Some cyclists chase personal bests while others chase the peloton, but Alison Blair and Craig Vandeleur are chasing R30 000 to help fund a Clear Vu fence around the recently demolished Smit Street dump.

The two cycling enthusiasts will take on the Ride Joburg race on November 22, turning their love of two wheels into a fundraising drive for Community Cleaners, a non-profit organisation that helps keep parks and public spaces clean and maintained in Fairland, Northcliff and Berario.

Their mission is simple, even if the kilometres are not: get the community pedalling in the same direction and raise the money needed to secure the site at Smit and Market streets.

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Blair, a vegan chef who runs a home-based business supplying ready-made vegan meals, sweet treats and catering, is already accustomed to putting sustainability on the menu. She also serves on the Community Cleaners board, helping with fundraising, community awareness and weekly clean-ups. For her, supporting the organisation is a natural extension of the values behind her business. “I asked myself what I could do to assist,” she said, after seeing how reluctant and weary the wider community had become in the face of the enormous task of improving the area.

Vandeleur joined Community Cleaners to help strengthen governance and accountability while contributing to the area’s appearance. He has also spent much of his life on a bicycle, including taking part in the inaugural 947 race about 20 years ago.

Blair is no cycling newcomer either. She completed her first 947 race in 2008 and is preparing for her 13th edition of the event, now known as Ride Joburg. Their training plans are as serious as their fundraising ambitions. Vandeleur has increased his time on the bike and joined more group rides as he works towards a four-and-a-half-hour finish, while Blair is clocking between 150km and 160km a week, combining long weekend rides with twice-weekly spinning classes and mountain biking around her neighbourhood. Her target is to finish in under four hours.

That is a considerable amount of time in the saddle – but the pair hope their efforts will inspire residents and businesses to put something into the cause, too.

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The fundraising campaign has not officially launched yet, and the article is intended to help get the wheels turning. Their goal is to raise at least R30 000, with donations remaining open until the target is reached. There is no fixed installation deadline, but the hope is to get the job done sooner rather than later.

Beagle Watch has been involved in the project, with Community Cleaners also supporting the initiative. While the race will eventually end at a finish line, the need for community involvement will continue long after the cyclists have crossed it. The fence is one part of a much larger effort to improve the surroundings and encourage residents to take ownership of their shared spaces.

Blair and Vandeleur are asking people to spread the word, share the campaign on social media and contribute whatever they can – whether they live near the former dump or elsewhere in Johannesburg. Their message to the community is clear: “Every extra rand gets us closer to this goal.”

As Blair puts it, residents need only start by digging deep into their very deep pockets. Every rand could help build something that lasts long after the race is over.

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