Last night we had a team meeting, which would probably be the last before the big day. Some of the guys arrived early which must really indicate their eagerness as they have traditionally being half an hour late for previous meeting.
We had the flat screen showing some cross country racing (running), During the day I had recorder some Paris-Nice footage, which showed Alberto Contador falling in a crash in the last few meters and we showed this to the team. We were able to look at how the bunch ride, see the merits and, with the crash, the dangers of group riding.
We got down to business and handed out lists of what needed to go with, what we would be doing, when we would do things and we moved onto the race. We chatted about the route, and as I explained the route and asked the team how familiar the route was it dawned on me the enormous privilege that has been bestowed on us as team leaders. Not one of these 7 riders have seen the Cape Peninsula! Some of the riders have never seen Cape Town, Table Mountain and still some of these people have never seen the sea. Yes, wow. For their first time we will be able to take these people to see what many of us have taken for granted.
I find it quite strange that these people have been through the school system and have never had these experiences. I do not mean that it is a short coming of the system, but it is also indicative of the area in which we live. It is poverty stricken and parents can not afford to send children on tours, I am not sure if the school still do tours? I know in our time at school we had a week tour where we were taken to the port of Durban and shown the workings of the port, shown the sea (which the majority of us had already seen) and experienced many things that we may otherwise never experienced.
For me it is a privilege and honor to be taking these dedicated individuals to Cape Town to experience what the never have. Thank you again to everyone who has helped us achieve this.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
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For Liz and myself it has been a fantastic experience. It has put into perspective the saying "it is better to give than to receive". What started as a simple dream of riding the Argus Cycletour for the second time, has spiraled into a experience of blessings.
It all started with a challenge to ride a better time than a friend, and looking for a partner to ride with Liz, but it has now turned into a development team of 6+1 riders. 6+1 because the extra one is our domestic helper who was supposed to ride with Liz as her partner, but now he has become so involved in the experience that he is wanting to finish in good time too, Hansie J was entered by ourselves. The other six riders have been selected from the community and are either unemployed or have limited income, and have benefited from those who have helped us reach this place.
Firstly it was the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) who introduced us to the Argus organisers. Andrew Wheeldon was instrumental in getting us to where we are today. Next is is the Argus Cycletour organizers themselves. They have been kind enough to allow us free entry for the six riders, without their help and kindness we would have had to use many of our other resources to pay for the riders entry.
Our great clothing was given to us by Velotex in Observatory, Cape Town. Our heartfelt thanks goes to Pauline and her team, especially when our requests were rejected by so many othing clothing suppliers. It was absolutely amazing to see the riders attitudes change and see how their spirits were lifted when they donned one their clothing. Plastics for Africa in Montague Gardens kindly donated a water bottle each for the riders. Andre and Michelle, personal friends arranged some PVM energy bars and iSnack to fuel the team to success. Thanks guys!
The other big contributer is the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). They are based in Observatory in Cape Town and have their remote observing site in Sutherland. SAAo are supplying the transport for the team to get to Cape Town and around town as needed and then back home. They are also allowing the team to stay in Jacaranda House on site in Cape Town, which these two contributions alone are worth a huge amount of cash.
There have been other contributors and I do not want to name all of them as many of them will be embarrassed, as they did it anonamously, but their contributions have lifted our spirits and encouraged us to continue with our efforts.
A special thanks to all of you and I do not think that you know the difference that your contributions have made.