Sons of Joburg make Edenvale octogenarian’s dream a reality
“All I wish for before I die is to go for a ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.”
Edenvale resident Neels Byleveld turned 80 on May 8 and wanted nothing else for his birthday but the experience of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and Sons of Joburg East Rand were more than happy to oblige.
Grandchild of Neels, Japie Byleveld, asked his grandfather what would be his wish for his 80th birthday, and he replied: “All I wish for before I die is to go for a ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.”
With tears in his eyes, Japie pondered on a way to make his wish come true.
“I took a chance and posted a request on social media. As luck would have it, Henry Hahn saw the post and contacted me immediately.
“We chatted, and I explained the situation. Within minutes of our conversation Peter Velleman was speaking to me and the arrangements were put in place for May 26,” said Japie.
Japie said on May 26, at around 9am, six Harley-Davidson motorcycles and 10 members of Sons of Joburg East Rand arrived at their home to grant his Oupa his most desired wish.
“Seeing the absolute joy on my Oupa’s face is a memory I will forever cherish and I wish to thank Sons of Joburg East Rand for making this dream a reality,” said Japie.
Sons of Joburg took Neels along for the ride from Eastleigh through Illiondale and then into Modderfontein to the Fireman’s Tavern where they all enjoyed breakfast together and later drove Neels home via the same route.
“We wish to thank the Byleveld family for bestowing the honour and privilege on us of sharing this momentous occasion with your awesome family,” said Angelique Van Der Westhuizen from Sons of Joburg East Rand.
Angelique added that Sons of Joburg is a family-orientated motorcycle club that was formed in 2010 in the East Rand and has supported a number of charities and continues to do so.
She said that the club was particularly touched by the Bylevelds due to their strong sense of family.
The team also gave Neels a Harley-Davidson helmet as a gift and something to remind him of the day his dream came true.
