Well-known Cape Town mountain bike rider Cobus Fourie is taking on a gruelling mountain-bike race to raise funds for Hout Bay non-profit Bright Start.
The Munga MTB is a 1 000km single-stage mountain-bike race from Bloemfontein to Wellington that takes place in the middle of the South African summer.
This year, it will be held from Wednesday November 28 to Monday December 3.
AnITsupportcompanyhas joined forces with Traderoot Active, a charity initiative for cyclists and runners, to raise funds for children’s education through its Run for a Child and Ride for a Child initiatives.
“I have always explored the idea of how I could make a difference, and it was after a stage-race event that I was approached by a mate to join a WhatsApp group called ‘Ride for a Child’. I attended one of the social events in 2017 and realised that this is a cause I can really contribute to in a positive way by riding my bicycle, creating awareness and in turn raise funds through my passion,” Mr Fourie said.
Ultra-endurance events are Mr Fourie’s favourite race format, and he has completed three Trans Baviaans events (230km within 24 hours) and two 36 One MTB Challenges (361km completed within 36 hours).
This week, a crowd-funding campaign was started on the platform givengain (https://www.givengain.com/cause/3730/campaigns/18700/) to raise money for his ride.
Bright Start programme director Laura Collura said the NPO was very grateful to Mr Fourie.
“He is doing something for us that requires such a personal sacrifice. But we can draw parallels with what he does, because the kids in our programme also have to endure through tough times to succeed,” she said.
There are five race villages where riders can rest, eat and get mechanical assistance. There are also a number of water points placed between 50km and 60km apart.
The race is semi-supported, meaning that riders will be get support from race officials and at race villages but everything else they need must be taken along, or bought along the way, and must be carried on the bike.
“I am firm believer in testing one’s limits as this to me is a great way of getting to know yourself and what you are capable of, not just in cycling, but in your personal life as well,” Mr Fourie said.