- Zululand Observer, 7 January 2013
It’s not the rocky terrain, shark infested rivers or isolated campsites that scare adventure cyclists, Jed Johnson (19) and Cameron Stuart (18). It is the hooting motorists driving too close to the side of the road that the teenagers fear most as they pedal across the country’s highways and byways in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
Speaking just hours after the shocking death of Olympic mountain biker, Burry Stander, who was killed after colliding with a taxi while training near his home in Port Shepstone, the pair said the tragedy highlighted the danger cyclists face when riding on South African roads.
The two Cape Town teens are putting their lives on the line for a good cause by riding from Gordon’s Bay to the Mozambique border to raise funds for the cancer charity.
Jed and Cameron set off on 27 November and stopped off at Cancer House in Empangeni on Friday. What started off as a fun, matric holiday adventure for the pair soon turned into a mission with a message. The teens’ project, ‘Wings at Our Feet’, aims to promote health and SunSmart awareness for CANSA.
‘Everyone has been affected by cancer at some time; my grandfather died of lung cancer and my grandmother is a survivor. We wanted to make a difference with our tour so we stop along the way and promote sun safety, handing out pamphlets and UV-smart bangles,’ said Cameron.
Jed and Cameron headed for Richards Bay on Friday afternoon then to Kosi Bay by 11 January.
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