Five of the six riders from left, are Karlien Scholtz, Howard Warrington, Burt Gildenhuys, Marius Erasmus and Helgo Hohenstein. Elandre Kotzee is absent from the photograph.
A team of six local riders will take on what is known as the toughest single stage race in the world, on Saturday August 20, all in an attempt to help rescued horses.
The team will take on the gruelling Trans Baviaans mountain bike race (MTB) all in support of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Horse Care Unit.
The Horse Care Unit is tasked with rescuing, rehabilitation and rehoming of horses and other equines. The unit also treats minor ailments of owned horses.
The six-strong team from Somerset West, will be divided into two groups of three riders for the purpose of the race.
Karlien Scholtz, Howard Warrington and Marius Erasmus (whose race name is Team SPCA Bucking Broncos) and Helgo Hohenstein, Burt Gildenhuys and Elandre Kotzee (called Team SPCA Jolly Jockeys) will take on the challenging 230km-long race.
“We are all animal lovers and against any form of abuse or neglect,’ said team member Ms Scholtz, who has dogs, alpacas and horses at home.
“We chose to help the SPCA's Horse Care Unit because rehabilitating horses is costly and some of these animals’ recovery takes a long time. The SPCA needs support to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses.”
One of South Africa’s premier mountain biking events, the entire Trans Baviaans route is unmarked, which tests the orientation skills of each rider.
The race’s late start, at 10am, also compels all riders to use lights for night time riding and the distance of 230 km – from Willowmore to Jeffrey’s Bay – must be completed within 24 hours.
While this race may sound too much like hard work for many cyclists, members of Team SPCA Bucking Broncos and Jolly Jockeys jokingly admit that when someone in their group suggests an event, they all oblige without hesitation because of their ‘FOMO’ (Fear of Missing Out).
“We ride for the fun of it and to keep fit, rather than chasing medals. We’re asking other animal lovers and riders for support, to help us meet our fundraising target for the horses,” added Ms Scholtz.
Individuals and companies are urged to support the team at www.givengain.com/cc/riding-to-help-heal-horses/