WHEN Durban North resident, Riaan Marais, set off on his fundraising solo cycle ride from Durban to the Eastern Cape border (and back) again last week, he did not expect to raise as much as he did. Marais, who was cycling in aid of the Khanyisa Developmental Centre in uMhlanga, raised R18 000.

The school was established as an integrated centre and school with the vision to meet the needs of families who have children with any kind of special needs from birth through to 13 years.

The 35-year-old cycled a distance of 389 kilometres in four days and had been planning on doing the ride for a long time.

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“My son Tyson (6) has autism and is a learner at the school and my intention for the ride was to not only raise funds for the school but also raise some awareness for autism. I had been planning on doing this ride for a while now and I said if I’m not going to do it now then I’m never going to do it,” he explained.

On his four day unsupported solo ride equipped with a one-man tent, Marais burned 18 000 calories and reached an elevation level of 5 000 metres.

“I cycled the old road on the journey and the conditions were challenging at times. The toughest ride was the cycle back to Durban because I was battling a strong headwind in searing heat. It was about a 100 kilometres ride and that was tough. I started and ended my race at the Fairway service station (across from Crusaders Sports Ground) and cycling over that finish line was a sweet moment.

“I had no idea how much I raised until I spoke to the school. I had been updating people who were following my journey through my company Facebook page. The success of this trip has ignited my passion to make it an annual ride, but not as a solo ride. I would love to have other cyclists join me and raise as much as we can for the school,” he said.

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Marias also thanked all those who contributed to the cause saying he could not have raised so much without the kindness of strangers, family and friends.

“I had a bag with the school’s logo on the front of my bicycle and everywhere I went I had people asking me what my ride was about. One woman I met while buying a pie talked to me about the fundraising ride and donated a sizable amount to the cause. I would like to thank everybody who contributed to this amazing school and helped me reach my goal,” he said.

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