The fifth edition of the Ride for a Child charity motorbike ride is set to kick off, covering an impressive 7 000 kilometers around South Africa.
The primary objective of this extensive journey is to raise funds for surgeries and medical treatment for underprivileged children.
Departing from the White River Square shopping center at 09:00 on 11 February, the riders’ first overnight stop is scheduled in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo. The route is meticulously designed to encompass the most Northern, Western, Eastern, and Southern parts of South Africa, symbolically encircling the children of the nation to express unwavering support and care.
A significant highlight of the event is the world record attempt scheduled for Saturday, 24 February 2024, at 10:00. Pediatric Care Africa is calling on all motorbike clubs, organisations, and riders in the Western and Eastern Capes, as well as throughout South Africa, to join Dr. André Hattingh in this monumental endeavor. The record attempt, aptly named Ride for a Child, aims to gather a minimum of 4 500 motorbikes to ride in a staggered formation for the last 50 kilometers from Caltex Mentors Plaza near Jeffreys Bay on the N2 to Storms River, concluding at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay.
To achieve this ambitious goal, bikers from the West will start their procession from the Cape Town/George side on the N2, while those from the East, including Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, and East London, will approach the rendezvous point from the opposite direction. The official starting point will be 50 kilometers before reaching the Caltex Mentors Plaza from the West, ensuring a unified and organised departure.
The rendezvous point, marked and identifiable, is strategically chosen to allow all bikers to assemble by 11:00, facilitating the formation of a staggered group for the official record attempt. The final 50 kilometers will be covered at a controlled speed of 50/60 kilometers per hour to ensure safety, counting of the bikes, and ample photographic opportunities.
Jeffreys Bay awaits participants with abundant parking for 5 000 bikes, toilets, food stalls, and a weekend-long music festival at Mentors Country Estate. The anticipated arrival time is around 13:00, allowing bikers to enjoy lunch, socialize, and participate in various activities. Discounted accommodation rates are available for participants throughout Jeffreys Bay, including at Mentors Country Estate.
For those wishing to attend a church service on Sunday morning, arrangements have been made. Additionally, special record attempt badges and Dr. André’s cookbook, “Cooking with Doc,” will be available for sale, with all proceeds directly benefiting Pediatric Care Africa.
“We are incredibly excited to announce the forthcoming world record attempt, ‘Ride for a Child,’ a momentous event scheduled for February,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman.
“Not only does this event promise excitement, but it also holds the potential for a significant economic boost, making a positive impact on our community and beyond. Moreover, the profound significance lies in the parallel pursuit of raising funds for surgeries and medical treatment, specifically dedicated to the well-being of underprivileged children.”
More information
A participation fee of R100 for riders and R50 for pillions is requested, with all funds collected contributing directly to children’s medical care and surgeries.
For more information on how to participate, please contact Mandy at 072 034 0544
or the office at 0762295663. Alternatively, send an email to info@pediatriccareafrica.org.
PICTURE: Pediatric Care Africa is calling on all motorbike clubs, organisations, and riders in the Western and Eastern Capes, as well as throughout South Africa, to join Dr. André Hattingh to set a world record while raising much-needed funds.
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