Change a Life 2009

This was the 2nd edition of the Computershare Change a Life Cycle Tour. Unlike 2008, the route was a mystery and this was the central theme. The flow of promotional material sent to participants provided clues, a sense of texture and indicated the effort Stan Lorge, Ursula du Plooy and the Computershare team were putting in, to create a very unique experience.

All we were initially told was that we would be traveling on Rovos Rail to undisclosed destinations. Each morning we would disembark, cycle and connect with the train that evening to commute to the next start. As planning continued, distances and some terrain information was revealed. Day 1 would be a 150km ride. Day 2 also 150km. Day 3, 95km with some tough climbs. Day 4, 60km but with a difference. We were also instructed to bring our passports.

As it turned out we rode mainly in the Karoo, which was a very safe environment to ride as traffic was minimal and the roads in very good condition. Lesotho really provided more than merely tough climbs. The gradients coupled with the distance and heat provided a real challenge.

Each day had a primary sponsor being Computershare, Kelly Group, JSE and Sun International, all generously supplying full kit and many extras. Pick ‘n Pay gourmet catered at the numerous stops. There were many other sponsors contributing to the success of the tour, and most importantly towards the fund raising efforts.

Once again, the support team was very organised as the logistics of moving supplies to very rural areas is tough, and on some days we had multiple stops.

Being passionate about branding, I was astounded by the Rovos Rail experience. They really delivered on their brand promise. The staff were totally engaged and the attention to detail astounding. Small things like screw heads facing the same direction, had labour of love written all over it. Fantastic.

Living on a train resulted in a far more social tour as people mingled more in the confined space.

I promised myself after the 2008 tour that I would be in better shape than I was at the start of that tour, but after a few false starts during the year, resigned myself to the fact that I would have to struggle along again. The cycling was definitely tougher, but more control in the group I was riding in, which made a huge difference. Having Alan van Heerden and Malcolm Lange cycling was hugely appreciated as each legend brought their own unique charm to the tour.

I hauled my camera around the entire trip and have supplemented my pics with those of Mark Fussell and Craig Dutton from Rudy Project.

Please mail if you spot any omissions etc.

Sandro

Day 5 - Race the Train