Dainfern College

94.7 family fun in the sun

The members of Dainfern College’s newly launched Cycle Team took to their bikes last weekend when they participated in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge … and, after a sweltering day in the saddle, they all fully appreciate why it’s dubbed “Jo’burg’s Toughest Race”!

A team comprising Senior Prep and High School students, teachers and coaches, moms and dads, novices and veterans – all on mountain bikes, road bikes and even a tandem – made a striking picture as they lined up at the start in their official Dainfern College Cycle (DFC²) team colours. The official Dainfern College team members were: Tom Carruthers, Richard Eltringham, Oliver Lambson, Sam Lambson, Jaime Leslie, Jeremy Li Wan Po, Morgan Mocke (Mountain Bike race), Daniel Moreira, Mitchell Sparrow, Nick Stein, Sammy Stein and Chris van der Meulen.

In support of the ‘Ride with a Purpose’ initiative, the team set out to raise funds for two worthy causes: Dainfern College’s own outreach programmes (which assist disadvantaged schools in the area), and STEPS – a charity that assists children born with congenital lower limb disorders, such as club feet.

Their other goals were to cross the finish line in one piece … and to have plenty of FUN along the way!

With a R5000 donation from Netcare Sunninghill, a 100% medal rate and weary team members still able to manage a smile as they pedalled over the line, the day was everything the team had hoped for – and more.

“The sun shone, the gees was great and in spite of a few cramps, punctures and near-misses, everything went according to plan,” says team coordinator Rob Stein. “It was such a boost for us to crest the hill at the halfway mark and spot the Dainfern College waterhole ahead! Huge thanks go to our enthusiastic support crews, who cheered us – and everyone else - on along the route.”

The 94.7 Cycle Challenge is billed as a family affair and, in addition to the moms, dads, brothers and sisters who topped up water bottles, reapplied sunscreen and yelled encouragement from the sidelines, our team comprised several family groups.  Congratulations to all those who took part in the Mountain Bike Challenge and Cycle Challenge, on a fabulous inaugural ride:

• Browne Family: Harold, Hayley, Jared (Gr 10) & Kallen (Gr 7)
• Eltringham Family: Mark & Richard (Gr 9) 
• Lambson Family: Roger, Oliver (Gr 9) & Sam (Gr 7)
• Leslie Family: Stuart & Jaime (Gr 7)
• Le Roux Family: Sharon, Brett (Gr 7) & 2007 Head Girl Lauren 
• Moreira Family: Fernando & Daniel (Gr 9)
• Sparrow Family: Dave & Mitchell (Gr 7)
• Stein Family: Rob, Nick (Gr 9) & Sammy (Gr 7)
• Van der Meulen: Peter & Christopher (Gr 9)
• Tom Carruthers (Gr 9)
• Jeremy Li Wan Po (Gr 9)
• Chris Jones
• Geraldine Harris: Mom to Jess Nicholas, Nicole and Gabby

• Mountain Bike Challenge Riders: Morgan Mocke (Gr 9), Brett le Roux (Gr 7), Piers Rogers (G 7), Michael Thornton (Gr 7), Mia Bam (Gr 6)

• Teacher: Koos du Toit
• Coach: Romy Matheson