LYDENBURG – Rick Budai has started his approximately 3 500-kilometre journey to raise R200 000 for CANSA’s PinkDrive.
Lydenburg was his first stop on Tuesday September 1, but not even a single cyclist from town joined him on his quest. Budai will be cycling from Mbombela to Table Mountain in Cape Town, a journey of 44 days with six days to rest.
He wants cyclists from each town he visits to join him, but the absence of riders did not kill the spirit within him. When Steelburger/Lydenburg News met Budai, he was very enthusiastic about his mission. “I believe I can do this, I am still positive, if I did not think I can do it, I would not have started it,” he said.
According to Budai the highlight of his first day was the Long Tom Pass. “The 2 100-metre climb on the pass was the only challenge I faced on the road and I survived it,” he said.
“I feel the only challenge that is left now will be a mental thing and having to live without my wife for the period will be difficult,” he said.
It is a 38-stage cycle tour and you pay R250 fee to join. It only applies to one stage, which is from one town to the next.
“The money raised will go towards PinkDrive trucks on the roads, which provides free health-care services and educates women in semi-urban and urban communities about cancer,” he added.
He is accompanied by a backup vehicle driven by his best friend, David Lasarow. The tour will end on October 14. People can also contribute towards this cause by SMSing the word PinkCycle to 40158 and SMSes cost R20. The stages are available online at www.pinkdrivecycletour.com.
“I would like to thank De Ark Guest House for providing us with free accommodation and Caltex Mpumalanga for the free petrol,” he added. His next stop was Belfast.
