Our first race for the day was picking the 5 fastest mountain bikers and putting them against the 5 fastest BMX guys in an elimination race. The one crossing the start/finish line last would be taken off the track each lap till there was just one left. The mountain bikers were allowed to start in the front as they were not used to much time on the track but it was evident within one lap who was on home turf.

The BMX boys were quick to move to the front and with 4 laps remaining there was only 1 mountain biker left making sure that they “showed who’s boss”. Next up were the juniors in similiar style racing but shortened to 5 laps as the Stellenbosch heat was turned up.

The aim of the day was to incorporate a little bit of cross training as well and Ndiphe come up with the idea of a BMX duathlon. The seniors would run 3 laps, cycle 5 laps and finish with a 2 lap run at the end. Once again it would be a mix of the BMX and mountain bike kids battling it out for bragging rights the following week.

"Rasta"and "Shorty" leading it out from the front

Transition

"Rasta" was the champ for the day!

Songo, the man behind songo.info, organised a ride today in the township of Kayamandi. Christoph and a few freinds joined for the fun ride with the kids! It was an awesome turn out-and even though many of the kids did not have bikes, they still came and enjoyed running along side those who did manage to get bikes. As soon as Christoph arrived there was much excitement amongst the kids. They were smiling and happy, pushing and shoving each other out the way to get in line for a signed Christoph Sauser postcard, which they then guarded with their life! Most of the time, they just wanted to either ride his bike, touch him or have a drink out his water bottle.

By now, word has spread throughout the community that there is to a be BMX track with bikes, going up and you could really sense the kids anticipation for this development. There are many keen and confident bikers within the community and not only will this BMX track build on much needed skills, it is going to provide a safe place for the kids to ride. Songo took the group around the township and showed Christoph and the others who joined, just some of the hardships and realities the community has to face on a daily bases.

The kids left smiling and laughing, while the riders went home to think about all their blessings and privileges. Its fantastic for Christoph to want to put back into this community and I know this BMX project is not only going to be a success, it is going to be sustainable. Thank-you to all of those who have contributed their time and money to the project. The website will continue to be updated with the building progress.

These photographs are from the township of Kayamandi, which is situated on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. They show what daily life is like in this community:

There are no services. Rubbish is left to lie in the streets with dirty washing water occasionally washing it away, to further clog the unmaintained storm water drains. The matchbox homes are built on top of each other, out of whatever can be found – pieces of wood, plastic, tin… in summer they are hotboxes and in winter, they are death grippingly cold.

Kayamandi means ‘sweet home’ and that is what it is for the 33 000 people who live there. It is home. No matter what us first worlders thing of it. Where ever you look, there are laughing and smiling people. Happy to be alive. Happy to have opportunity and a chance to make something of themselves, to be successful. For me, I see more success in Kayamandi than anywhere else. People who have so little and yet are so happy.

There is a general excitement amongst the kids, who are waiting for the first bit of earth to be moved on the BMX track site. But the songo.info team has along way to go, there are still kilometers to be bought and donations to be made. I wish I could take everyone into Kayamandi, to experience a gratefulness like never before.

Christoph Sauser and Burry Stander are riding the Cape-Epic for this cause, to generate money so that the songo.info BMX project can become a reality. I urge you, be part of making a difference through this South African Charity Project.

Gary Marescia, the owner of the Westlake and Northgate cycle-lab , has bought 2 kilometers of the ABSA Cape Epics 950km which will be riden by the current marathon world champion (Christoph Sauser) and South Africa’s shinning mountain biking star (Burry Stander).

Cycle-lab has purchases these kilometers to support the construction of the songo.info BMX track in Kayamandi. On behalf of all who are involved in this wonderful South African charity project, we really appreciate your generous donation!

“For Cycle Lab Western Cape it’s a pleasure being able to contribute to this cause. Cycling, in comparison to other sports has a relatively high money entry point, so if we can help give children an opportunity to experience ‘normal’ play activities like riding a bike in a safe environment as we experienced as kids, it’s worth it. Sport plays such a huge influence on children’s development, both physically, but most importantly…. mentally”

Christoph Sauser, Fraser Cartmell and Silvio Bundi

Fraser Cartmell, has purchased 1 kilometer in support of the songo.info bmx project.

Fraser is a half-ironman specialist from the UK, and has recently returned home, after spending 3 months training in Stellenbosch, which I have heard him say, he loved, and will be back for another training block. Having got to know him personally, I rekon you could never find a nicer guy! Thanks so much for you generous donation to this South African Charity Project.

Two years ago, at a sports event in the mountains I met Susi and so I got interested in MTB and startet to ride mountain bikes as well. With that sport I have met so many interesting and good people and I could experience lots of excitement and satisfaction. Since Susi is a great and trustful person, I did not have any hesitation to support this super idea with a little donation”

Claudia Mummenthey, on behalf of her German friends, has bought 2 kilometers of the ABSA Cape Epic.

Her friends wanted to donate their money to a South African Charity, and Claudi has chosen to give it to the songo.info BMX project.

Through your donation you are going to be a part of a new facility , the BMX track in Kayamandi, which will bring hope to many children. Thank-you for your generosity.

I think this is an excellent project that will add real value to the lives of the kids that get to use this BMX track.

I fully support the principle of the JAG Foundation that getting kids involved in sport and teaching them about health and fitness will help them say no to drugs.

I’m pleased to see local people like Songo and Elana Meyer working with international sports stars like Chrisoph Sauser to get South African children into sport. Well done Songo.info and the JAG Foundation!

Today I am flying back home to Switzerland, from America. I have been visiting Specialized for product testing, photo shoots as well as attending the first stage of the Tour of California.

Good times, but now I am ready for home agian. All this can take a lot of energy from you, even without doing any major cycling workouts.

The Cape-Epic is not so far away any more, so I better get rid of travelling legs and jet lag at home, and then kick my butt on my bike agian!