Ray Chaplin: Unassisted ride across South Africa

It’s always hard to decide which of Ray Chaplin’s extraordinary adventures are most worthy of inclusion. But his epic, 41 day, 2 400km cycle across South Africa in May and June last year was significant not just because of the obstacles that he overcame, but also because of his goal to promote the use of non-motorised transport (and cyclist safety) to the South African public. Towing a small trailer behind his bicycle, Ray twisted his way along the scenic Route 62 until Port Elizabeth and then up the escarpment to Bloemfontein, before heading across to Johannesburg and Pretoria. With icy winds, pouring rain and long passes, the going was tough. When he finally arrived in Jo’burg, he finished off with a 57,5 hour, non-stop cycle. In these days of global warming, perhaps it should inspire us all to get on our bikes!