NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS - The annual Hike-Hobble Hospice fundraiser saw 90 eager participants gather at the top of the Ouberg Pass at 06:00 this past Saturday, 11 May. Their intention was to walk, run or cycle the 50km backroads to Nieu-Bethesda.
This is the eight year that this heart-warming fundraiser has taken place, with all proceeds going to Camdeboo Hospice.
The Polish Way kindly loaned vehicles to transport everyone up to the top of Ouberg from Graaff-Reinet, which was an adventure in itself for some. Conditions at the start were absolutely perfect, and the dawn light made for a visual spectacle as the red-shirted participants hiked into the rising sun, surrounded by picture perfect Karoo landscapes.
The Hike-Hobble is chiefly sponsored by the Waddelows of Pick’n Pay - with Wolff and Johnston, Merino Pharmacy, Montego, Lions Club, Bluesky and Oasis all contributing generously to the challenge.
A beautiful sense of camaraderie was evident throughout the day, and pitstops providing warm and cold drinks, muffins and snacks proved to be wonderful gathering points where a quick rest, some sustenance and stretch gave hikers all they needed to continue with the journey.
Gratitude goes to Joggie and family of Hyundai/Caltex, Nommerpas, the Sterns of Rietpoort, Patty Coetzee of Riverdene and Beaver and Dalene Hobson who provided the fabulous pitstops and moral support along the way.
This year visitors from as far afield as KwaZulu-Natal travelled to join in the fun and they were amazed by the beauty of the Karoo landscape, the quiet backroads, the safety and the fact that as you walk you become totally immersed in the environment.
The hike was made more interesting with flocks of sheep running across the road, snake spotting, eagles flying overhead and magnificent views. The odd cramp, spasm and shriek of pain also added to the excitement. The first 25km went quickly and easily, but after Rietpoort farm, the uphills began.
Thanks to Jason Marais, Joe Barker, Bradley Dodds, Andre Swart, Louw Liebenberg, Devrin Muir and Beaver and Daleen Hobson who acted as backup drivers for this part of the journey – their constant encouragement was invaluable in terms of getting everyone up the final seven km hill which nearly broke many a spirit.
There were times during this quest when hikers walked as a group, buoyed on by the camaraderie and chatter around them. There were also times of reflection when some found themselves walking alone with thoughts and memories.
One hiker said as he walked and it became more and more difficult, that it made him cognisant of the challenges of cancer sufferers going through treatment.
To begin with one is strong and resilient, ready to take on everything, but it is during the tough times, when the road gets rocky and the hills become steeper, that one really has to dig deep, pull out all the stops and fight until the finish line is in sight.
A cyclist who had planned to walk, but suffered an injury and cycled instead, encouraging walkers as she rode back and forth (covering 80km in the end), said that the 7km hill towards the end looked like a 'suffer fest'! Walking 50km in a day is not for the faint-hearted, and ending in such a manner certainly takes incredible tenacity and endurance.
Cresting the final hill, when most had started to hobble, the exquisite view of Nieu-Bethesda, nestled in the valley below, made the journey well worth it. The four long kilometres to the end were not easy.
The Nieu-Bethesda Sports Club kindly lent out their premises and beers and worsrolls donated by Kamdeboo Supermeat, Venters Deli and Carmon Bakery were enjoyed by all.
As the sun set, hearts were filled with gratitude for strong bodies which had pushed themselves to the limit, beautiful surroundings in which to spend the day and special bonds of friendship which were forged.
Huge gratitude goes to Sharon Shell who organised and managed the whole event – the Hike/Hobble for Hospice would have not happened without her.
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