{"id":83457,"date":"2016-12-06T10:53:20","date_gmt":"2016-12-06T08:53:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/grandads-army-tackles-2nd-gruelling-rob-burton-memorial-fundraiser-cycle-ride\/"},"modified":"2016-12-06T10:53:20","modified_gmt":"2016-12-06T08:53:20","slug":"grandads-army-tackles-2nd-gruelling-rob-burton-memorial-fundraiser-cycle-ride","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/grandads-army-tackles-2nd-gruelling-rob-burton-memorial-fundraiser-cycle-ride\/","title":{"rendered":"Grandads Army tackles 2nd gruelling Rob Burton Memorial fundraiser cycle ride"},"content":{"rendered":"

Grandads Army tackles 2nd gruelling Rob Burton Memorial fundraiser cycle ride<\/a>: <\/p>\n

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FUELLED FOR THE RIDE \u2013 The 2nd Annual Grandads Army charity ride kicks off on a high note. Craig Step from sponsor Caltex Eastern Cape Marketer (Front row \u2013 fourth from left) was there to see them off before they embark on the gruelling 1 160-km Trans-Karoo ride. Photo: Margaret Albrecht (Hands On Marketing)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

DECEMBER 2016 \u2013 THE EAST LONDON cycling community\u2019s fundraising tour de force<\/em>, Grandads Army, are back in the saddle to tackle another marathon trans-Karoo charity ride from East London to Stellenbosch.<\/p>\n

The group have committed to a second Rob Burton Memorial Ride, after raising almost a quarter of a million rands last year for much-needed burns surgical equipment for paediatric patients at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane hospitals.<\/p>\n

The phenomenal success of the first fundraising ride \u2013 tinged with the tragedy of another cycling road fatality this year, and growing concern about cyclists\u2019 safety \u2013 have prompted the group to tackle the gruelling 1160km relay ride again, getting underway on Tuesday, 6 December.<\/p>\n

The riders will follow the same stamina-sapping four-day route to Stellenbosch via Middelburg, Willowmore and Barrydale, but with two important distinctions. Such is the enthusiasm for the inspirational initiative that the original Grandads Army ranks have more than doubled, with 17 cyclists already scheduled to take part.<\/p>\n

And on a much sadder note, this year\u2019s ride will honour both Rob Burton, killed in 2013, as well as original Grandads Army member Arthur Salzwedel, who also died in a cycling accident earlier this year.<\/p>\n

The ride is organised and coordinated by the East London-based Eyabantwana \u2013 For the Children Trust. Riders and support teams cover all their own costs, which means that all proceeds will go fully and directly to meeting pressing medical needs of paediatric surgical patients at the Frere Hospital.<\/p>\n

With this year\u2019s fundraising target a daunting R500\u00a0000, organisers are again appealing to all East Londoners, including local cyclists and the East London business community, to support the ride, either financially or by volunteering their time or assistance.<\/p>\n

They have also extended grateful thanks to primary sponsor, Caltex Eastern Cape Marketer, who is again sponsoring the support teams\u2019 fuel, to the value of R30\u00a0000, as well as R10\u00a0000 for cycling kit. Other sponsors include Coca-Cola, Caltex Fresh Stop Beacon Bay, Connock Motors and Minuteman Press.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a steep fundraising hill to climb, but we are confident that East Londoners and the many people along the way who were so supportive last year will again rally behind this great cause,\u201d says race organiser Dr Colin Lazarus, an East London Hospital Complex Paediatric Surgeon and one of the original members of the Grandads Army.<\/p>\n

In addition to the organiser\u2019s fundraising goals, Arthur Salzwedel\u2019s untimely death this year \u2013 less than three months after completing the inaugural Rob Burton Memorial Ride \u2013 serve as a stark reminder of the race\u2019s secondary mission, to raise awareness of cyclist safety.<\/p>\n

Caltex Eastern Cape Marketer (CECM the main fuel sponsor for the event) will ensure that the cyclists are accompanied by the support vehicles all the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are committed to the wellbeing of all our communities and are therefore honored to be part of and support this event.\u00a0\u00a0 Young children are particularly vulnerable, with death because of burn injuries claiming approximately 1,300 young lives each year.<\/p>\n

As a major role player in the Eastern Cape fuel industry, we at Caltex Eastern Cape Marketer, take our responsibility seriously and belief that through awareness, preventative campaigns and ensuring that proper care are given to burn victims the effects of this scourge could be greatly reduced\u201d said Clive Berlyn, CECM CEO.<\/p>\n

CECM commended The Eyabantwana \u2013 For the Children Trust for their dedication in raising awareness and funds to make the world a safer place for children.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would also like to congratulate each one of the seventeen cyclists, better known as the Grandads army, for taking up the challenge. Whereas we cannot necessarily provide you (cyclists) with the best fuel to tackle the hills we can make sure that the support vehicles remain at your side \u2013 because \u201cthat\u2019s how you get there\u201d added Berlyn.<\/p>\n

While the core team has been assembled, additional riders are more than welcome to take part, Colin said. Riders may be supported by partners, but single riders are also very welcome. Cyclists feeling daunted by the 1160km route may also opt not to take part in all of their team\u2019s relay rides of the four days.<\/p>\n

As a special tribute to Arthur Salzwedel, this year\u2019s ride will include an Arthur Salzwedel King of the Mountain Challenge offering a trophy, designed and built by Rodney Offord and donated by Beth Burton.<\/p>\n

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