Blind man sets sights on most gruelling mountain bike race in the world
Hein Wagner , blind adventurer and motivational speaker, will take on the 2011 ABSA Cape Epic with his tandem partner, Gerrie Olivier (managing director of Pragma Acuity). It will be the first time in the history of the ABSA Cape Epic that a blind person participates in this extreme endurance event.
Although Wagner has taken on many daring adventures such as climbing mountains, sailing from Cape Town to Rio, running several marathons and becoming the fastest blind driver in the world, he agrees that participating in the ABSA Cape Epic will be the most physically challenging event he has ever undertaken .
"800 kilometres over 8 days will not be easy, especially not over the kind of terrain sighted cyclists struggle with".
Hein, however, has total confidence in his pilot, Gerrie who is a skilled cyclist and four time ABSA Cape Epic finisher. A specially adapted Cannondale mountain bike tandem, better known as "Worshond" will be put through its paces. In preparation they recently completed the Karoo to Coast, a 100 kilometre mountain bike race and although all went well on the day, both agree that there is still lots to be done before the ABSA Cape Epic.
Wagner's participation in the event is for a good cause. He started the VisionTrust 3 years ago. The main aim of the trust is to make the world a more accessible place for persons living with disabilities. What does this mean?
For example, in order for a blind person to work a standard computer he /she requires specially adapted screen reading software. This software could cost anything between ten and fifteen thousand rand and might be the only obstacle for a blind person to land a meaningful job.
Wagner and Olivier's aim is to raise funds towards the VisionTrust which provides blind and other disabled individuals with free access to essential aids.
How can you support this worthy cause?
You can sponsor Hein and Gerrie a cent/rand/dollar or pound per kilometre, per calorie burned, per heartbeat or simply make a once of donation to the VisionTrust.
For frequent updates on their training progress and funds raised for the event you can follow their official Facebook page, Beyond Vision Mission.
Banking details
The VisionTrust
ABSA
Account number: 4069423823
Branch: 632005
From finish line to Bike Wash - Pragma to ensure a smooth ride for ABSA Cape Epic participants
Physical asset management company Pragma, who was nominated as best overall race village service at the 2010 Absa Cape Epic for the Pragma Bike Wash, will once again join forces with the organisers of the event this year to surpass previous accomplishments and services provided.
Erasmus and Meintjies represent Pragma at ABSA Cape Epic
The Absa Cape Epic, now in its ninth year, takes place from 25 March to 1 April and will start with its prologue at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville and finish eight days and 781 km later at the prestigious Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.
Engineers geared up for their second ABSA Cape Epic
Cape Town based Engineers Dean Griffin (42) and Nelson Broden (32) will be riding together under the team name Pragma Acuity.
Pragma not only washing bikes at this year's ABSA Cape Epic
Taking part in their first Absa Cape Epic are Pragma riders Stefan Terblanche (of Stellenbosch) and Marthinus Burger (of Brackenfell) of Team Pragma ONE, who will not be washing bikes this year.
