Krugersdorp to Botswana on two wheels
Biokineticist Willem Dercksen will be taking on a massive 280km cyclicng trip, spanning three days to the Botswana border to raise awareness and funds for cancer.
It takes a man with great intent and resolve to take on a challenge bigger than anything he has ever attempted before. Willem Dercksen has only ever cycled 30km in one go before now. So what came over him to convince him to decide to cycle 280km in just a few days? A reason better than most, it turns out…
“When my friend’s mom passed away in March as a result of breast cancer, I decided that I wanted to become actively involved to help people just like her,” Willem said.
On 2 August, he started his journey in Krugersdorp, because according to him, “… it’s just outside of the main traffic area of Johannesburg”. From here he will cycle about 100km to Koster, where he will stay overnight. On Day 2, he will tackle the next 90km to Lichtenburg and another 90km to the Ramatlabama border post on Day 3. This little village and railway station sits just 25km north of Mahikeng, right on the border between South Africa and Botswana.
“I will be cycling approximately five to six hours per day, including rest periods,” Willem said, adding that, “My biggest obstacle will be to cycle more than 90km every day for three days, back to back, as I’ve never done this distance before.”
During his training period, Willem has struggled through flat tyres and setting aside time while also fulfilling his other commitments, such as his work as a professional biokineticist.
“The trip is meant to create awareness for breast cancer by making people curious about what I’m doing and why. By donating, people become a part of the trip and the fight against cancer,” he said.
To donate to the cause, you can visit https://candystick.co.za/c/cycling-for-breast-cancer/ and those interested in helping with the trip itself can contact Willem at wdercksen1@gmail.com.
