Chains mean freedom on a bicycle, but for a dog chained to the spot, they mean a life of suffering.
On Sunday, 9 March, 102 cyclists set out to prove exactly where chains belong by riding the Cape Town Cycle Tour as part of Team SPCA.
And they delivered!
Through grit, sweat, and determination, Team SPCA cyclists raised an astounding R565 959.79 – enough to set countless dogs free, one bolt-cutting rescue at a time.
Among the riders was 19-year-old Gidian Jacobs, who took the concept of ‘breaking chains’ to the extreme – by completing the gruelling 109km race on a chainless unicycle.
“Riding the race on a unicycle was certainly a challenge, but it’s just a few hours of discomfort in hopes of sparing an animal from a lifetime of suffering,” said Jacobs.
His journey was brutal.
His legs burned, his back ached, and he hit the ground hard in Llandudno. But despite it all, he crossed the finish line in 06:04:33 – battered, but victorious.
What a legend.
Some of the other unique efforts this year included:
Kendal Krober and Diederick Kruisinga took on the route on a tandem, because four legs are, of course, better than two when you’re giving your all for four-legged friends.
Cat lovers Amy Hopkins and Bernard Bravenboer turned heads by riding in full cat costumes, while SPCA Horse Care Unit Supervisor Mark Syce and Farrier to the SPCA Adam Snyman teamed up to do what they do every day, help neglected horses.
‘Die Perde Manne‘ in high spirits ahead of Chapman’s Peak
Beyond the bikes, the costumes, and the tandems, every single Team SPCA cyclist who took part in the Cycle Tour was an advocate and a fundraiser, combining their passions to make real change happen.
“The results of their efforts are incredible,” said Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
“R565 959.79 means real dogs, in real pain, are getting real freedom. Every cyclist, every donor, every cheer from the side-lines – made this a winning event. The entire SPCA family, two-legged and four-legged, is beyond grateful”.
And now, with the funds raised, SPCA Inspectors are readying their bolt cutters to break more chains and free more dogs.
For more images for the 102 cyclists who rode the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour for Team SPCA, click HERE
Not all heroes wear capes. Have you ever done anything in aid of a charity?
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