100km cycling and conquering mountains

What does it mean to conquer your mountain? Well-known endurance athlete and activist, Morné Basson is once again setting out to help others, this time to conquer their mountains and raise awareness about depression.

On Saturday, April 30 a different kind of vehicle was standing in the parking lot in front of Planet Fitness at Valley View when 180 people joined Morné and the Planet Fitness team in a 100km stationary cycle race.

This year Morné aims to climb Table Mountain up and down in 72 hours.

“We all have a mountain to conquer, each with our own challenges. People need to know it is okay not to be okay. Sometimes we fail but we never quit,” he said.

Participants could ride as individuals or in teams of five, and the race that started at 08:00 finished at 12:00.

One of the participants was Mrs Krugersdorp 2021, Jenny-Lee Swanepoel. “I have been suffering from depression since childhood and it was amazing to be there and help create awareness about the realities of depression, also helping others to realise that they are not alone and that there are people around them who understand and want to embrace them,” Jenny-Lee said.

She said she has been struggling with generalised anxiety disorder and depression, and the purpose of this awareness campaign was to give sufferers hope.

“They have to know they are not alone. Depression does not need to debilitate you and it does not have to hold you back. You can use it as a driving force or you can go into your shell. I chose to use it as a driving force in my life.”

She admitted that it is hard to talk about one’s emotions when you are in the midst of a wave of depression and anxiety. But reaching out to talk when you think you do not have the strength to do so is the best thing to do.

“Sheesh, my friends carry me through when I get a wave. Never isolate, even though that is what your whole being wants to do. These are some of the coping skills I have learnt,” she said.

Suné Smith from Planet Fitness said that it was wonderful to have the community back together especially after lockdown.

“You are not alone; everyone has a mountain. You think you are alone but you are not. There is power in unity and you should talk to others. Just talk,” Suné said.