“Amazing” cyclists pass through Ladysmith
An amazing bunch of guys, doing amazing things for an amazing cause
Craig Jones from Ballito, KZN, led the ‘Ride for MRP Foundation’ into Ladysmith on the first day of the ride on Sunday, November 29. Jones is the only rider to have participated in all six editions of the ‘Ride for MRP Foundation’, which allows him the honour to wear the yellow jersey for the fund-raising cycle event.
The sixth annual ‘Ride for MRP Foundation’ finished on a high note, as 40 seasoned cyclists successfully completed one of South Africa’s toughest road rides. The epic 660km ride from Johannesburg to Durban spanned over two days (November 29 and 30) and raised funds for the MRP Foundation that looks set to reach over R300,000.
Day one pushed the cyclists’ mental and physical limits as they tackled some big climbs on the journey from Johannesburg to Ladysmith, covering 370km in just 14 hours.
The determined cyclists set a strong downhill pace on day two, gaining momentum as they were escorted through sunny Durban by Metro police, finally arriving at the Mr Price head office to a cheering crowd of well-wishers.
Testament to the popularity of the gruelling cycle challenge, entries poured in this year. Kelvin du Sart, chairman of the Westville Cycle Club and visionary and organiser behind the ride, was impressed by both the riders’ camaraderie and the ride itself.
“The ride went exactly to plan, the heat doesn’t prove too much of a challenge, and they all made it through successfully! And of course, a big thanks to the assistant and support team who followed them the whole way.”
Since it was first staged in 2010, over R500,000 has been raised through the event, with that figure set to rise even higher after this ride. Proceeds go to the MRP Foundation, a non-profit organisation with a vision for South Africa where young people become inspired, healthy and engaged citizens through education and skills development programmes.
The MRP Foundation is all about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, something six-time rider Craig Jones knows all about. The financial manager at the Mr Price Group proudly rode in an illustrious yellow jersey, an honourable goal for other riders to work towards.
The six-time rider was still feeling strong at the finish and was really impressed with everyone who took part, saying, “The ‘Ride for MRP Foundation’ is about an amazing bunch of guys, doing amazing things for an amazing cause.”
