Help The Herald Cycle Tour move miles for charity

Doing good while doing what you love sounds like a win-win situation for prospective participants of The Herald Cycle Tour in 2024.

A personalised charity drive, where participants can enter the Charity Rider category to support the event’s beneficiaries – the Uthando Youth Cycle Academy, Smile Foundation and Reach for a Dream – forms part of this year’s event.

The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, consists of the mountain bike races starting and finishing at the Addo Polo Club on February 11 and the road events at Pollok Beach on February 17 and 18.

The Moving Miles for Charity initiative is a new addition to The Herald’s CSI programme.

“We’d like to encourage as many riders as possible to participate in the charity leg of the event,” The Herald’s marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters said.

“Not only does this benefit the charities; it also enhances the sense of community and upliftment, which are two integral pillars of the race.”

A charity entry includes participation in any one of the mountain bike or road events, a dedicated start group for 106km riders and a branded Velotex cycle tour jersey.

All funds raised will be donated to the three charities and the Charity Rider entrant with the highest total will win a Trek Marlin 5 bicycle valued at R9 000.

The person riding for charity can approach friends, family, colleagues or corporates to assist in the fundraising drive.

Charity entrants would receive a unique link to action the fundraising process, Ulay-Walters said.

Uthando Youth Cycle Academy co-founder Luthando Fatyi said the donations would assist its development programme – and specifically aid in sending riders to races around the country.

Reach for a Dream Foundation’s Eastern Cape manager Lwanele Mpeta appreciated the organisation’s long-standing relationship with the event.

She said the initiative was a great way for participants to combine their passion for cycling with social responsibility.

“It’s a direct and tangible way to make a difference in the lives of dreamers. It helps them experience moments of happiness and regain a part of their childhood that may be lost due to illness.

“Some riders may have a personal connection with us; whether knowing a child who has faced a life-threatening illness or having been inspired by stories of dream fulfilment,” Mpeta said.

“This connection can be a powerful motivator to support us.”

The Smile Foundation’s Eastern Cape hospital co-ordinator Tanya Jackson said the organisation was extremely grateful to be one of the supported charities. She welcomed the initiative and described it as “innovative”.

In addition to the Charity Rider category, entrants can again support the Helmet Heroes initiative to encourage safe cycling in the region. They can donate when entering or drop off preloved helmets at registration.

Helmet donations will be distributed to local cyclists and the Uthando academy.

To ride and raise funds for charity, go to www.heraldcycletour.co.za and select the Charity Rider entry option at R1 800 apiece.

Registration for charity entries close at midday on Sunday, December 31.

For more information, send an email to cycletour@theherald.co.za.