Personal message

Where to start… Johannesburg. A village was known as home to a select few. To some, the name may ring a bell. To others not. However, there is a single reason that each South African should be aware of this habitat: it hosts the country's most exquisite cycling event. "Isn't that the Cape Town Cycle  Tou…" WRONG! .. The Ride Joburg is the jewel in the South African cycling calendar's crown that carries the shine and lustre of the reef over which it passes. 

Now I feel it is necessary to address the first impression that a cycling event is as mundane as an event can get. Yet I ask you to approach the Ride Joburg with an open mind. Starting alongside the Calabash that has witnessed some of football's greatest feats, such as the El Kasico of 2012 that finished 3-2 in the Buccaneer's favour, you are rapidly whisked away by a shrewdly allocated starting batch through the outskirts of Soweto, where despite the ungodly hour on a Sunday morning, the cheers of its inhabitants are plentiful. A sense of pride (rightfully so) to be hosting. 

From here, you emerge on the M1, pulsating through the economic artery of the Republic. Few occasions garner the respect to shut this road down. Read into that what you will. Prestigious. 

I could detail the route further, but that is beside the point. I trust I provided a tantalising introductory piece that would substantiate my intention to participate. 

Now, to convince you that I am also participating in a selfless cause would be pulling the wool over your eyes. "You cannot have so much fun whilst still doing good for someone else, Kei…." WRONG AGAIN! Alongside the hedonism is the responsibility to represent the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) - and the privilege to raise funds for such a commendable cause. A beautiful coincidence to convert one's passion for cycling and Johannesburg into helping needful bone marrow recipients find their match.