Sam's Year with GRS - 2015 Cape Town Cycle Tour

Over the past week, Cape Town firefighters have been battling an immense fire raging across the Southern Peninsula - an area that includes Chapman's Peak, as well as several other Cycle Tour landmarks. People, animals, and vast stretches of vegetation have had to make way for the fire; and, sadly, it's still flaring up in certain spots.

Though I live and work a safe distance from the fire, it's been impossible to think about. I've watched smoke and flames dominate the horizon for the last five days, and friends living in the area have forwarded along some terrifyingly beautiful photos.

Due to safety and logistical concerns for participants, and those fighting the fire, the Cycle Tour Trust officially decided to cut the course to less than half its original distance. I''m a newcomer, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I'm certain this Tour will have a very different feel to it.

As some of you know, I'm riding on the WWF (World Wild Fund) South Africa charity team in the Tour, in addition to fundraising in support of GRS. And thanks to the incredible generosity of friends and family, I surpassed my original fundraising goal with plenty of time to spare. In order to pay that generosity forward, I plan to donate a chunk of funds to local SPCA animal rescue efforts and volunteer firefighter groups. So, if you've donated and would rather your donations remain in support of GRS, please let me know.

Though I'm disappointed this Cycle Tour won't be what I had originally envisioned, I know there are larger factors at play and look forward to this Sunday's 47km solidarity ride. At the very least, I have a huge reason to return to Cape Town in the near future.

Thank you again for your support.

Sam

Only a week into my campaign and I'm over halfway to my fundraising goal. Another huge thank you to everyone who has contributed up to this point.

If you haven't had the chance to donate, please consider doing so. You'll be supporting Grassroot Soccer's vision of an AIDS-free generation AND I'll donate some kilometers to you on race day. Classic win-win situation.