Paint the Cradle Pink Ride (Edenglen Cycling Club)
On Sunday the 1st October Edenglen Cycling Club (EGCC) – a community based club serving the cycling communities of greater Edenvale / Bedfordview / Dowerglen / Greenstone – hosted a ride for cancer awareness in the cradle of Humankind. What began as a simple conversation between friends who were particularly concerned about a family member who contracted cancer suddenly, mushroomed into an amazing event which epitomises the camaraderie and spirit amongst the cycling fraternity. We spoke to Khetiwe Khumalo TA Riverstone Lodge in the cradle and she also had her own story on cancer survival and they agreed to allow us to use the venue to host the ride.
EGCC had for some time been selling pink cycling shirts to our members with a portion of the proceeds being donated to CANSA. The initial idea was to just have a social ride in support of the family and club members were encouraged to join. Leillani Geduld of CANSA was contacted and supported the club with amazing fliers which quickly spread via social media. Within the space of 2 months sponsors came on board with overwhelming support. The ride was free for all and the only entry criteria to ride was the colour pink.
Some of these sponsorships were spearheaded by Breyton Paulse who often rides with EGCC when time permits from his rugby commentary duties. Sponsors included:
- Renault South Africa (Brayton’s car sponsor)who generously donated support vehicles which ensured the safety of the riders
- ENZA construction who provided much needed refreshments before and after the ride
- Old Mutual who provided the watering holes along the route
- Dischem who provided t pink Biogen goody bags with water bottles and energy bars / gels
The event was a massive success with riders from all over Johannesburg pitching for all the distances that were on offer. Distances of 55 / 100/ 150km were offered with complete back up and support for cyclists of all abilities. In total +-200 riders pitched and the reaction from all was exactly the same-amazing ride / amazing organisation /amazing gees.
In the end a significant amount of money was also raised/donated to Cancer. Generous donations from a number of people including our proud club totalled over R35 000 with a number of pledges cash donations which by our estimates could exceed R50 000.
As was quoted by Elijah Masubelele from CANSA it wasn’t about the money but about that awareness which was created around cancer screening. CANSA still need these generous donations around early screening and prevention of fatalities.
EGCC has pledged from now into the future to make October Cancer awareness month. Any donations to CANSA can be made to the below mentioned bank account.
CANSA Active Bank Details:
Cancer Association of South Africa
Bank: ABSA
Acc No:9282709835
Branch:632005
Savings Account
Ref: cradle + your name
Based on the success of this event this promises to be an annual event on the 1st week of October.
We welcome all cyclists of any ability to come and join our Edenglen Cycling Club family. The local community-based club with a big heart.
Register at https://team-edenglen.co.za/
