HARARE - Three local cyclists riding across the border of the country on an Anti-Poaching campaign have hit the 1000-kilometres mark already as of yesterday, with some 2600km left for them to complete the gruelling outing.
The trio – Ashley King, Mike Grey and female rider Linda Davidson – are having a rest day today somewhere in the Plumtree area of Matabeleland South.
They started off the journey, dubbed Zimbound Cycle Challenge Against Poaching, in Honde Valley on July 6.
“They have just left Beitbridge now and are on their way to Plumtree, they are in Tuli,” King’s wife Emma said yesterday. She has been keenly following her husband’s progress from home in Harare.
“They have had lots of mechanical challenges on the way,” she added.
“They have done over 100 kilometres so their bicycles have taken a pounding.
“The trailer carrying their stuff has also broken down once. But they say they are loving the ride, the people they have met along the way have been incredibly friendly, they are doing 100 kilometres a day, it’s taxing.”
Communication with the three cyclists was difficult yesterday, and King’s mobile number was diverted back to his office in Harare.
The three have enjoyed support from friends and family, with Merylin Clark posting on the Zimbound Cycle Challenge Against Poaching Facebook page:
“I am watching in awe of what you are achieving every day, every hour, every mile. Absolutely extra ordinary strength and willpower and more to be doing this. The longer you go, the tougher the terrain, the deeper you have to dig, only defines each one of unique individuals and your characters more and more and more believable. Trust me when I say that. This is what greatness is made of. With each mile, each moment, you will grow and grow and grow in every single aspect that of your whole being, defining stuff!
“It's these gruelling tasks that take everything to break you, and everything to make you.
“You are becoming more and more and more shaped, moulded, changed, tested, tried and tested again and again and again.”