Bikers from far afield as Bettys Bay joined the fifth annual Charity Bike Ride on Sunday 19 February, and all in aid of animals.
Organiser of the event Rory Stier, president of the Deep South Lions, said it was their fifth annual bike ride since 2017.
“The ride, which starts at Blue Route Mall, takes the route to Ou Kaapse Weg and then Kommetjie Road onto Tears Animal Rescue which is located in Lekkerwater Road.”
He explained that the idea to donate to animal rescue organisations came about from a club member who is involved in animal rescue.
“We do a lot of community work and at first, we didn’t know what to do but then the idea came about to do something for Tears. The concept of the bike ride is because I am a biker myself and the idea just snowballed from there. Five years ago, we only had 20 bikes and then last year 230 bikes.”
Last year, around R15 000 worth of pet food was collected.
“Last year, we had 230 bikes and this year, I don’t know how many we are going to get but hopefully more.”
On Sunday, members from Fish Hoek Lions and Bergvliet Lions assisted with the collection of cat and dog food, as well as blankets.
Desmond Clarke, a biker from the Odysseus Western Cape club, made the drive from Betty’s Bay on Saturday 18 February to participate in the charity ride the next day.
“Our club does this annually. We do a fair amount of charity and we have lots of animals. I have four dogs. The weather was beautiful this morning for a ride.”
Elvin Colter, the former vice-president of Free Bike Allegiance, who has since retired, says he has two rescue dogs and is looking forward to joining the ride next year.
“My leg was amputated in September last year due to a blood clot at the back of the knee.
I’ve done a couple of rides for them. I was here last year and next year I will hopefully ride again when I get my prosthetic leg. My Harley Davidson is in the garage waiting.”
