In one week, February 13, Ruan Smit will start his cycle adventure from Johannesburg, South Africa. He is planning to return to the same place 10 weeks later on April 14, behind approximately 9000 kilometers on bike around the country. Through this ambitious venture Ruan is willing to contribute in creating national and international awareness of what South Africa has to offer. According to the plan, Ruan will cycle between 150-200 kilometers per day while reporting about his trip and the new stories via blog, twitter, Facebook, radio and print.
The goal of this project is “to cycle the whole of South Africa and to document its undiscovered beauty, known beauty, stories, giving a face to the multiplicity of our nation”. During the travel he is looking forward to meet communities that can share their thoughts and understanding of their homeland. Ruan writes:
South Africa is more than a country with 11 languages, 9 provinces and various cultures. South Africa is: The earth and soil that provides inspiration to a nation, a nation so diverse in nature and so united in culture. The place that we love, that I love. The earth that remembers our history, that understands our present and grants our future. South Africa, the country who gave birth to us, who provides for us and shelters us underneath her endless sky. The place that we love, that loves us with her beauty. That is constant and yet ever changing. Our inspiration, our home – my home.
Ruan’s plan to ride every day long distances under the hot South African sun sounds very challenging. But why has he chose this very ecological way of travelling? “I chose a bike so I could feel the road burn my muscles, that road that shows me the beauty of a nation. I chose a bike because the wind brings me memories. I chose a bike so that the sun can speak to my skin. I chose a bike so I could hide my tears along with the rain.”
Mynatour team is heading very soon to South Africa and they are very much looking forward to meet Ruan on the road! Soon can you read here on Mynatour’s webpage more about these both adventures! You can also follow Ruan’s preparation for this challenge and the actual trip through his blog…
Text: Emily Hockert
Image: Ruan Smith