COLIN HEYDENRYCH MEMORIAL RIDE AT HOPEWELL

COLIN; KEVIN; JOHN AND PETER AT HOPEWELL MEMORIAL RIDE

COLIN HEYDENRYCH MEMORIAL RIDE AT HOPEWELL
Lolo, Jaryd and Mrs Heydenrych
Lex and Sharon
Andre and Peter
Beth and Grant




Sunday 23rd June 2013: 8:30am.
Andre and I load our bikes into his bakkie. He has recently removed the canopy to move his Mom's stuff to his home where she is now a much happier person. Andre's Mom deteriorated after the death of his Dad but seems to be much stronger since moving in with Robyn and Andre.

We drive out to Hopewell and see a number of cyclists riding out there. It seems like a long cycle on a MTB.
It is my second time here but first since Lex and Sharon have taken over. There is a good clubhouse area where we have coffee and greet some of the people we know. Kevin and John came out earlier for a 20k ride. Derrick and Benita, Martin and Colin, Lolo, Jaryd and Mrs Heydenrych, Beth and Grant, Belieu,

HOPEWELL GATHERING AND LISTENING TO RIDE INSTRUCTONS

BETH AND ANDRE. BETH IN WITH HER CHILDREN AND THEY ALL TAKE PART IN THE RIDE. THEN RIDE AROUND ON THE CIRCUIT IN FRONT OF THE BRAAI AREA.

JOHN AND KEVIN HAD ALREADY RIDDEN A 20KAY ROUTE, THIS IS THE FIRST RIDE THAT JOHN HAS DONE FOR AGES.



Lex called the group together and explained that we would cycle around 7 k out to a spot which he had chosen to set up a Bench and memorial in honour of who Colin was in the cycling fraternity. We follow in single file at a slow easy pace. The pathway that we take is really an easy track and it seems that we are at the viewpoint within minutes. On this short route there is just one slight hill which is easily manageable. We all gather around and Lex explains his thoughts. This is really a wonderful spot with a view across the valley below.

OUT ON THE TRACK THERE IS A LONG LINE OF RIDERS

AT THE PLACE WHERE THE MEMORIAL BENCH WILL BE LOCATED

Lolo decided not to cycle as she thinks that she is not fit enough. Jaryd is there. As I look around at the group of men and women it is clear that Colin was a well liked and respected man. People talk as we cycle, mentioning his good qualities. Andre comments later that he could feel Colin's spirit around us. It certainly had a special feel. I am so pleased that we came today. This whole idea and activity is the right thing to do.

BENITA AND DERRICK KEBBEL .... BENITA WAS WITH COLIN AND HAD TRIED TO REVIVE HIM WITH CPR THAT SHE HAD LEARNED AS A NURSE.

JARYD ENJOYED THE RIDE AND BEING WITH THIS GROUP OF MEN AND WOMEN

 

Andre and I take a gentle ride back. I am able to greet Mrs Heydenrych who mentions that she was part of the group who made tea for us at Michaels Funeral. Strange how we have now both lost a son. We enjoy a Boerewors role, greet the people there and head off home. Stupidly I put my phone on the roof of the car, we drive off for about a Kay down the dirt road before I remember. Thankfully it is still there.

GROUPING TOGETHER AS LEX OUTLINES THE PLANS

THE PLACE WHERE THE MEMORIAL BENCH WILL BE PLACED LOOKS OVER THE VALLEY BELOW. THIS IS A STUNNING PLACE AND REALLY APPROPRIATE

THERE IS QUITE A BIT OF DISCUSSION AND PLANNING THAT IS GOING INTO THE MEMORIAL

This morning was to honour the memory of Colin. I feel that the activity was appropriate and that the group of MTB'rs who were there were able to come to terms with the loss of a friend in a way which complimented an important part of his life. The outing was also an affirmation the the Family of the respect that the MTB group had for this comrade of theirs.

THE VEGETATION AND INDIGENOUS PLANTS ARE AMAZINGLY COLOURFUL

EVERLASTING FLOWERS ON LOCAL BUSH

BILEU MOOLMAN HAD BEEN INTRODUCED TO CYCLING BY COLIN