The Cycling for Charity campaign 2014 kicked off on a positive note this past Sunday, with Auric Auto’s sales executive, Shiraaz Mia, describing the first ride as “easy and enjoyable”. He was joined by a group of four other cyclists, including two regular cycling partners and a representative of VOC.

The campaign will see Mia spearhead a group of cyclists on a route from the Auric Auto dealership in Claremont, towards Jubilee Square in Simons Town. It will take place every Sunday for the next nine weeks, with the goal of completing 500km.

Auric Auto aims to use the initiative to raise monies towards VOC’s Bursary Fund. They will be issuing pledge forms to the dealerships various business partners, who will make financial pledges towards the fund.

Mia said the ride to and from Jubilee Square had been energising, with the group managing to complete a total of 67km. Having departed Auric Auto at 7:30am, they managed to complete the entire ride before 10:45am.

“We didn’t push too hard and it was a nice and easy ride,” he said.

They were joined by family members who came out to cheer the group on along the road, before meeting up with them at Jubilee Square.

With regards to the fundraising, Mia acknowledged that they had yet to start with the distribution of pledge forms. However, he said they would likely be sent out within the comings days, and was hopeful they would that all pledges would be in by the end of the week.

With the campaign scheduled to take place for the next nine weeks consecutively, he admitted the route may potentially become monotonous for cyclists. They would consider changing up the route from time to time, possibly cycling towards Sea Point or Hout Bay instead.

He welcomed members of the community to join in and take part in the campaign, stressing that it was open to all.

“If you want to join us on the route or meet with us at Auric Auto at 7am, either way it doesn’t matter,” he said.

“If you have some time to spend with us, come join us.” VOC (Mubeen Banderker)