Challenge4ACause 2012 – The Skeleton Coast Epic

Pedal Power

In 2011, 12 cyclists embarked on an epic journey across Namibia’s Damaraland desert to raise money to help save the desert-adapted black rhino. This year they’re setting off on the 4th Challenge4aCause. This time round there are 10 riders and their tyres will skirt the Skeleton Coast in what promises to be the most grueling challenge yet.

The Route

The cyclists are travelling a new route this year. In fact, it’s so new we hardly know anything about it. Just that it’s uncharted territory. All the more thrilling…

The Plan (The best laid plans…)

Day 1: Drive to Palmwag
Day 2: Cycle to Sesfontein. 120km on the first day, all on gravel road, except for the last 20km. Sleep out close to Hoanib River
Day 3: Enter the concession at the northern border and start cycling. Sleep in riverbed close to Hunkab spring
Day 4:  Further south over gravel plains to Kai-Ais spring, where we camp
Day 5: Rugged terrain along riverbeds exploring the area, finish at Palmwag
Day 6: Cycle towards Werelds End, then west towards the border of the Skeleton Coast Park. Sleep in riverbed
Day 7: Head further west and south in the concession, finish at Werelds End
Day 8: From Werelds End to Damaraland Camp – 75 km – finish
Day 9: Transfer back to WHK and fly home

Riders of the Storm – 2012’s Team

Click on the image to see the full pdf of this year’s team of daredevils; one woman and nine men… Who will spend more time on foot than on the saddle? Watch this space for updates!

 Riding For Rhinos

Challenge4aCause is not just an incredible adventure. All proceeds go towards saving the desert-adapted black rhinos and other endangered species, as well as to our favourite community based projects. This year we’re aiming to raise R800 000.

Funds raised will be shared between Goodwork Foundation, Wildlife Act Fund and Save The Rhino Trust (to support the anti-poaching units which protect Namibia’s endangered desert-adapted black rhino). Read more about the charities here.

DID YOU KNOW: Only one case of rhino poaching (Oct 2011) has been reported in Namibia’s Kunene region since 1994. This is largely thanks to Save the Rhino Trust and their close, 30-year long working relationship with local communities.

However, in South Africa, from 1 January 2012 – 20 June 2012, 251 rhinos have been poached, with the Kruger National Park having lost 149 rhinos. 170 arrests have been made thus far…

TO DONATE TO THIS CAUSE, click here!

Watch Last Year’s Challenge4ACause Video:

Good luck, riders! Bring on the sweat and tears, and painkillers!

Thanks to all our valued clients and suppliers for your patronage, without which this would not be possible.