As enthusiasts and pros alike prepare for the upcoming Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg cycle race, we’re reminded of last year’s race and the incredible results that Lucky Ledwaba and Ian Anderson achieved in the name of raising funds of Rays of Hope.
The pair tackled the 97km distance on a tandem to help raise funds for Rays of Hope, averaging at 29.7km/h and completing the race in three hours and 16 minutes with big smiles on their faces.
“We hadn’t trained together on a tandem all that much, so it really surprised me that we clocked that speed,” says Ledwaba. “Funny enough, both of us at the end still felt we didn’t go all out. On my side, I felt I had to reserve some energy for the last few kilometres to avoid having Ian doing all the work by himself, but I felt great after the race and was happy with how we rode – in fact, impressed with how we worked well together.”
For Ian, it was two people from different worlds coming together to achieve a common goal that remains the most inspiring aspect of all. “I had privilege on my side, Lucky had poverty on his side. There’s a 55-year age difference, and a colour difference between us. And yet I say to myself, if Lucky and I can do this together, why can’t the rest of South Africa?”
This year, Lucky and Ian are calling on others to sign up to Ride for Hope and help raise funds for Rays of Hope’s worthy causes. By riding for Rays of Hope you’ll be a brand ambassador by wearing a Rays of Hope shirt and able to talk briefly about what we do (we’ll provide talking points) and it gives your family and friends the opportunity to support our work by sponsoring you on Back-a-Buddy.
To ride for Rays of Hope, click here to sign-up.
