Riding the Munga Grit for a cause
A thought on how to raise funds became a challenge and a mission in just over sixty days.
This story begins with Ian, a very special man who lost the use of his right arm in August 2022. A year later he was diagnosed with MND. Read more about Ian here.
The Munga Grit Modimolle is a 24-hour cycle event in which participants need to complete as many 50km laps as possible. It is used as training for The Munga a 1000km event – for those ultra endurance riders! The Munga’s slogan “No guts, no glory” rings true even for this, mini-munga!
Laura Milne, a 25yr old Ecology researcher from Buffelskloof Nature Reserve, just outside Lydenburg, took on the challenge. Her training was brutal and her coach, Jaco Ferreira, certainly prepared her well for the challenge. By faith, Laura entered the Munga Grit 19 July and two weeks later, a sponsor came forward stating he would pay R5000 for every lap Laura could complete towards the Ian en ander fundraising campaign. Now we had to get the logos printed of the companies (Buffelskloof Nature Reserve and Midlands Reservations) who financed our trip and clothing for The Munga! Local printer Amajaybee in Lydenburg came to our rescue, since her support team from KZN had to house and dog-sit, I was now the support crew of 1!
Laura had a support crew of one at The Munga, but plenty of friends and family supporters who donated towards the fundraising campaign. Her employer pledged towards the fundraiser too but what lay ahead was extremes Laura had not yet faced. The following is an account from her support crew member, Jennie…
The six-hour journey to Modimolle was as can be expected, a rather hair-raising experience with drivers in the opposite lane approaching us in the same lane, wind and road surface did not make it an easy journey, none-the-less, we arrived at Weesgerus resort, unpacked and Laura took a quick 30-minute cycle to breathe the air and feel the ground surface.
Her first words to me were “The sand is hectic”. Laura slept well, I did not, I was nervous for her and kept going over my job so Laura would be able to perform. Early morning brought on a new sense of nervous energy. We listened to music, Laura had already begun pre-hydrating but with such a tiny tummy it took some determination, we walked to registration and Laura attempted to eat half a pot of porridge and continue with her prep before the start at noon. We were all excited!
During Laura’s first 50km her chain and guide jockey wheel refused to coexist. A new bearing and some bits needed replacing and tightening, thanks to Jimmy’s cycles, she could literally get back onto her bicycle for lap 2. Knowing this would be her final day-light and start of the night lap, I prepared her next batch of supplies. Laura came in, ate her first sit-down meal since breakfast and went out again for lap 3. 104km done. I was a little worried, she was already sore and had complained about the never-ending ruts and sand. Besides, she was riding alone, not with a partner or a group. I had massaged her back and we did some stretches. It was loadshedding and not at all fun to wonder how it was going out there. I decided to make my way to the start/finish and chat to cyclists and supporters. The talk was all about how difficult the terrain was. I watched a man pour sand out from his shoe; he had walked through the deep sand patches. By now everyone had long pants and layers on, the temperatures were dropping fast. I booked a massage for Laura, knowing she would be cold and sore after lap 3. I heated a bean bag and brought a blanket for her return. Laura showered and got warm again she changed into dry clothes, she wanted to go out again but was exhausted. Laura had also fallen in lap 3 and managed to give herself a massive bruise on the back of her thigh with her bike seat. She rested for 40 minutes and tackled lap 4. I slept for almost 3 hours and woke as though I had slept all night. I made my way down again and found 2 fires going, the organisers and another group of 4. Everyone else was asleep. I listened to some cyclists contemplating whether to go out or not. The medics told us it was 2ºC and dropping out there. The cyclists decided to stay around the fires and not tackle the cold night air. Even the leader had to take an hour to get warm and rest. Later we found out it had dropped to below freezing! Again, I was waiting with a heated bean bag and blanket, this time, Laura came in shivering. She decided to get warm and sleep. I of course could not sleep. I knew I had to wake her and get her hydrated again before she went out for her final lap. 208km done. We restocked her and despite being in pain and feeling every muscle in her body, she was determined to try to get another lap in before the time was up. I could hear her moaning as she forced her legs to start moving again. I spent some time packing up but by 10h30 I went to the finish line to cheer on the brave cyclists and chat to my fellow supporters! I waited and hoped but knew daylight would bring about better riding conditions for her. Others were worried about the wind that came up, but Laura had been training in strong winds so we both knew that was not an issue. Laura came in with half an hour to spare! Face bright and full of smiles. She had completed 5 laps in her first-ever Munga challenge! Was I proud – of course! Was I relieved – entirely!
Laura had ridden alone for most of the laps, braved the cold, dusty, rough terrain, mentally overcome her dull moments and finished 3rd in the women’s category! The winner, Nicky Booyens posted, “Munga Modimolle certainly kept the Munga name flying high as this race will certainly go down in the history books as one of the toughest races ever!” For Laura to have competed in those conditions for her first time ever, is absolutely astounding!
This young, up-and-coming ultra-endurance cyclist has proved that she can ride and is totally motivated to continue raising funds for Ian and others who need assistance.
I encourage businesses to support her, sponsor her, your logo’s and name will be seen far and wide and to those wanting to contribute to Laura’s fundraiser, please do so by donating at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/ian-stewart-5657513790115572041
By Jennie Pretorius
Contact Laura Milne: la***********@gm***.com
