When he broke his left leg at the age of 25 during a soccer match, Cecil Burgher was advised by doctors to leave the sport and take up cycling instead.
Like a good patient, the 66-year-old took the doctor’s order to heart. So much so that he recently completed the Cape Town Cycle Tour for a 25th year.
Burgher, a resident at Neighbourhood Old Age Homes (NOAH) in Woodstock, completed the gruelling 109 km race in three and a half hours.
As if that was not enough, Burgher also completed the 42 km race afterwards.
His best time was two hours 50 minutes, which he completed with his wife on a tandem bicycle more than 30 years ago, he shared with People’s Post.
The senior started his cycle tour journey in 1988. He did it with his wife for four years.
A few years later, his son Nathaniel joined him.
However, at the age of 12, Nathaniel tragically died in a freak accident.
Since then, Burgher raced in his son’s memory.
“Ever since then, I do all the cycle tours in honour of my son, Nathaniel. It is such an honour doing the cycle tour.”
He explained that the recent race was particularly special since he last took part six years ago.
Burgher completed the race with his Hansom 525 model bicycle which he has been riding with for the past 35 years.
“Six years ago, there was a strong wind, so the tour was cancelled. After that, there were some other challenges. So, this year I wanted to get back out there. I did the full 109 km. I started practising early last year already.
“It is always an awesome experience. The atmosphere is magic. The route is amazing too.”
The father of three said he is a jack of many trades and is also a qualified sound engineer and electrician.
“I am also a professional lead vocalist and performed with artists. As a sound engineer, I worked with artists like George Benson, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Michael W Smith and Whitney Houston when they performed in South Africa.”
According to Burgher, he now uses his skills to entertain the seniors at NOAH.
“I can just give God all the glory, that I can still move at this age. I fix the electrical problems here. So, I was sent to the right place at the right time.”
Burgher explained that he is looking for sponsors for tricycles for the seniors.
“These people want to get out, there are a few residents that cannot balance so well, but they want to go outside. When we get these bikes, we can go cycling at Sea Point Promenade. I will even repair the bikes if needed.”
Bonny Diener, Noah Woodstock Centre Manager: Happiness programme, said: “Cecil is extremely helpful towards his peers as well as to the staff, he quickly carries out tasks and is never hesitant to assist.
“His background in sound engineering is a bonus. He often entertains the residents at the centre with music and is active in the daily prayer group.”
When asked how he manages to keep in good shape, Burgher said: “I never smoked, never much of a drinker. I drink a beer now and then, but I never go to a bottle store to buy any. I looked after my body. Stay away from substance abuse. I take care of my health now.”
