Local cyclist takes on 1 018km endurance race for charity
A competitive endurace mountain bike race challenge where local cyclist had already completed his first 222km since they started.
Casseldale resident George van Maanen is looking to make a massive amount of money for charity.
He is planning on competing in the 1 018km The Munga Mountain Bike Race starting on November 29.
Van Maanen says the five-day race is referred to as the toughest race on earth.
He aims to raise enough money by claiming R1 a kilometre all the way from Bloemfontein to Wellington in the Western Cape.
“Just to contribute Christmas gifts to underprivileged children will make me a happy man,” he says.
He plans to spend as much time on his mountain bike as his body will allow him.
“This is my second attempt and I plan on finishing the race this time,” he says.
Last year’s race offered many aches and pains which led to van Maanen quitting the race.
To finish the race is a challenge on its own for this 55-year-old man.
“It is definitely an endurance race, but it offers the most beautiful scenery, wildlife as well as birds,” he says.
When he decided to take on the challenge he discussed the option of sponsorships for as little as R1 a kilometre with his wife Ansa.
He told her his aim is to finish the race and “why not do it for charity”.
When he heard that a few local businessmen including Henk Hoffman, Henlo Meyer, Lukas Crause and his cycling club Springs Wheelers had already agreed to sponsor him, he was ecstatic.
“Every kilometre sponsored will help to give someone a gift for Christmas,” he says.
Van Maanen stopped cycling for a while and ran three Comrade Marathons, but took up cycling again in 2011.
“Being a competitive person, I love endurance races,” he says.
The race regulations allow no outside help.
“During the five-day race it is just you and your bicycle in a completely new, yet different world,” says van Maanen.
Everything the cyclists need, including water, medicine, emergency kit, navigation, extra clothes, puncture kit, tools, white and red light for night riding, must be with them on their bicycles.
“Although there are a few water points, I still take three litres of extra water with me as well as bum cream,” he says.
During The Munga 2016 race, only 39 of the 81 cyclists completed the race.
