A barking mad adventure in aid of our animals
Sean Fraenkel (31) embarked on an adventure with only a tent, some equipment, his two dogs Turbo and Tequila, and his bicycle through Limpopo.
BURGERSFORT – Sean Fraenkel (31) embarked on an adventure with only a tent, some equipment, his two dogs Turbo and Tequila, and his bicycle through Limpopo.
Inspired by the guide book, Riding the Dragon’s Spine, he altered from his everyday life in Cape Town as a commercial diver and began his journey called Barking Mad, a
4 000km charity mountain-bike tour with his two Jack Russells.
He calls himself a “wannabe” adventurer and a struggling writer as he plans on writing a book about his three-month adventure. When he arrived in town on Tuesday, Sean explained that the reason for his “madness” is all good. He is pedaling to Cape Point to raise funds for the animal shelter, PETS (Pet Empowerment in Townships).
“They work with the community to improve the lives of disadvantaged animals by giving them daily meals, warm shelters, regular inoculations, sterilisations and vet care in emergencies. They also rehome animals that are unwanted, unloved or lost,” Sean wrote on his website, www.seanfrankel.com.
After 14 days on the road, he says his biggest concern is the safety of his dogs. “I ride for the freedom of it. All you have to worry about is yourself, your bike and your Facebook status.” Some days it’s also a struggle to get food as a huge part of his journey leads through rural areas. “I had to survive on Purity and beer for a day,” he added.
His planned rout is similar to the one in the book he carries with him. He says he only changed it slightly although it still consists of 40 per cent tar road and 60 per cent off-road.
The love for his dogs and others shines through as he speaks. “My girlfriend told me I shouldn’t return if the dogs get hurt,” he laughs.
With this barking mad adventure Sean plans on roughing it out in the wild. “I plan on camping most nights, indulging in luxury only once a week, where I will stay at some sort of B&B and taking a day off to have a proper shower, meal and catch up on my blog.”
You can follow Sean the adventurer, writer and photographer by visiting his blog online and supporting his cause by donating to his chosen charity. He also has a live GPS tracking and his route is available on his page.
