An article published in the Queenstown newspaper "The Representative"

A new driver

King of the Mountain.....

A precious moment..........

The gorgeous driver............

Zooting along the straights............

And the winner is...........

Robert Metcalfe

Working together.....

The Visionary for the trip

The Amazing Cycle Ride from Bloemfontein to East London,  is all in aid of supporting the work that Living Waters is doing in our community.  This team (12 cyclists and 2 support crew) have volunteered, and sacrificed a large amount of resources to raise awareness and funds for Living Waters.

We’re challenging you to become part of this team by showing your support:                                       
 Pledge any amount by sms’ing “LW” followed by the amount to 33102 (South Africa only, sms’s cost R1.50).

C’mon lets support not just the efforts by the cyclists, but the reason why they are doing this

If you live outside of South Africa, you can still be part of this amazing endevour, please contact Living Waters via email, admin@livingwaters.org.za to find out how you can get involved. (if you would like to assist in some other manner, please also use the above email address)

For more info and more contact details please visit www.livingwaters.org.za

Day 4 ~ Destination bottom of Penhoek Pass

Day 4: destination - bottom of Penhoek Pass

Way to go TEAM!

Day 4 - more photo's, and the humour!

Day 4 Cycle Bloem to East London

Day 4 – Aliwal North to the bottom of Penhoek Pass. Oh my word! The undulations of the Eastern Cape and its beauty were certainly seen and felt by the team today. BUT, let me say, right off the bat, they ROCKED! J The challenging intensity of the mountains would set apart the men from the boys, and we ascertained and confirmed that each member of THIS cycle team is made from the highest calibre! J Bevan got close to the bus today, but didn’t manage to pass me… maybe next time, boet. J

The day started off with an early wake up call, once again, after an incredible evening. We had been hosted by the amazing De Wet families, who welcomed us SO warmly into their homes. Brothers Pieter and Wouter, and their wives welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to stay in their beautiful homes. They also showed us a hidden ‘treasure’ on their farm, a private hot springs, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the cyclists for hours, allowing their bodies to recuperate after THOSE three hills……. We enjoyed a delicious braai around the ‘spa’ with Wouter and Pierre, whilst enjoying an interesting 4 X 4 ride back to the farm house, with jokes and tales of long past being regaled. Poor Brett had to keep jumping off the bakkie and closing the gates – no respect for elders anymore! J 

Day 4 started off at Aliwal North with an immediate little uphill….. way to go! And it didn’t get any better, let me tell you, until the last 7 km’s…… It felt like the whole 110 km’s was just about uphill. J And I was driving a bus!!!! With regular ‘pit stops’ along the way, we slowly wound our way along the scenic route. It certainly was majestic, with green Weeping Willows dipping their heavy boughs toward the overflowing banks of the dams we passed along the way. I have a dear friend who has a soft spot for Weeping Willows, so have captured a few for her on camera. I will post the best one to share with you.

In a day that did NOT reach the mid 30’s degrees Celsius, as in the past, we were extremely grateful, as it was tough going to reach the pinnacle of those mountains. A lot of liquid refreshment was enjoyed H20, and regular breaks and stops were had, to ensure that we remained together as a group.

Gordon Graham finally got to join this motley crew, and it was GREAT to finally have our FULL HOUSE all together. Here we were…. After months of talking about it, months of planning…. The team, doing it, together. It felt good! It felt right! This was all Sally’s idea, but then these other amazing and generous people seemed to think that this was a GREAT idea, and joined her, to make a difference, to share the story – to let others know the positive work that Living Waters is doing amongst vulnerable people within the Buffalo City region particularly, but having served people who have come from all over South Africa, especially abused women and children. The message: to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, to give them HOPE, to let them know that there IS light at the end of the tunnel.

If you would like to be a part of this exciting initiative, you CAN be! You can donate towards Living Waters, in honour of the Amazing Cycle Ride. South African visitors can sms 33102 and “LW”, followed by your pledge (sms’s charged at R1.50).  YOU can challenge others to do the same. Others can contact us to make a direct deposit, if you would like to. Follow us on our Facebook page: “Riding Bums from Bloem to Slums”. You can visit our webpage on www.livingwaters.org.za or www.ordinarypeople.org.za . Email us on admin@livingwaters.org.za

Ordinary people – together making an extra-ordinary difference, together changing OUR world!

A random selection of photos taken over the last few days...

Day 3 - The hills have begun! So, yes, there were 3 VERY serious hills today, and Bevan proved he was King of the mountains, as he, without breaking a sweat, passed the bus..... UP THE HILL! Seriaas! He will have to redo the exploit, as I was SO aghast, that I did NOT capture the moment on camera. So, Bev, ol boy, you will have to do it again.... lol!
The team was in GREAT spirits, as we set off, after a wonderful evening, spent at the Sarie Marais Hotel. If you EVER need to spend the night in Bloemfontien, do consider stopping over in Reddersburg rather, and considering Phillip's great hospitality, as they went out of their way to look after our motley crew. :-) The rooms were spacious and the beds were comfortable........ I never did tell you about our first night's experience in Bloemfontein.... I have a photo to prove it..... but I need to be a few more hundred kilo's away before I do...... just for safety. :-) But, that story on another day. Back to today. After  a great night's rest, we awoke at 5am, to set off at 5:30am. Phillip woke up especially to see us off, with a packed breakfast and a fond farewell.
It was already the mid twenty's celcius at 8am. So, we hit Aliwal North mid-morning, and enjoyed a cup of Wimpy coffee........... Eish! Dit was lekker! :-) And then we still cycled another 36 km's to our final destination.... between which were those three hills.... which were renamed........ They do have geographic South African names.... but, in honour of the severity of the heat, and the incline, they have been renamed for this cycle trip, and forever after....... And perhaps, that will be for another story too.
We have a wonderful team spirit, and I am overwhelmed that we have SUCH a star-studded cast, and yet, they are AMAZING men and women who have so freely given of their time and effort, and actually PAID their money, to be on this 'road' trip with us. This was Sally Reeves' grand idea, and when she pitched it to me, I couldn't believe anyone would be SO crazy to actually go along with it.... but here we are..... at the end of Day 3...... and we have a double Springbok, South African representatives.....people that fly all over the world, are celebrities, are on television, are AWESOME men and women, sharing this experience with us.... and then we have businessmen/women/ professionals, who have taken their holiday time/leave to do this. It has cost them time/effort, and money, and yet they do it, putting their bodies on the line. I am humbled..... because they realise the cause is greater than themselves.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us. It is indeed a privilege and pleasure.
I am truly humbled because little 'ol me, is a part of this AMAZING cycle ride...... and I am overwhelmed.

Day 1 of riding is complete, and what a day it was. We had 5 punctures..... and a broken bike, and some interesting stories along the way.....
But at the end of the day, we can look back, and be so pleased with the results.
After an EARLY wake up call, before 5am in Bloemfontein, we started off, just on the outskirst of Bloem. Punctures, and some problems with a bike saw some delays along the way, BUT it was a STUNNING morning of cycling, and with the wind pushing us from behind, it was an AWESOME day's ride.
With Melonie in the front car, and Marcelle bringing up the rear, the cyclists did a SUPERB job! They look relaxed and GREAT for their first day!
After arriving in Reddersburg, and putting their 'stuff' in the Sarie Marais Hotel, they got back on their bicycles, and ventured a further 30 kms, in a now 38 degree heat. That certainly took it's toll on all all bodies. We FELT the heat! It was the middle of the day, and it was COOKING!
After arriving back at the hotel, some opted for a cool-off in a local swimming pool, a BIG thanks to the management! And the others enjoyed a tasty lunch before having a well-deserved rest.
Some even had enough energy that they enjoyed a little walk later.
News is coming in of donations that are being deposited, towards the non profit organisation, Living Waters. Please note, you can continue doing so! It will give GREAT impetus to the riders, to know that YOU are supporting them in this way.
Also, a note to our sponsors and supporters, the vehicles that we are driving are AMAZING, I REALLY like the one I am driving! And the water has been a TREMENDOUS blessing, along with the Rehydrat from Johnson & Johnson, and the supplements from Nutrilite. Thank you! After a day like today, TRUST ME, we desperately needed them!
Bodies doing well, after day 1. We're still having 'fun'.
Looking forward to seeing, or hearing from YOU soon! Do stay in touch! And, we are trying to load pics of today's ride, but the line is REALLY bad here in Reddersburg. We will do so ASAP.
Thanks, once again for your support!
Till tomorrow!
Over and out!

Some of the courageous team taking part in this weeks amazing cycle ride.

Less than 7 days to go.....

In less than 7 days, 11 intrepid cyclists and 2 support people will set off on a 594 km journey…….. Leaving from Bloemfontein on Tuesday morning, and slowly making their way down towards East London, arriving in time for the Border 1000 on Sunday, it will be a journey that will ultimately change them as people. They will never be the same again, between the sore bodies, and the emotional challenge of being in the ‘saddle’ for so many hours…. And the knowledge that after one hard day on the road, you still have so many more days to go. The adventure is about to begin…… the final touches are coming together. The team is getting all geared up. We had the final team meeting last night, and everything seems to be on track. We have had GREAT support from Body Culture, who held a spinning class this last Sunday, and not only was the class overflowing, but they raised a tidy sum for Living Waters. THANKS GUYS! :) The sponsored clothing has arrived, (look out for the photo’s soon on our Facebook page!). Thanks to Time Clothing and Compendium for the clothing, and Terry Embroidery for the WONDERFUL job that you have done in branding our shirts! We have already received generous donations from a number of people/business. Paramount Mills, Mugg & Bean, Motobake, Avis, Reeves Insurance, SL Contractors, Komga Distributors, Stephenson Insurance Brokers, Gerrie Hattingh and Rick Minty. A BIG ‘shout out’ to each and every person that has given a donation, large or small. A reminder: funds raised are for the work that Living Waters is doing within the community. We would value and appreciate your partnership, a financial contribution large or small would be great: Deposits can be made into the following a/c:

Squire Smith & Laurie Inc.

FNB

Trust Account

Account Number:5264 5703987

Branch Code: 210519

REF: Mat Living Waters

NB: please always quote the above reference when making deposits and please forward proof of deposit to fax to email, 086 628 9031 or alternatively email it to vbrittain@squires.co.za

Or, you can contact the Living Waters office: 043 7212915. Visit our website www.livingwaters.org.za or contact us on our Facebook group: “Riding Bums from Bloem to Slums”.