{"id":182337,"date":"2026-03-31T13:00:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T11:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodthingsguy.com\/?p=182337"},"modified":"2026-03-31T11:33:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T09:33:23","slug":"850km-journey-changes-lives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodthingsguy.com\/sport\/850km-journey-changes-lives\/","title":{"rendered":"Riding for a Reason: 850km Journey Changing Young Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"

An 850km cycling journey from Heidelberg to Komani is bringing riders together to raise funds for education, changing lives one kilometre at a time.<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Komani, South Africa (31 March 2026) – <\/em>\u201cSouth Africa belongs to all South Africans and each one of us can make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

That belief, shared by Tony Frost, is what fuels one of the country\u2019s most inspiring cycling initiatives, the 1965 Ride.<\/a><\/p>\n

What started as a simple idea has grown into a powerful annual journey. Back in 2010, after attending a Founders Day celebration at Queens College, Tony found himself asking a simple but important question: how can I give back? The answer came in the form of a bike, a long road, and a ride from Johannesburg to Queenstown to raise funds for education.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: The 1965 Ride<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fast forward to today, and that idea has turned into an 850km cycling challenge that stretches over nine days, taking riders from Heidelberg all the way to Komani. Along the way, cyclists pass through towns like Villiers, Reitz, Ladybrand, Wepener, and Aliwal North, covering some of the country\u2019s most scenic and demanding \u00a0terrain. From the Maluti Mountains to the Stormberg range, the route is as breathtaking as it is tough.<\/p>\n

And tough is an understatement. Despite dropping in altitude overall, the ride is filled with climbs, including the iconic Penhoek Pass, before a final descent into Komani. But this isn\u2019t about racing or personal glory, it\u2019s about purpose and giving back.<\/p>\n

At its core, the 1965 Ride is a fundraiser for the Queenstown Education Foundation,<\/a> which provides bursaries to young people who otherwise wouldn\u2019t have access to quality education. Each cyclist commits to raising funds, with the broader goal of changing lives through learning.<\/p>\n

This year, a group of 15 riders will take on the journey, many of them former pupils from Queenstown schools, all united by a shared desire to give back. Some are seasoned participants who return year after year, while others are taking on the challenge for the first time. Whether it\u2019s a first timer or a returning driver, the goal is the same.<\/p>\n

Beyond the kilometres and the climbs, it\u2019s the moments along the way that truly stand out. From schoolchildren cheering riders on, to communities welcoming them with open arms, the journey becomes something bigger than just a ride. It\u2019s a reminder of what can happen when people come together for a common cause.<\/p>\n

By the time the cyclists roll into Komani they\u2019re helping open doors for the next generation.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: The 1965 Ride<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n
Sources: Supplied\u00a0<\/em><\/h6>\n
Don\u2019t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on\u00a0Apple<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Google<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/h6>\n
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by\u00a0clicking here\u00a0<\/a>or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque \u2013 South Africa\u2019s very own\u00a0Good Things Guy<\/a>. He\u2019s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there\u2019s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you\u2019ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:<\/em><\/h6>\n