Rotary Hoedspruit recently hosted its 9th annual K2C Cycle Tour, featuring a scenic route through Timbavati, Thornybush, and Kapama private reserves. The event has grown in popularity, with teams from across the country quickly filling up spots for 2025, prompting consideration of expanding participant numbers.
Cyclists and their support teams were captivated by wildlife sightings, including buffalo, elephants, lions, and various plains game, all from their bikes. Michael Henderson, the Rotarian project manager, expressed satisfaction with the community involvement this year, highlighting contributions from local residents such as elderly women from the old age home, who helped prepare the sauce for lunch for riders at Karula Bush Braai on Kapama. Rotary aims to engage the community fully and make the event a true Hoedspruit event.
At a chilly 05:30, 93 riders, their backup teams, support riders, photographers, and representatives from Hoedspruit Radio FM gathered around cozy braziers provided by Rotary, enjoying coffee and crumpets before embarking on the challenging route. The event featured striking gear adorned with a pangolin design by local artist Warren Cary and his team, and the riders appreciated their newly designed “postman” goody bags filled with essentials. The five pelotons were horned out by Alan Partington’s impressive blowing of his Kudu horn, a tradition marking the tour’s start.
At 16:00, the first peloton arrived as the Southern Cross School drummers performed a stirring welcome, moving some spectators to tears. Riders, exhausted but exhilarated from their 100 km journey, passed under the inflatable Hi Q finish arch, where they were greeted with drinks sponsored by Tire Mart.
Among the riders, many participated as groups of friends and colleagues enjoying the event together. The “Super Ballies” won the award for best group name. Only two Rotarians joined the ride: Hoedspruit Club past President Wilna Mew as a backup rider, and 81-year-old David Grant, a past Governor, who was honoured as the most compassionate and oldest participant. His fellow riders described him as an inspiration.
The total funds raised will be announced at a Rotary Awards evening hosted by President Christine du Preez on October 17th, where the date for the 2025 Rotary K2C Cycle Tour will also be revealed.
