Raising the Barr

On Saturday, April 25, ex-soldier Dave Barr shared his inspirational story with a captivated audience at Umhlali All Souls Anglican church before speaking about his team’s latest fundraising campaign.

Having lost both his legs after his Toyota hit a landmine in Angola, Barr was faced with a new battle, this time against himself.

It was only when he returned to the US, said Barr, and first rode his newly restored motorcycle that he “had a vision” of what he wanted to do next.

As the sands of time continued to move, Barr was contacted by Annie Kruger, the director of Hoogland Retreat, who had heard about his story and wanted him to give a few talks here in South Africa.

Barr and Kruger decided to make an event out of it by completing a 6 500 km journey on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles across South Africa in just 17 days.

Their 2015 Chutzpah Adventure is raising money for the disabled – a passion ignited by his own injury and rehabilitation.

After the loss of his legs, Barr said that he never asked “why me God?”, but “what next God” and so his commitment to help others in his situation.

Instrumental to the success of the trip were the Zambezi, Gold Rand and Bloemfontein Harley-Davidson outfits, who sponsored much of the costs.

The ride started in Randburg on April 17 and finishes on April 30 at the same location in Johannesburg, but includes checkpoint destinations such as Ballito (where Barr gave a presentation and stayed the night), Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and as far north as Tzaneen.

Most of the money received from the trip’s collective sponsors and donors will be used to add to the 20 wheelchairs already bought for the disabled.

The beneficiaries of these collected funds are the Cheshire Homes Organisation, who Barr has had contact with since 1988 and QuadPara SA – the Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Association of South Africa.

This epic journey goes a long way in doing something special for those who need it the most. With the company of his American and South African friends, the money they are raising and the ride that they are doing, it is inspiring to know that he has found peace.