GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — The Unogwaja challengers started their journey in Cape Town on Thursday, May 25, bound for Pietermaritzburg via the Karoo, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

This 10-day, 1,660km cycle from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg to take part in the Comrades Marathon on the 11th day is a journey of the heart inspired by Phil Masterton-Smith (who’s nickname was “Unogwaja” meaning hare in Zulu).

In 1933, Masterton-Smith lived in Cape Town and could not afford the train fare to Pietermaritzburg for the start of the Comrades Marathon.

He got on his bike and he cycled there.

Today his courage and determination in the face of adversity are at the core of the Unogwaja Challenge which has become an annual journey that started in 2011 and brings together a small group of people chosen from all over the world for this special mission of hope across South Africa.

On Sunday, May 28, the Unogwaja team cycled the stretch between Willowmore and Graaff-Reinet.

"Despite the bitterly cold start, the Willowmore to Graaff-Reinet route gave us the opportunity to ride hard, ride together and enjoy the experience as a team." said one of the cyclists.

He continued, "Lunch time was a particular treat, and our much-anticipated stop in Aberdeen didn't disappoint. Father and son team Tienie and Thinus Appel from Caltex in Aberdeen, together with their wives, pulled out all the stops to prepare the most delicious spread, and we were properly fuelled up for a fast ride to Graaff-Reinet."

One crew member commented, "In Graaff-Reinet we were welcomed at Union High - our home base for the night. A few of the crew had an opportunity to speak to some of the kids after supper, and it was fun to be at the receiving end of their energy and enthusiasm."

Early Monday morning the team started their cycle to the Vukasebenze Shelter in Cradock - one of Unogwaja's beneficiaries.

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