Wheels turn for babies
This year, ten cyclists will brave the 401 km in the challenging Nedbank Desert Dash across the world's oldest desert with one goal in mind: With every kilometre covered, funds will be raised for the Ruach Elohim Foundation as well as other foundations that protect, care for and shower discarded babies with love.This year's ten riders for All4thebabies are the solo riders Lester Meyer, Nathaniel Henckert, Beverly-Rae Henckert and Hans Hashagen, while Michelle and Ettiene Steenkamp form a two-person team and Elton Nicanor, Brian Hansford, Rene Strauss and Miriam Meyer are the four-person team.
During last year's Nedbank Desert Dash, All4thebabies raised an incredible N$230 000 for Ruach Elohim.
The Dash is something she loves participating in, says Beverly-Rae Henckert about the camaraderie, the endurance and the persistence which is on a completely different level.
Meet the team
"You see the world go to sleep and you see the world wake up, and it feels like you're the only person in a universe made just for you!"
She understands adoption on a personal level, Beverly-Rae says, and to imagine someone feeling the same as she does as a mom, "is why I cycle!"
In April, Brian Hansford, alias Swazi, embarked on an adventure of 1 800 km with 29 cyclists all along the Trans-Kalahari corridor and fell in love with Namibia and its beauty. As a team player in his first Dash, Brian says: "As cyclists, we can give something back to our community by doing what we love."
Papwiel, otherwise known as Elton Nicanor, owes his nickname to the flat wheels he gets on his mountain bike and tackles his second Dash this year. "Every ride comes with its challenges whether it's rough terrain or those frustrating flat wheels, but I'm enjoying every moment of the journey!"
Motivation, passion and resilience are part of Ettiene Steenkamp's DNA.
When his cycling journey began, Etienne made a promise to himself that he would tackle the Dash every year for as long as life allows him. This year is his fifth Dash and this time he wants to celebrate the gift of giving back.
Hans Hashagen is an auditor, but most importantly the father of twins and husband to Aliza who is usually his support team in his cycling adventures. At least once during the Dash, there comes a time when you really have to dig deep to continue, Hans says, but it becomes so much easier when you know why and for whom you are doing it.
His Desert Dash experience began in 2016 and has become an annual tradition for Lester Meyer. This year he is not doing it for himself, but "every soul in the foundation".
"With every burden and challenge during my solo ride this year, I will fight back and think of all those beautiful babies!"
As a free spirit with a deep love for the outdoors and mother of two, Michelle Steenkamp wants to take a stand against baby dumping and raise awareness.
"Riding for this noble cause is my way of remembering and honouring innocent lives and fighting for a safer future for our children."
She was her husband's support manager for years, but when Miriam Meyer lost her job during Covid-19, she discovered a new passion for cycling.
With her first Dash in 2020, which she rode without knowing she was Covid-19 positive, she learned what endurance and teamwork are.
"I have a deep desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable babies."
His journey with his bike is driven by a love for fitness, adventure and the open road, says Nathaniel Henkert AKA Zeroman. His participation in this year's Dash is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of babies and show that cycling can be a powerful tool for change.
Banker, mother of two sons and passionate about going the extra mile in both her personal and professional life, Rene Strauss also took on last year's Dash for the benefit of All4thebabies. "Last year was by far the best experience I've ever had. I don't know if it was because I was doing it with three incredible women or if we were doing it for a charity close to our hearts. I never thought All4thebabies would grow from four to ten riders!”
If you want to change the lives of vulnerable babies and sponsor All4thebabies per kilometre, visit the All4thebabies Facebook page where you will find all the details, or call 081 248 1604. – [email protected]