Six tenacious athletes cycled for 12 straight hours in this year’s Ride for a Cause Cyclathon on Friday 23 August. Paul Schaerer, Erika Potgieter, Kelcey Brock, Taryn Kerr, Silvana Barbali and Tash Pretorius raised a total of R5 500 in their half-day spent at Rhodes University’s Health Suite.
Six tenacious athletes cycled for 12 straight hours in this year’s Ride for a Cause Cyclathon on Friday 23 August. Paul Schaerer, Erika Potgieter, Kelcey Brock, Taryn Kerr, Silvana Barbali and Tash Pretorius raised a total of R5 500 in their half-day spent at Rhodes University’s Health Suite.
The relentless riders only took breaks for medical emergencies and other necessities. A lonesome rower matched this time on an ergo machine set up alongside the spinning bikes.
Rhodes rower Ryan Palmer yanked the ergo handlebars until he had rowed the equivalent of 160 kilometres. “It was tough but the vibe was good,” Palmer said after his marathon session.
Next year Palmer aims to beat the world rowing record by crossing the Atlantic Ocean in less than 28 hours. A total of nearly 270 participants took to the 25 spinning bikes throughout the day, donating R30 per 45-minute slot.
All-in-all the event raised about R13 000.
The event was hosted by Rhodes University Health Suite Indoor Cycling to raise money for the Assumption Nutrition Centre in Joza. The initiative was established 20 years ago to feed hungry and needy children in the nearby township.
“Everyone worked together to obtain sponsorship and to fill bikes up,” said event organiser Julia Trollip. “Participants were enthusiastic on the day, some even came dressed up and really showed their participative spirit.” This year, each slot had a different theme like ‘lumo hour’, which saw cyclists hit the bikes in white or bright clothes that became luminescent under UV lights.
Spinning instructors managing the slots chose the themes. “It was really up to each instructor who chose what best suited them and their personalities,” Trollip said. “I'm very glad the day was a success and that we will now be able to help the Assumption Nutrition Centre,” she added. “It’s a good feeling to know that we can assist in ensuring that a number of children will be guaranteed a warm meal each day.”
