Cyclist saddles up for Pet Pals

70km ride to raise funds for animal haven

WITH the much-anticipated Kwelera 2 Kei Mountain Bike Outride taking place on Saturday, Marcus Bezuidenhout has decided to add two extra challenges for himself – riding the race on a single-speed bicycle and raising funds for Pet Pals Animal Sanctuary.

“Our Funtrax club chairman asked if someone would be willing to do the ride on a single-speed bike for charity and I knew that Pet Pals needed help,” Bezuidenhout said.

He is appealing to the public for sponsorship in support of the animal sanctuary, which is preparing to move to new premises in the new year. People can either sponsor a few rand per kilometre or support with a lump sum.

“They are quite hidden away where they are. Many people don’t know about the work they do. I want to give them exposure because they don’t put animals down and they really care for the animals there,” he said.

HITTING THE SADDLE: Marcus Bezuidenhout will be riding the 70km Kwelera 2 Kei (K2K) Mountain Bike Outride on a single-speed bicycle in aid of Pet Pals . He is appealing to the public for sponsorship to assist the animal sanctuary

The 70km fun ride is usually tackled on a 24-30 gear bike, making the hills particularly challenging for Bezuidenhout.

“The bike was donated to the club as a joke, so that when someone’s bike breaks down they are given the single-speed bike to carry on with,” Bezuidenhout said.

Cycle HQ fitted a lower gear ratio to the bike, making the hills more manageable.

Funtrax MTB club chairman and outride organiser, Rob Hartzenburg, said: “Very few people would manage to do this challenging ride with that bike. It is really brave of him. “The hills will be really tough and there are no shock absorbers, making the bumpy road more of a challenge. I hope people support him well.”

The relaxed, social ride encourages camaraderie, with 16 business-sponsored watering points. Bezuidenhout will stop at each of the points and encourage businesses to make a contribution.

Pet Pals founder Sue Kriel said: “I think it is a wonderful idea and we are so proud of him doing it for those animals. I wish him the best of luck!”

To make a contribution:

Account number: 622 622 01537

Bank: FNB

Branch: 260251

Ref: K2K4PETPALS

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