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The “Southern Cross” is a 1600km, 15 day Mountain Bike route with 23 000m of climbing which showcases the Western Capes unique geographic diversity, its rugged mountains, remote deserts, scenic passes and pristine coastline. The ride starts in historic Stellenbosch on 16th November 2019.
The rider’s goal is to complete the Southern Cross loop to kick off their Cape Epic 2020 base training whilst bringing awareness and raise important funds for both the Kingsley Holgate Foundation (KHF) and Blood Lions.
The riders and organiser’s are Hannele Steyn and Mike Nixon who will be supported by Land Rover, NPV, P4W, PVM and some tremendous riding kit by PAVE sports.
Hannele and Mike will be pairing up for next year’s Cape Epic 2020 they are both “Last Lions” – being the “Last Lioness” and Mike one of three “Last Lions” who have both completed all 16 previous Absa Cape Epic’s.
Hannele is both SA MTB champion and Triathlon World Champion and has also been a previous winner of the Cape Epic and has the prestigious “Hannele Steyn” trophy given out in her name in honor of Cape Epic’s best performing African woman rider.
Mike Nixon is well known for his adventures, having completed the 7 Summits including Everest as expedition rider for the Kingsley Holgate Foundation for over 12 years, he has mountain biked African Rift Valley, and cycled with the KHF Team to the Geographic Centre Point of the Continent in the Republic of Congo and to Africa’s extreme Eastern point in Somalia, a number of which were world firsts.
"We will start 16 Nov till 30 Nov from Stellenbosch, via Sanbona, Rooiberg, Prince Albert, Willowmore, Steytlerville, Baviaanskloof, Uniondale, Mooiplaas, Welgevonden, Swellendam, Greyton, Stellenbosch. About 100 - 150 km per day, off-road with lots of ascent. Land Rover will supply a vehicle which will take our bags to the stops and provide support.
Our breakfasts will be sponsored by my company, Passion4Wholeness Pty Ltd. A percentage of all my product sales from 16 Nov until after the Cape Epic, end March next year will go to an under privileged school in Kayamandi, " Steyn explained.
The charities being supported are the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, Blood Lions and Passion4Wholeness Food Fund. (P4W)
KINGSLEY HOLGATE FOUNDATION
DONATIONS:
BANKING DETAILS:
Bank: First National Bank (South Africa)
Account name: Kingsley Holgate Africa Foundation
Account number: 62398886675
Branch: Eshowe, 220230
SWIFT Number: FIRNZAJJ (for international payments)
BLOOD LIONS
DONATIONS:
Follow the Blood Lions website as there's a 'Donate Now' button: www.bloodlions.org
Or directly to our PayPal donations portal with this link: https://tinyurl.com/DonateBloodlions
PASSION FOR WHOLENESS FOOD FUND
The Route
1600km , 23 000m of climbing over 15 days
KEY SUPPORTERS
Hannele and Mike would also like to thank the following organisations for making this ride possible.
New Property Ventures
Land Rover
P4W
PVM
Follow social media to track their adventure across the Cape.