Cyclist sets out to complete 3 500km for cancer awareness
Through blistering heat and pouring rain, determined local cyclist Rick Budai has been forging his way across the country to raise awareness of cancer and generate funds for PinkDrive since September 1.
The owner of Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park was inspired to do an endurance cycling race after his wife, Carolyn, was diagnosed with stage-3 ductal and lobular breast cancer a year ago. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation “she is now in remission”. He hopes that through raising awareness, others might not have to face the uncertainty and trials they did.
Rick left Riverside Mall in Mbombela on September 1 and will end the PinkDrive Stage Cycle Tour at Pick n Pay in Strand, Cape Town, having travelled approximately 3 500 kilometres over 44 days.
Through his efforts he hopes to raise money for PinkDrive, a public-benefit organisation that aims to give disadvantaged communities access to education on cancer and physical examinations through their mobile breast-check units and educational cars, as well as a mobile women’s health unit.
The cyclist started training in earnest about three months before the start of the trip, with 70 to 100 kilometres three to four times a week.
Wife Carolyn says Rick loves cycling and his trip can be seen as a way to experience what a cancer sufferer goes through. “He is pushed both mentally and physically and has to overcome a lot of challenges and barriers,” she remarked.
Rick is accompanied by long-time friend Dave Lasarow, who is driving the backup car and assisting Rick with the ride. It is divided into 38 stages, each lasting a day and ranging from 30 to 120 kilometres.
The route took Rick and Dave through the Lowveld, into Gauteng to Ladysmith and Durban’s seaviews, along the coast to East London, Port Elizabeth and Plettenberg Bay, eventually ending up in Cape Town via Hermanus and Strand on October 14.
The initiative has been greatly supported by individuals and businesses along the route like Valencia Cycling in Nelspruit, Cartrack, Pick n Pay, Caltex and Lowmed, with the team getting warm welcomes wherever they stopped.
People interested in tracking their progress can now do so via Cartrack’s website.
Supporters and friends have also been able to follow the trip closely thanks to Rick’s interesting daily blog posts, accompanied by a variety of photos of the scenery, people they’ve come across and Rick at various landmarks.
Visit www.pinkdrivestagecycletour.com for more information on the initiative or read Rick’s blog and see more amazing photos, here.
Currently (October 8) Rick is cycling from Riversdal to Swellendam, stage 33 of the tour.
