Uphill struggle for adventurer Werner

SNOW, harsh terrain, strong winds, a fall and a broken bike frame were some of the curve balls a local adventurer had to face only two days into his Race across South Africa (RASA) Freedom Challenge.
Endurance athlete and mountaineer Werner Nienaber hit the road on Saturday morning from the Pietermaritzburg starting point, to ride 2 300km solo in aid of children with autism.
The demanding, unsupported race which will end in Wellington in the Cape, has been compared to running the Comrades up and down in one go.
Nienamber, trustee and founder member of the Able Early Intervention Centre for Children on the Autism Spectrum in Meerensee, aims to raise funds for the extension of the centre owing to a growing demand and limited capacity.
On Saturday, after 115km in windy conditions and 2 600 metres of climbing, he completed the first stage from Pietermaritzburg to Minerva and Allendale with an overnight at Centacow Mission, where he departed from in freezing conditions on Sunday morning.
But on route to Ntsikeni misfortune struck when his frame snapped in two after a fall.
The Able Freedom Challenge WhatsApp group following his progress contacted Good Samaritan ‘Ollie’ of Pyga who came to the rescue, opening shop after hours to provide Nienamber with a new frame while a mechanic on Glen Edward will rebuild his frame.
He will receive a six hour daylight penalty for bringing in new equipment and will attempt to re-assemble the new frame during penalty time.
He slept over at Ntsikeni where he reported snow.
The Able Freedom Challenge Chat is used by family and friends to encourage him through his mammoth challenge.
Cyclists ride solo with a narrative and maps to work out their route, with 26 support stations available at farm houses and monasteries.
They are monitored with trackers should they get lost or injured.
According to Nienamber’s wife Elitza and manager of the ABLE Centre, he aims to reach Diemersfontein in Paarl in 16 days.
He is sponsored by DMV Consultants, Alpha Panelbeaters, Meerensee Veterinary Clinic and several private donors.
Follow Werner at https://www.freedomchallenge.org.za