish line to welcome the riders, told the press:
“Cities all over the world realise that a rational approach towards sustainable transportation is essential for the future of the planet and the health of its people. We are working closely with BEN and the Non-Motorized Transportation Committee to turn Cape Town into a cycle friendly city and in the process, secure a more sustainable and healthy home for us all in the Western Cape.”
For those of you who like me find the personal stories of the men and women who attempt this kind of challenge inspiring, the Tour d’Afrique blog contains excerpts from the dairies of some of the riders – memories, experiences, fears, the daily blend of monotony and life changing moments make for fascinating reading.
Portfolio congratulates all those who participated and made it to the finish line!
(Image: Source)
