Cyclists en-route to the Cape Argus creating awareness in aid of Operation Smile – Day 1

On Thursday the 1st of March 2018, 15 hardcore cyclist riding over 1000 km’s from PE to CT kicked off their journey en-route to the Cape Argus, Cape Town.

We want to change the world and influence an essence of hope and transformation for a child, their family and their communities. A smile, changes everything.

A GROUP of local cyclists started a gruelling 900km journey from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town on March 1, in a bid to help create awareness and funds for Operation Smile.

Operation Smile raises funds for children and young adults born with cleft lip, who are in desperate need of free surgical procedures.

The team of cyclists are cycling approximately 80km to 100km per day to cover the full distance to Cape Town and this will take place in the duration of 10 days.

Training preparations went well, averaging at three rides per week, including indoor training and partaking in local cycle races.

Operation Smile ambassador Shannon Smit said,

“We have had so much support, from food, to water, to kit, which we had sponsored by Rehydrate from Johnson&Johnson and so far we have raised R24000 and that works out to almost five smiles. A cleft lip or cleft pallet procedure is about 45 min and costs about R5600, so what is great about it is that it is a sort of ‘Pay it Foward’ – we help a child and it has an impact on his life, his mom and dad’s life, family and friends lives, right out into the community.”

“We are a group of mountain bikers known as the Sunday Ride Group – there is one gentlemen who has joined us all the way from the USA.”

“It costs a mere R5 600 to change a child’s life completely to rectify a cleft palate. We would like to use this opportunity to change as many lives as possible.”

A few words from some of the cyclists:

Robert: “This is a fantastic opportunity – I would suggest that everyone tries to do a route like this, as it is a true test of your character as well. It’s quite an easy ride, just very long.”

Travers Henrick: “I’m loving the journey so far – I actually can’t believe how beautiful this stretch of South Africa is. I’m taking it in – I haven’t seen so much bird life or beautiful sights along the way and also so many happy motorists, honestly if you wave, 90% of the people are waving back, hooting and flashing their lights, so the support just from randoms has been awesome.”

Rob Prideaux: “This has been an amazing experience, something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day but I’m looking forward to it.”

“It costs a mere R5 600 to change a child’s life completely to rectify a cleft palate. We would like to use this opportunity to change as many lives as possible.”

The ride kicked off from the Bridge Street Brewery in Port Elizabeth at 18:30 and the group has stopped off at various towns, such as Jeffreys Bay, Storms River, Plettenberg Bay and others all the way through to Cape Town, where they held talks on the importance of safe surgery, as well as the work done by Operation Smile.

Day 1: P.E – Jbay 

To view more images visit the Miles for Smiles Facebook Page – all photos courtesy of  @PatrickBrownPhotograph

View the rest of the route below…

Day 2 JBay

Day 3 Plett

Day 4: Knysna

Day 5, 6 & 7: George – Mosselbay – Riversdal

Day 8 & 9: Hermanus  – Greenpoint

Day 10 & 11: The Argus

This project will create awareness and raise funds to help Operation Smile fill the gap in providing access to safe, well-timed surgeries by partnering with hospitals, governments and ministries of health. Not only do they train local medical personnel, they donate much-needed supplies and equipment to surgical sites around the world.

We have been blessed with so much support to help us make this a reality ,to name a few; Knockout Branding, Sovereign Food, Just Milk, Rehidrat, King Cars Cape Road, Spar Newton Park, The Acre Spar. Thank you to everyone who has given a helping hand. It has been such a privilege to be able to do this campaign.

For more photos and information visit their Facebook Page.

Miles for Smiles PE to JBay Day 1