A Success!!!   I made it and didnt crash

Thanks to all of you for your support.  On Sunday, in 37 degree (95 fahrenheit) temperatures I made it all 109km at a speed of 30kph without a crash.  Despite some serious cramps I managed to conquer Chappies and the ever entertaining Suikerbossie (ladies in burkhas, Xhosa mamas and Afrikaans boermaisies cheering us all on) and follow a chasing group led by a tandem at a sizzling 42kph over the last 10km to finish in 3hours39 mins.   It was a wonderful day, with 5 riders sporting The Kusasa Project jerseys and all of us enjoying a uniquely South African day. 

The ELC is a great success and all of the funds raised will support the great work that Hilmari, Mariska, Nolizwi and our team on the ground are doing with the kids each day. 

Dave

 

The Kusasa Project: The Kusasa Project www.thekusasaproject.org was started 5 years ago by me and my friend Doug Gurr to provide a brighter future to impoverished children in South Africa.  Using a simple direct approach, initially utilizing volunteers to engage schools with literacy help, the organization has grown by leaps and bounds.  Our mission has been simple from the start:  To inspire, guide, challenge and nurture poor children to build a better future for themselves and their families. 

Over the past 5 years we have grown the organization and developed programs in literacy, sport, after school clubs, scholarship, nutrition (feeding 700 kids a day!) field trips and community service.   The Kusasa Project reaches over 1000 children in a variety of programs and has gone from strength to strength, gaining international support from individuals, schools, and foundations.  We now have a small professional staff led by a highly experienced educator - Madame Jacquie Spiers - and are developing our programs for a more lasting impact on the kids.

In January 2012 we realized one of our dreams by opening the Early Learning Centre - our own pre-school - upon which we hope to ultimately build a full primary school. 

The Cape Argus Cycle Tour:  The Argus is the largest one-day cycle race in the world, held annually in Cape Town, South Africa. A 109km race it attracts 35,000 participants from the pros to those on beach cruisers, passing along some of the most stunning scenery and mixing rich & poor amongst its racers and fans.  It is truly one of the unique events in the world of sport.  Each year I try to ride it to raise funds for The Kusasa Project and this will be my 5th Argus.  Just to add a bit of drama, I've delayed my 6th knee op to be able to ride - the doc says it's ok!

Shane O'Neill :  One of our key supporters has been the Chello Foundation,- founded by my friend Shane O'Neill, an executive of Liberty Global Inc. -  who sponsor 40 at-risk children we call our Chello Kids.  Shane tragically died in early February at 50 years old from a terrible illness.  A keen cyclist, amongst his many other talents and amazing attributes, Shane dedicated himself to making a real difference and inspired others to do so.  We had agreed that one day we would ride the Argus together when our schedules meshed.  Our organization has much to thank him for and thus I, as The Kusasa Project's primary fundraiser, dedicate this year's ride to his memory and am setting an ambitious fundraising goal with Shane in mind. I'm in no doubt that as I struggle on the later stages of the 109km race, i'll hear Shane's non-stop chirping, encouraging me along the way.

 All funds raised go directly to supporting the programs and children of The Kusasa Project.  

Thank you for your financial and moral support - it is all greatly appreciated!     

Dave