I'm riding the 2015 Cape Town Cycle Tour to raise money in support of the work I'm doing with Grassroot Soccer - an NGO dedicated to stopping the spread of HIV.
Subscribe to follow campaign updates!
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
On March 8th 2015, I will be riding 109 kilometers (68 miles) in the largest individually timed cycling event in the world - the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
I'll be riding for, one, the experience of partaking in such an incredible event and, two, to support the equally as impressive NGO I'm working for this year - Grassroot Soccer (GRS).
Devoted to stopping the spread of HIV, GRS uses soccer as a tool to break through the stigma surrounding the disease, empowering youth around the world with their life skills programs. To date, over 700,000 youth worldwide have graduated and, with no signs of slowing down, Grassroot Soccer's vision of an AIDS-free generation continues to grow clearer.
If you believe in Grassroot Soccer's mission, my decision to move to South Africa for a year, long (almost too long) bike races, or all of the above; please consider donating to my Fundly page. Your generosity goes a long way in supporting the work I'm doing with GRS.
Whether it's 10 bucks, a dollar per mile, a dime per kilometer (for you metric folk), or some other random amount - any and all donations are appreciated. Over the next three months, I'll be providing updates as I continue to train and count down the days until the main event.
A big thank you for your support and willingness to join me on this "ride". Get it? Mediocre joke - probably a good time to end.
Lots of love,
Sam
Sign in with your Facebook account or email.
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
Sign in with your Facebook account or email.
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.
Sign in with your Facebook account or email.
Mar 05
Jan 09