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By Geraldine Nicol, Governor of District 9350 (Angola, Namibia, and South Africa)
Despite raging wildfires on its outskirts, which at times came within yards of the city, the City of Cape Town, South Africa, proudly carried on with its planned cycle race earlier this year. The Cape Town Cycle Tour is organized and managed by Rotary clubs in District 9350 in partnership with local riding clubs of the Pedal Power Association. About 37,000 cyclists from around the world registered for what is the world’s largest timed cycle race in its 38th year.
The cycle race had been in major jeopardy, as the mountains of the beautiful Cape Peninsula had suffered from devastating fires in the 10 days preceding the race. Although the wildfires forced the race to be reduced from 103 kilometers to 47 kilometers, and the route to be altered to keep roads open for fire engines, everyone got into the spirit of the event.
Amazingly, 34,000 cyclists, their supportive family members, and huge crowds of onlookers all showed up on race day. There was a wonderful camaraderie between cyclists as Rotarians and members of Pedal Power cleverly decided to dedicate the race to the firefighters …read more
Source:: Rotary International Blog
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