In a bid to create awareness of the Trans Kalahari Corridor, TKCMC will embark on yet another cycling challenge where the participants will cycle 1800km from Rustenburg to Walvis Bay. The challenge, dubbed The Cycling for the TKC Challenge will see 60 cyclists from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa cycling the whole breath of the corridor in order to promote economic and spatial development initiatives along the corridor.
The Cycling for the TKC Challenge will be done over a period of 14 days, where the first day will be dedicated to the arrival of cyclists and the last day for departure. The remaining 13 days will actively engage the cyclists from Rustenburg to Walvis Bay. On average cyclists will ride 143 km daily for 14 days. All
riders will make use of mountain bikes or gravel bikes.
TKC member states will be invited to provide 20 cyclists per country and support teams of maximum 2 officials and 2 journalists. The costs of these 60 riders and their support team as well as the journalists will be covered by the event. TKCMC will welcome cyclists from other countries, however, these will be expected to cater for their own travel and accommodation costs. Stakeholders including corporate organisations and government departments who have cycling clubs are encouraged to allow the club members to participate in this event. These may opt to ride with the group for any distance deemed appropriate by the club.
THE CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION
All riders will be selected on endurance, event participation, speed, and current fitness levels. As the principal cyclists approach settlements and towns along the TKC, cyclists from such settlements who may be interested to meet and join the cyclists will are welcome to do so. All riders and their support teams will be hosted in lodges and tented camps. Three meals, breakfast, on-the-go lunch, and supper will be served daily. Refreshments and snacks will be provided at water tables. Specialised performance enhancing supplements will not be provided. Transport to the start of the challenge in Rustenburg and from the end of race in Walvis Bay will be provided at no cost to all sponsored riders.
WHY CYCLING
Cycling is a way of promoting healthy living and leads to safer roads and the environment. Cycling is also an amazing way of conducting a campaign and drive the intended message to the target group. This is because when 60 individuals ride over 1800km together for a common cause, this is bound to raise interest nationally and regionally and internationally. The TKCS chose this campaign because of the impact it will have on the community and is bound to help change the mindset of both planners, developers, and investors.
PERCEIVED IMPACT OF THE CAMPAIGN
The overall result of the campaign is the increased volumes on the TKC thereby increasing spatial development initiatives and employment creation. It is
anticipated that at the end of the campaign, planners will take cognisant of the safety, security, and environmental consideration in the development of the TKC. The continuation of this activity will propel the TKC from being a transport corridor to an economic and developmental corridor.
For further information please contact:
Marketing and Communications
Ankwetse Hunda
Tel: +264 61002572
Cell: +264 816250247
WhatsApp: +267 76414798
marketing@tkcmc.com
