Offroad unicyclists near end of 2500km epic

Friday, 31 December 2010 09:45

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Unicyclists near end of gruelling 2500km journey

The three unicyclists who left Durban on 26 November on their Freedom Revolution Unicycle Tour have now entered the Western Cape. Their journey has taken them along the Freedom Trail, a mountain biking route that follows cattle tracks, wagon trails and dirt roads across Southern Africa.  In the process they have climbed the escarpment of the Maluti Drakensberg mountains, crossed the expanses of the Great Karoo and are now riding through the Cape Fold Mountain range - all on one wheel.

Launched in 2004 the Freedom Trail links cultural and natural heritage sites and areas whilst also offering interesting and, for those who want it, challenging, mountain biking.  The unicyclists have responded to the challenges.  They have opted to ride the most technical parts of the route. Apart from occasional battles with acacia thorns, mud and heat they have progressed at an average speed of 8kph and have been riding for an about 10 hours per day.  Their route will now take them through the succulent Karoo, into the Witzenberg above the town of Ceresand then across the wheat covered hills of the Swartland to the Atlantic Ocean at Blaauwberg.  They will ride on to Cape Town and are expected to arrive at Mouille Point in Cape Town by 12 noon on Saturday 8 January 2011, making them the first unicyclists to complete this epic journey.

The objective of the Freedom Revolution Unicycle Tour is to raise awareness for the Bob’s for Good Foundation. Former Springbok rugby captain Bobby Skinstad and his team of “Fun-raisers” want to see a South Africa where every child owns a good quality pair of school shoes. With over 7 million children in need of shoes, unicyclists aim to help achieve this goal by donating no less than 2000 pairs of shoes through the Bob’s for Good foundation: a pair of shoes costs R100. Donations can be made by following the prominent links on www.CounterBalance.co.za. Daily updates, photographs and videos are also posted on the website.

A large group of family and friends are expected to be present at Mouille Point, Cape Town, on Saturday the 8th to welcome them home. Details are available on the counterbalance website or by contacting the team’s Blogger/Support Driver/Media Liaison, Kirby Kruger.

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