The Freedom Challenge
Freedom Challenge Cylists Arrive in Wintry Rhodes
News Release / 23.06.2009
The Freedom Challenge trail takes the cyclists off road through scenery which many South Africans will sadly never see in their lifetime. One incredible landmark is the Centocow Mission Station where the cyclists stop for a quick break. Founded in 11892 by the Trappist monk Abbot Francis Pfanner, Centocow treated the famed water colour artist Gerard Bhengu for tuberculosis when he was a young boy. Dr Max Kohler who practiced at Centocow from 1925 to 1935 was responsible for discovering Bhengu and encouraging him to paint.
Many of the climbs the cyclists have to navigate are torturous, never-ending, winding up and up on slippery tracks and stony dirt roads but the scenery is enchanting and the fantastic views at each mountain top are reward enough for the huge effort and determination which is needed to crack the crest of each climb.
Graham and Rodney, slightly more mature in years than most of the cyclists had an experience of a lifetime on their ride. They fell far behind on the ride from Centocow to Ntsikeni Nature Reserve and by midnight, after nineteen hours of cycling with the temperature having dropped to minus 3, they just couldn’t go on. A tiny mud hut presented itself and they knocked on the door. It was opened warily by a nervous lady, but when she saw their plight she welcomed them into her tiny home. Two children were sleeping in the kitchen and she in her bedroom.
She immediately made them tea and she went to sleep with her children in the kitchen giving up her bed for the tired and weary Graham and Rodney, they were overcome by her generosity and collapsed into bed and slept until morning. They woke to the smell of mielie pap porridge that she had made for their breakfast. It was an act of incredible kindness and one has to wonder how many would, without question, allow two complete strangers into their home at midnight and give up their bed for them!
Talking to Rodney in the pub he said “The fast pace of today’s city-life means we don’t take enough time to be truly human. That old woman’s act of kindness really affected me because I know how rarely such generosity occurs in our ‘normal’ lives.�
Naude’s Nek, the final climb before Rhodes, is without doubt the ultimate mountain climb for the cyclists. As the highest pass in South Africa, the ride up the pass is precarious as is speeding down the dirt road on the other side that winds its way into Rhodes. The vast views are indescribably beautiful, but the riders must keep their eyes on the trail or face potentially disastrous consequences.
While the challenge is at times incredibly gruelling, enough to make a bystander wonder why?!!!! Speak to a cyclist and immediately the ‘soulness’ of the ride is revealed. It’s more than just a race – it’s a journey into South Africa, its people and communities as well an unparalleled personal challenge that discovers what you’re made of.
Carine Reyneke, a business analyst and first time rider of the Ride to Rhodes, “It’s the people, the craziness of us all and coming together for a short period of time to experience something few cyclists ever have the opportunity to share. I will definitely be back again, although next year I am going to Everest base camp, but I will be back the year after.�
SleepMonsters
