The annual Winelands Cycle Race, presented by Paarl Rotary, was once again a great success and drew more than 1700 cyclists. Here they take off from Wellington en route to Riebeek Kasteel. They cycled a 102 km route through vineyards and wheatlands in preparation for the Cape Town Cycle Tour (MORE PICS BELOW).
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
What better way to start the new year, 2024, than with a cycle race fundraiser, says club president Marita van der Sluys. The weather was good for cycling which added to a most enjoyable race. We are also grateful to the Interactors who are always willing to help.
Paarl Rotarians love fellowship and 24 Rotarians and friends stayed for the braai after the race. Kings delivered a lovely spread; Rotarians did the braai. Thanks to all for a most relaxing after party.
Many of our Rotarians again volunteered to marshal at the Cape Town cycle tour. Although it is a long shift starting at the crack of dawn, the enthusiasm of the riders makes it a fun day. Eugene and Marlo spent many hours organising our part in the event, which brings in some club funds, so a big thank you to them.
Congratulations go to Deon and his team on a very successful art auction event. The venue suited the occasion, and we can build on this year’s experience to improve on the event next year.
We also attended a very entertaining Lipizzaner horse show. It was my first and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was lovely seeing Liz Richards up and about again.
The global grant for our Dementia project has been submitted, thanks to Rudy and his team. We are holding thumbs for a successful outcome so that this project can be rolled out to a wider area and benefit more people.
We are pleased to have inducted two new members, Darrron Moore and Patrick Klaasen. A warm welcome to you both. We are looking forward to working with you.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dave Moss who is still recovering in ICU after surgery. We hope to have him back at our meetings soon.
We are off to Mossel Bay soon for the District Conference. We are hoping to have more Rotarians join our 4 delegates who have already registered. We also hope to see you all at the Kaufie Kaufman Senior Concert in the town hall on 16 April.
Jaco Venter (last year’s runner up) won the race in 2:24:17 (see pics below). Hot on his heels were Hanro Geldenhuys and Alan Hatherly. The first female rider home was Catherine Colyn in 2:39:23, followed by Daria Pravilova and Layla Schwellnus.
Rotarians, Interactors and their friends and supporters served as marshals along the route and handed out refreshments, medals and prizes at the finish. The proceeds go to Rotary projects. (Pics: PicSieb Photography).
Participants were eligible for lucky draw prizes.
Paarl Rotarians were up at the crack of dawn to serve as marshals at the Winelands Cycle Race and Cape Town Cycle Race.