Since the inception of the Big Rock Cycling School in Parys, this initiative has given aspiring young cyclists from all walks of life an opportunity to learn and participate in cycling as a sport, teaching them skills to become proficient cyclists. Some now participate at a competitive level with promising results.

Familiar faces you will see at the weekly training sessions offered free of charge are Attie Koekemoer, who started the cycling school in 2022, and who provides coaching and motivational support to the riders. Tabiso Motaung and Tommie Theron who take care of the mechanical repairs and adjustments on the bicycles, while Ras Bothma rides along and keeps the cyclists safe on the trails.
Phillip Basson is in charge of logistics, building the routes, and maintaining the clubhouse facilities.

What started as a small group of cyclists has developed over the past three years into a school with more than 70 registered riders who are part of the club under the auspices of Parys Multisport.

Some of Big Rocks cyclists have bikes and equipment, while others rely on the available resources at the school. The past week, the school
was blessed with 96 secondhand bicycles, which will either be repaired and used by the cyclists, or used for spares to ensure that there will be enough bicycles available for all registered Big Rock cyclists.

The donation came after a video posted by Parys Rotary president Sandra Uys, showing the amazing work done at Big Rock. The Rotary Club in Empangeni immediately responded with their donation and a promise for more bicycles to be delivered later this year.

With the cycling season in full swing, and new cyclists continuing to show up in large numbers to join the school and get in on the action, this contribution by Rotary is sure to make a positive impact when the long line of cyclists shows up for practice on a Tuesday afternoon – a familiar sight at the Anatomic factory in Parys’ industrial area. Sports development is mainly about participation and promoting opportunities, of which an excellent example was seen the past weekend when about 70 of Big Rock’s cyclists turned up for the first and very successful Parys Wetland Park Mountain Bike Challenge, with about 30 of the donated bicycles used by these kids to participate.

For more information on Big Rock Cycling School or to donate a bicycle (regardless of its type or condition), cycling helmet, or any cycling equipment, spare parts, and tools you can part with, email info@ parysmultisport.co.za or call (056) 817 1465.