Man cycles from Cairo to Cape Town

It may seem impossible, but Mr Shayne Rookhuyzen, a cyclist from the Bedfordview Country Club, cycled from Cairo, Egypt’s capital, to Cape Town on his own to raise funds for charity.

Coming face to face with AK47-wielding gunmen and a near death experience at Mount Kenya did not deter him from reaching his goal.

Mr Rookhuyzen raised a whopping R413 000 for the Supporting Orphans in South Africa (Sosa) foundation.

It has always been Mr Rookhuyzen’s dream, since he started cycling in 1990, to ride from Cairo to Cape Town. He cycled through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

“It was the best three and a half months,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.

“I have always wanted to do this challenge. There are several tours available that allow one to travel through Africa, however they cost up to R150 000. I could never afford that so I decided to cycle through Africa for charity,” he said.

Sosa, based in the Netherlands, is a charity close to Mr Rookhuyzen’s heart. The foundation helps orphans in South Africa who have lost parents to HIV/Aids.

Mr Rookhuyzen embarked on the Cairo to Cape Town challenge unaccompanied, with no communication with family and friends. He underwent several experiences, some of which almost cost him his life.

“I did every kilometre of the challenge on my own and I was unassisted throughout the cycling. This led to me to facing several challenges,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.

Mr Rookhuyzen’s challenges included extreme heat, not having a place to stay and not knowing where his next meal would come from.

“The biggest challenge I faced during the cycle challenge was in Northern Kenya, where there is much tribal warfare. While cycling in the country, three men dressed in tribal clothing armed with AK47s emerged from a bush,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.

“The incident was bizarre and what surprised me was that I was not afraid. One of the men told me I could pass. When I looked back, I saw that one of them still had his firearm pointed at me. I had a gut feeling he would not shoot me, so I looked forward and carried on cycling,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.

He said the incident occurred after he had asked a Kenyan official at the boarder whether or not it was safe to cycle in the area.

“I am glad no shots were fired and that none of my possessions were taken,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.

He experienced another near-death experience at Mount Kenya, when a truck’s brakes failed.

“The truck sped uncontrollably down the mountain and crashed in front of me. If I was on that road five seconds earlier, I would have lost my life,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.

He described the challenge as 90 percent survival and 10 percent joy and happiness.

“What really made the challenge worthwhile is that the 10 percent of joy and happiness I experienced was a level of fulfilment and bliss I have never reached in my life.”

Despite being confronted with life threatening obstacles, Mr Rookhuyzen underwent some of the best experiences of his life on the African continent.

“I loved my experience with the people of Zambia. The people were lovely and kind to me. The country was also a stunning sight to see. Cycling along Lake Malawi was a breath-taking experience. My favourites were Zambia for its people and Malawi for its scenery,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.

Since cycling from Cairo to Cape Town, Mr Rookhuyzen has no plans as to what will be his next challenge.

“I will be returning to the Netherlands in a month. It would be difficult to top this achievement because it was the best three and a half months of my life,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.

“When I arrived back home, it felt as though I had won an Olympic gold medal. I have been well-received by my family, friends and the country. It has been something truly special. The Sosa foundation has also been very appreciative of the donation. Everybody is happy and so am I,” said Mr Rookhuyzen.