The 1965Ride is an 850km cycle tour between Johannesburg and Queenstown to raise funds for an educational scholarship and bursary fund for deserving students at very good schools.
The day finally arrived. Tuesday 9th April 2024. The 1965Ride cyclists and support crew, Nathi, together with the paramedic, Jordan, from Alderton Ambulance all met up with ‘The Directeur Sportif’ for the 14th edition of the 1965Ride, Tony Frost at Heidelberg Kloof Lodge for the very important briefing that precedes the commencement of the Ride. The cyclists are all amateur volunteers who strongly believe that a good education is the most important priority in South Africa. Introductions were made, the ice was broken and the 2024 ‘parlotone’ – otherwise known in cycling terminology as the peleton – was inducted.
Although it is an exciting, exhausting and fun-filled journey down to Komani (Queenstown) there is a very serious side to the ride for the cyclists – safety. This is paramount for the participants but also the other road users we encounter along the way.
We were all joined afterwards for dinner by some familiar and friendly faces including Ashley Truscott, Chanelle Houston and Dries Ferreira who have all previously undertaken the journey, some having done it on more than one occasion…yes Ashley has done it 8 times. The fare was delicious, and it served to fill up the legs for the rigours of the next day which lay ahead.
The accommodation was first class and after a good night’s rest … everyone was up early to get the bags packed and the show on the road. Following the obligatory introductory photograph outside the gates of the Kloof Lodge the group set off, in the LifeCare kit, at a leisurely pace in order to warm up the legs, to the Life HealthCare Hospital in Suikerbosrand, Heidelberg. On leaving the gate, Hedley took a slight tumble and made one with the tar, but not long after, his bike was repaired and we were back on the journey! We arrived in one piece at the Suikerbosrand Life HealthCare Hospital, where a healthy breakfast was served. The mood was sombre, most were quiet…and could sense a little trepidation for the riders who had not done the journey before. After an ‘official’ photograph outside the Hospital the cyclists were now ready to commence the epic ‘downhill’ journey to Queenstown (Tony doesn’t lie, our stats for the day showed 848m of climbing, and 891m of descending – it is a downhill ride!). Before leaving the outskirts of Heidelberg, we had another small incident, Kush unfortunately took a tumble. But again, back up instantly, and we were set to go!
While on the road, we encountered the most beautiful views and the incredible African wildlife, including Wildebeest, Springbok, Herons, many cows, and a snake!
Our ‘Chief Support Officer’, Nathi, did a superb job of arranging the best stops, which were filled with coffee, tea, crunchies, and a delicious breakfast supplied by Suikerbosrand Life HealthCare Hospital, enjoyed while overlooking the Vaal Dam!
We had the wind blowing straight onto us, for the beginning part of our ride, before we turned, and it was finally pushing us, and giving us a boost towards Villiers! We soon entered the holy land – roads puckered with potholes, as big as swimming pools – luckily no one drowned!
With big smiles on our faces, we crossed the Vaal River, and left the holy land, and entered Villiers, to the oasis of Niki’s Stonehouse. After mandatory post ride stretching in the garden, it was time for a delicious make-your-own Mexican stir fry, African style, made with farm fresh ingredients! After lunch, we indulged in the best carrot cake EVER! (Recipe please!). With full tummies, all retired to their rooms to rest and freshen up for the evening and dinner.
We were treated to the most delicious waygu treats, while enjoying pre dinner drinks. We enjoyed a reflection of the day at the dinner table, before tucking into a wonderful wholesome and hearty meal, followed by malva pudding! We all shared our appreciation for the support and camaraderie on day 1 of the 2024 1965Ride for Education! Lauren & Hedley