Cyclist raises funds for orphanages while riding through Ladysmith from Alexander Bay
His journey started in Alexander Bay on October 5 and ended in Durban on November 30
Janco Lehmann is currently riding across the country from Alexander Bay to Durban, which is a total of 1793km, for a charity called Gee Hoop. Janco (25) is raising funds through generous donations along the route and is donating funds to six orphanages.
His journey started in Alexander Bay on October 5 and ended in Durban at Kings Park Stadium on November 30.
Janco has stopped in 17 towns along the way, with Ladysmith being his 18th stop.
During his stay in Ladysmith, Janco says, “I was warmly welcomed by all and taken great care of by the people.”
Janco visited Inkanyezi Special Needs School, Môrester Children’s Home and the Drakensberg Boys Choir.
He was gladly welcomed by Memra Lodge and Hoffman House, where he stayed for a few nights free of charge, and then with Lenie van der Merwe who helped him out with his trip.
The idea of cycling from Alexander Bay to Durban came about a few years ago when he spoke to his very close friend, Armand Odendaal, telling him that he wanted to do something adventurous. Shortly after that, Armand sadly passed away in a motorcycle crash. “Armand and I were very close friends, and he and his mother faced hardships during his life.
“To honour my friend, I took on this challenge of cycling across the country to raise funds for orphanages.”
During the journey so far, Janco says he faced a heavy windstorm for 48km on the second day, with wind speeds up to 80km/h.
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When he arrived in Ladysmith, cyclists from Siegetown Wheelers welcomed him to town by cycling with him, side by side, from Braamhoek. Olga Lourens and Hugh Clarke are thanked for all their assistance in helping Janco.
Arne Maitland gave Janco a world-class tour of Ladysmith’s rich history.
Janco departed from Ladysmith on Tuesday morning (November 20) ,and headed out on the open road towards Mooi River and then Howick, Pietermaritzburg and then lastly Durban.
The Siegetown Wheelers cyclists also helped Janco by leading him out of town on Tuesday.
Janco can be followed on Facebook at Gee Hoop and Instagram on Gee Hoop, where you can catch up with all he is currently doing on his trip.
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