11 brave souls rode for 3 days through the Swartland winelands in order to create awareness around prostate cancer and to raise funds.
Day 1 began in Wellington with a spectacular ride through the farmlands surrounding Diemersfontein Wine Estate. After the initial 5km warm-up the cyclists settled in for a long 70km haul to Riebeek Kasteel. A good few riders were adjusting to their cleats and bailed. Fortunately there were no serious injuries. Aki Anastasiou from radio 702 was not able to provide en-route traffic reports but fortunately it was predominantly tractors and sheep that caused the odd snarl-up. Our Daytrippers guide, Steve, ensured that there were no stragglers left behind. On reaching Riebeek Kasteel West ,PCF’s CEO Andrew Oberholzer collpased in exhaustion in the town square and refused to proceed without first enjoying liquid refreshment. Everyone welcomed the opportunity to down a cold beer before riding the last 5km stretch to the hotel for the overnight stay. Good food, fine wine and soft beds were appreciated by all.
Day 2 proved to be the easiest ride – a fairly gentle 60km ride to Tulbagh which was completetd by lunch time. Some of the more energetic cyclists felt cheated and our friendly Daytrippers guide, Steve, agreed to take them on an extra single track excursion in the forests. The 10km uphill proved to be very taxing but this was followed by a wild 10km downhill on single track. The result was a good few spectacular bails. Chrisian Rodseth, Marketing and Sales Director at Janssen, proved to be the most adept at high flying. Astoundingly there were no serious injuries. The remaining more ‘genteel’ riders chose to engage in a more culturally oriented afternoon activity – Dr Lance Coetzee and his wife, Lilla, Prof Shingai Mutambirwa PCF director, Jorika Marx and PCF CEO, Andrew Oberholzer, enjoyed wine tasting at the Saronsberg and Tweejonggezellen Estates. After a rowdy dinner the group retired early in preparation for the final day.
Day 3 began with cool, misty weather and a sombre breakfast mood. The entrepid Bainskloof Mountain Pass lay ahead and only the young and fearless felt no anxiety. After a beautiful start through off-the-beaten-track farmlands, the riders emerged at a welcome water point just before the start of the infamous 15km long Bainskloof Pass. 17 year old Wade Oberholzer and equally young-at-heart Sean Searle (from Janssen) shot up the pass effortlessly. Dr Lance Coetzee and Christian Rodseth helped Andrew Oberholzer by allowing him to slipstream all the way up…..and even waited patiently halfway up for Andrew to catch his breath. Dean Fossett (the robotics whizz from Earth Medical) and Shingai followed closely in their tracks. The stragglers arrived shortly afterwards. After the summit came the exhilirating downhill through Wellington to the end point at Diemersfontein Wine Estate.
