Parkwood resident rides 606km to raise money for Mr Price Foundation

Parkwood resident Ryan Katz took part in this year’s Ride for Mr Price Foundation in order to raise money for the charity organisation.

The annual ride, which is a punishing 606km ride from Johannesburg to Durban, took place from 3 to 4 December. The riders in this year’s challenge are a diverse group ranging from masters to juniors and will aim to raise R1 million for the foundation.

The team haven’t yet met their million rand mark but have raised well over half a million rand and will carry on raising money for the foundation until they reach their goal.

The foundation aims to empower youths from low-income areas and provide them with skills development programmes. The Jump Start programme seeks to provide life skills and training to job seekers. Since 2005, the programme has helped train over 22 000 young and unemployed South Africans. It also aims to showcase how businesses and individuals can work together to do good.

Katz became involved in the programme about four years ago and has relished each ride since then. The tough race requires rigorous training and Katz had prepared for it by taking part in other races leading up to the ride, including the 94.7 Cycle Challenge.

“You need to be riding at least every Saturday and Sunday to prepare for the race with at least six to nine hours of training,” said Katz.

The race began at 4.30am in Nigel, finishing in Ladysmith on the first day. The gruelling 14-hour cycle was then followed by another 4am start on 4 December with cyclists finishing at the Mr Price head offices in Durban.

Katz added that the highlight of the race is travelling from Pietermaritzburg to Durban as part of the highway is blocked off for the cyclists. Katz added that it’s a thrill being able to cycle along the highway freely.

Although Katz added that he was a bit nervous about this year’s race as he had not trained as hard as he had previously, he still enjoyed it. “I love being on the road, it’s definitely better than being at the office. This year’s race was really tough, I didn’t train enough, but it was absolutely fantastic and I’m honoured and grateful to have completed my fourth ride,” concluded Katz.

Tell us your thoughts about the Ride for Mr Price Foundation to raise money on WhatsApp 079 439 5345