‘South Africa – It’s possible.’ This is the slogan written on a new beanie I recently received from the Australian branch of South Africa Tourism. I’ve been invited to join a group of 12 Australian mountain bikers as they tackle the 3 day, 270km Sani2c bike race in May.
But they’re doing so much more than just the race. The itinerary includes a safari trip, horse riding, wine tasting, a night in a hotel with animal themed bedrooms, a cable car ride up Table Mountain, and some quality mountain bike tourism as well. I’ll be reporting on the trip for Flow Mountain Bike and joined by Fiona Harper, a travel journalist based up in Cairns.
What makes this trip extra special, is that the Sani2c Oz Tour group have raised several thousand dollars to help build a pre-school in KwaZulu-Natal. They aimed to raise $25,000, reached it really quickly, and are pushing toward $50,000 before they depart. The extra funds will not only help build a classroom but also help to purchase equipment for work and play, and build necessities we often take for granted back home like pit toilets and water tanks. In addition to the tourism side of the trip, the riders will spend time painting part of the school and meeting some of the kids.
For more info have a read of the Sani2c Oz Tour site. If the fundraising side of it is something you would like to contribute to there is a link for donations as well.
Visiting South Africa is not only possible, it’s action packed, rich in experiences and happening really soon. Keep an eye on the Flow Mountain Bike website and Facebook page for images and words once the adventure is underway.
Kath Bicknell 