A Rollercoaster Ride of Ups, Downs, and Near Misses

Greetings, fellow adventurers, and welcome back to the zany escapades of the 1965 Ride for Education! Today’s journey was nothing short of a wild roller coaster ride, complete with twists, turns, and a few unexpected surprises along the way.

We set out from Aliwal North Umtali Country Lodge bright and early, with the sun barely peeking over the horizon at 07:25. Little did we know, we were in for a day filled with more ups and downs than a drama series.

Our first challenge? An uphill climb that would make even the most seasoned cyclists break a sweat. With legs trembling like Jell-O and lungs gasping for air, we conquered that mountain like true champions. Though I must say, the view from the top was worth every ounce of effort.

After a quick pit stop to refuel our bodies and refill our water bottles with what can only be described as magical fluids, we were back on the road, feeling invincible. Jackets were shed as the sun began to warm our weary bones, but alas, Mother Nature had other plans. Suddenly, winter decided to make a surprise appearance, sending us scrambling to bundle up once again. Talk about mood swings!

As we battled through icy winds and unexpected drops from the sky, we encountered our fair share of roadblocks and challenges. From “stop and go” zones to unexpected punctures, it seemed like fate was determined to keep us on our toes.

But nothing could prepare us for the drama that unfolded at Penhoek Pass. Just when we thought we had conquered the highest point of our tour and were ready to tackle the exhilarating descent, disaster nearly struck. A principal, in a moment of sheer daredevilry, nearly caused a catastrophic collision that would’ve sent us flying faster than you can say “on your left!”

With hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through our veins, we braved the infamous Penhoek Challenge, hurtling down the hill at speeds that would make a Formula 1 driver jealous. But fate had one last trick up its sleeve as Sigqibo found himself facing a puncture mid-descent. Thankfully, Skeps “bike workshop” that consists of one bike being used for parts came to the rescue, saving the day once again.

 

And just before we reached our final stretch, we could feel it in the air. The passing cars and trucks, honking and cheering us on, served as a reminder that our journey wasn’t just about reaching a few schools in Komani. It was about touching the lives of communities beyond Komani’s borders. With each honk and cheer, we knew that people could see the difference we were making—one pedal stroke at a time.
As we reflect on the impact of our 850-kilometer journey, we’re filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. It’s moments like these, when the support of strangers becomes a rallying cry for change, that remind us why we embarked on this adventure in the first place.
So, dear readers, as we pedal into the welcoming embrace of Komani and the REC Sport Centre, let’s keep the spirit of community and camaraderie alive. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one hoot, one cheer, and one school at a time. Onward, to glory! 🚴‍♂💨 Arno & Sigqibo