HARTE POMP PIENK

Die Suid-Kaap se brose rose met staal in hul pype. Dit sit nie in elkeen se broek om die langpad van meer as 2 200 kilometer op 'n ysterperd aan te durf nie, maar hierdie vyf borskanker-oorwinnaars het dit gedoen. Na vier dae in die saal en meer as 1 000 km agter die blad, kon hulle nog glimlag. Hier is hulle by hul gastehuis in Augrabies voordat hulle na Upington toe vertrek het. Van links is Amy Jansen, Magda Geldenhuys (albei van Mosselbaai), Adri van Niewenhuysen (George), Frieda Henning (George) en Elsje de Swart, almal van George.

Dan Singh oud burgemeester van van Port Nolloth skud sy sak vir Kanker

AUGRABIES — Niemand betaal R10 000 vir ‘n wit beertjie met ‘n paar houers
lekkerruik- en skoonheidsprodukte nie – tensy hul koppe raas of hul bloed
pienk is nie. Op Port Nolloth het ‘n oud-burgmeester en sakeman, Dan Singh,
tydens ‘n veiling sy sak behoorlik geskud en ‘n hele R10 000 tot die Journey
of Hope se fondsinsameling bygedra.

Wikus Burger – koop2 bottels wyn vir R2500.00

Nog ‘n inwoner, mnr Wikus Burger het R2 500 vir twee bottels wyn wat deur
die motorfietsvroue geteken is, betaal. Die aand se veiling het altesaam R26
400 ingebring.

2200km van Kaapstad Waterfront tot by morningside winkelkompleks in Rivonia op Motorfiets vir borskanker

En dit is die manier waarop die gemeenskappe hul harte oopmaak vir die 18
vroue wat borskanker oorleef het en wat tans besig is met die Clicks Journey
of Hope, wat verlede Saterdag by die Waterfront in Kaapstad begin het. Na
meer as 2 200 km sal die vroue Saterdag om 13:30 by die Morningside
winkelkompleks in Rivonia aankom.
Die doel met die rit op die kragtige Harley Davidson motorfietse is
tweerlei:  enersyds is dit ‘n bewusmakingsveldtog om te bewys dat indien jy
borskanker vroegtydig opspoor, daar ‘n 95% kans op oorlewing is – en hierdie
vroue is almal lopende getuienis daarvan! Die tweede been is die
fondsinsamelingsbeen wat ingestel is om vroue wat dit nie kan bekostig om na
‘n borsverwydering, rekonstruktiewe snykunde te ondergaan nie, te help.
Die rit se roee is langs die Weskus en dan die Noord-Kaap tot in Gauteng.

Weskus gemeenskapondersteun Journey of Hope heelhartig

Oral langs die Weskus op het die mense se warm harte met die hoe temperature van meer as 40 grade gekompeteer. Elke gemeenskap wou die vroue groter en beter van hul ondersteuning oortuig en oral waar die brul van die motorfietse gehoor is, was die skares daar.
Vanjaar se Journey het ook ten doel om veral die vroue en kinders in afgelee
plekke in kontak te bring met oorlewendes. Die vroue besoek dan ook op elke
dorp die skole en verduidelik – en demonstreer- hoe elke meisie haar eie
borste moet ondersoek om sodoende te verseker dat enige abnormaliteit
vroegtydig opgespoor kan word.
Die lang pad en hoe temperatuur bied groot uitdagings vir die ryers en Jani
du Plessis het Dinsdagaand by Augrabies vir die inwoners vertel dat daar
beslis twee kante aan die rit is:  die een waar almal jou sien glimlag en
dink jy is baie “cool” en die ander een waar net jy en jou valhelm weet wat
in jou kop aangaan.

Clicks Journey of Hope 2009

The Round Table of Augrabies and the Northern Cape handed a collection of bras to the ladies of JOH as part of their project to distribute bras among the communities along the route. A very special bra, with the embroided logo of Round Table Augrabies on the one cup and the international Round Table logo on the other was also handed over. This bra will be auctioned off at a later stage to collect more funds for the Journey. Receiving the bras are Diane Parker (left), founder member of JOH and Aileen Taylor, co-founder. The Round Table men are Okkie Visser (second from left) and Hannes Kruger.

DAY FOUR

BURNING THE TAR … INLAND

After the electrifying vibe on Monday evening, the cool breeze from the sea was very welcome.  The riders were on such a high that if one could convert their spirit into high octane petrol, the bikes would all take off like rockets!

A leisurely drive along the coast to enjoy the beautiful sights of Port Nolloth had a very calming effect on the ladies. As they turned around to ride back into town, the Roman Catholic school pupils greeted them with a guard of honour. One of the unsuccessful bidders for the teddy bear (that went for R10 000) the previous evening, known as Toffee, came with an early morning surprise:  a R2 000 cash donation (just to show that he wasn’t crossed for not getting the teddy!

After the highly successful auction it was decided that not all the money raised should be donated to Journey of Hope. Some of it should stay in the community to be used for medical expenses of some of the women that have been diagnosed.

What an example of the Journey and the community taking hands on helping the women!

In Springbok another anonymous plastic bank bag found its way to the Journey girls:  R1 000 cash with only a note saying:   “Hope you can use it. Seventeen years ago my wife did not make it. God bless.

The bikers then retracted and went back to Springbok. Here the SPAR staff, especially Nicolene Burger, came to their rescue again with ice cold juice.

The temperature was once again 40 plus and the well cladded girls were reaching ‘boiling’ point. Several water stops had to be made before Pofadder was reached.

Why would anyone ever go to Pofadder? Most probably because the residents are extremely friendly. The Town Councilors made sure they were there to welcome the riders as well as the only breast cancer survivor in the town, Rosaline Olivier. She has been clean for 10 years.

“Mother Christmas” (a-la-Leandra) arrived with some Revlon gifts for the girls and the fancy new lip gloss with its own mirror and light, was an instant hit.

Green Kalahari

The afternoon stretch to Augrabies was another grueling one. The riders were hot and the road seemed endless. After kilometres of rocks, sand and very little vegetation, Augrabies was suddenly there – with its finest greenery. Located in the Green Kalahari, the town and surroundings have beautiful vineyards where some of the country’s best sweet wine and raisins come from.

A picture paints a thousand words. At the Augrabies Falls Lodge the garden was transformed into an intimate pink setting with pull up banners of all the riders.

The Augrabies Falls Lodge and Camp was a real oasis for the riders. Inside the cool foyer they were greeted with ice cold juice and lovely fruit platters. They could barely wait to get to their rooms, test the beds and surrender themselves to a short period of rest and chilling out!

The court yard of the Lodge had been transformed into a pink emporium for the evening function. Even pink ostrich feathers were scattered on the ground.

The riders were treated to some real Northern Cape hospitably and they could feast on lamb, salads, freshly baked bread and ‘roosterkoeke’ as well as a speciality known as “paptert”! Made from maize and decorated with grated cheese, bacon and sweet corn, it is a delicious meal – ask Lilian, she had two helpings!

The Augrabies Round Table donate special embroided bra

The Augrabies Round Table had decided that they would not only hand over a cash donation, they would also donate a whole bag of bras as well as a very special bra:  one with each cup having a special emblem embroided on it. The one cup has the Round Table logo on it and the other cup the Augrabies Round Table logo. These bras were handed over by Hannes Kruger and Okkie Visser.

The embroided bra will be auctioned at same stage, but the bag of bra will be distributed to women communities where even a bra is a luxury!

The temperature was once again 40 plus and the well cladded girls were reaching ‘boiling’ point. Several water stops had to be made before Pofadder was reached.

Why would anyone ever go to Pofadder? Most probably because the residents are extremely friendly. The Town Councilors made sure they were there as well as the only breast cancer survivor in the town,  Rosaline Olivier. She has been clean for 10 years.

“Mother Christmas” (a-la-Leandra) arrived with the Revlon gifts for the girls and the fancy new lip gloss with its own mirror and light, was an instant hit.

Harley Davidsons and Clicks Yourney of Hope

Journey of Hope and Harley Davidson Bikes

The heat is on – 18 Harley Davidson motorcycles and and 18 beautyfull ladies take the roads of South Africa

Have you ever seen 18 beautiful ladies on powerful machines gracing the roads of SA?
The West Coast has come alive with the roar of 18 Harley Davidson motorcycles and just as many beautiful ladies.  The Journey of Hope 2009 is in full swing and the cycles are burning up the tar.

The Communities of the West Coast have opened their hearts in aid of awareness for breast Cancer

But it is not only the bikes that are turning on the heat, the communities of the West Coast have opened their hearts and are pouring out a steady flow of goodwill and love. Before the girls left the V&A Waterfront on Saturday, the crowds were entertained by Anna Davel  and Claude Pretorius and Mariki Theron – who sang the special Journey of Hope song written by one of the survivors and riders:  Adri  van Nieuwenhuizen from George.

waterfront cape town

A number of riders joined the girls as they left the Waterfront and nearly caused a Saturday morning traffic jam of note!
At Retanga Juction they were joined by more riders as well as TV crews and journalists. WE hope that you saw us on SABC 2 news on Saturday evening;  again on Sunday morning;  on the front page of the Kaap Rapport as well as in Die Burger today.

Moorreesburg decorated the way to Golf club in pink

Only then could the girls get onto the highway – the N7 north with the first stop at Moorreesburg.  And what a stop it was!  Pink ribbons decorated the lamp poles and trees all the way to the golf club. The community really went to town on food, entertainment as well as on a very welcome and HUGE donation of close on R11 000 – they even declined the money for the food for the extra riders and also donated this to the Journey.

At Lambertsbaai the girls were treated at hte muisbosskerm and Lambertsbaai  hotel treated the girls

After Moorreesburg it was on the road again – this time to Lambertsbaai  – home of Muisbosskerm, the authentic and first outdoor seafood restaurant  in the country. After a welcome by the town’s own troop of cute and so professional drum majorettes , and girls lining the streets with long pink ribbons and flashing smiles the staff at the Lambertsbaai Hotel opened their arms and hearts for the girls.

Lambertsbaai – Muisbosskerm

Then it was off to one of the most exciting eating experiences:  Muisbosskerm on the Atlantic Coast. The restaurant is built of indigenious “muisbos” which was erected to keep the wind out. All the dishes are made on the open fires in the centre and the homemade bread is baked in outside ovens.

“Soetpatats”, snoek, “wildspastei” and “waterblommetjiebredie” to die for

The girls went to town on the “soetpatats to die for”, the snoek, angelfish,  hake and paella to name but a few. For the not so keen seafood enthusiasts there was ‘waterblommetjiebredie’, ‘wildspastei’ and roasted chicken – all served without any cutlery. Your eating utensil is a cleaned mussle shell!  Quite something to get use to.

‘koeksisters” and “moerkoffie” and breast cancer ride in America

For sweets they served crispy and ‘juicy’ koeksisters and ‘moerkoffie’ out of the kettle on the fire. So rustic and so lekker!
A number of locals joined the girls and they were treated to a “foreign” story when Annelie Saker told them about her experience as a rider on a breast cancer ride in America during the first two  weeks of October. She and Amy Jansen, another rider, had the time of their life in America and just came back in time to join the Journey of Hope.
After just a few hours of  sleep the girls went to breakfast at one of Lambertsbaai’s jewels, Grootvlei, where they were again treated to ‘roosterkoeke’ with snoek pate, jams and cheeses.

The Bikers

After all the treats it was back to business …. and the road.
Not only were the hearts of the people warm, the area heated up with a temperature of more than 30 degrees. The endless road stretched out in front of them …. for more than 400 km  – all the way to Springbok.

The first minor incedent on trip. Sanet slipped on the gravel with here bike

But there was a quick detour to Clanwilliam to meet a very special lady, Alma Truter, along the road. This lady thanked the girls for what they are doing and for giving her hope. A lot of tears, hugs and words of encouragements were exchange and then it happened:   the first small incident on the trip. Sanette Venter from Heidelberg, who is one of the new riders and who has only recently got her license, slipped on the gravel and her bike went for a fall. Luckily Sanette jumped off and did not get hurt and the bike is also fine. However she then decided to give the cameraman, Tiaan (who is also a biker) carte blanche to ride her bike. And did he enjoy it.
Next stop was Garies – the home of Grietjie, the singing granny with her pink kappie,  that has crept into the hearts of South Africans   – and the hospitable people of this friendly town.

T

The  Clicks Journey of Hope In Namakwaland

Breakfast at Grootvlei

THE HEAT HAS REACHED FEVER PITCH! (Monday’s happenings)

Springbok primary and secondry school listened to biker chicks

The children of Springbok will definitely remember the Clicks Journey of Hope 2009. As the bell went for the school week to start, the ladies on their Harleys roared onto the playgrounds. Hundreds of pupils, both primary and secondary level had the opportunity to listen to what the biker chicks had to say on breast cancer.

Springbok

Springbok Spar arranged a Breakfast session with town’s breast cancer survivors

At a breakfast session with the town’s breast cancer survivors at the Springbok SPAR (Nicolene Burger and her team were AWESOME) Christine (a survivor) handed Diane her application form for breast cancer reconstruction. This is the ultimate aim of the Journey – to make people aware and to give hope for those who cannot afford reconstruction.

Miss Namakwaland testing a Harley

The temperature at Port Nolloth was more than 40 degrees Celcius

Then it was saddle up time – on the road again to Port Nolloth. Riders from Port Nolloth joined the team and rode with them into the town. Not only had the temperature heated up (more than 40 degrees), the town folks lined the streets and the children welcomed the Journey with screams of delight. The whole atmosphere was that of frenzy and excitement. A guard of honour formed outside the town hall and the girls were treated like royalty – of course Lillian was the ‘royalist’ of them all – to such an extent that she now has her own bodyguard: Abdul (in real life a medic, but can surely double up as body guard)!

Amy Jansen

Monday Night’s stay over was at Port Nolloth Country Club

After the information function where Aileen demonstrated who to examine yourself for breast cancer, the Journey head to the Port Nolloth Country Club where everyone was to stay over. The cool swimming pool was such an attraction that most of the girls and the crew landed up in the pool – clothes and all. According to Port Nolloth residents, the extreme temperature is not normal for this time of year.

Jani du Plessis

Successful auction in Port Nolloth raised R26 400

However they felt the ladies needed all the excitement and support and were happy to do everything to the extreme – and that is exactly what they did at the evening function. PINK BLOOD Port Nolloth’s blood is definitely pink and their hearts too – from the mayor’s pink shirt to the bags of money they generated with an auction: R26 400 to be exact! Why else would anyone fork out R10 000 for a teddy bear and some beauty products? Or R4 500 for two bottles of wine signed by the riders?

Auction Time or is it?

Exited auctioneer from Port Nolloth nearly swallowed his hammer

Dan Singh, ex mayor and business man made sure that the Journey would not leave empty handed. He kept the bidding going and at some stage he upped his bid from R5 200 to R10 000. The auctioneer, Charles Willemse, got so excited that he nearly swallowed his hammer! Wikus Burger from Port Nolloth Spar also chased up the bids and settled for R4 500 for two bottles of wine signed by all the ladies.

The Crew!

JP Bester, also a cancer patient, decided that he would show that his blood was also pink – he sprayed his hair and made a statement by entertaining the crowd with his flower bra. On the entertainment front six pupils from the local school showed the audience how to do the Nama Walk – an indigenous dance to the Richterveld. The whole vibe was that of electricity and nobody really wanted to go home. The visitors left reluctantly and the riders had to really tear themselves away from all the fun and excitement, because tomorrow it is back to the saddle … and the next stretch.

Port Nolloth has jumped into all of our hearts – and there you will stay.

From Jani to Casey

PS: Thanks to Carlos and Lorinda Teixeira from the Country Club who had opened their hearts (and home). You and the rest of the Port Nolloth residents will definitely stay in our hearts. You are now part of our Journey!

Clicks Journey of Hope

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On Friday the group of courageous women received their Harley Davidson motor cycles at the Tygervalley shopping Centre in Bellville.

October is Breast Cancer Month and Yesterday, Saturday October 17, 15 breast cancer survivors started their eight day Journey of Hope  from Cape Town to Johannesburg. The Clicks Journey of Hope was initiated to promote awareness of breast cancer, educate on early detection and to raise funds for women who require reconstructive surgery.

Saturday 17 October Day 1

Saturday Morning The women started their journey from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town

the people of Moreesburg donated R11000.00 to the journey 4 of the ladies on the picture are cancer survivors

Even the younger generation wanted to be part of the Journey

Saturday evening the group riders visited the Muisbosskerm, the first and original open air restaurant in South Africa, in Lamberts Bay. Photo Features Magda Geldenhuys (Mossel Bay) with two guests

Even the residents of the small village of Leipoldt ice tea and other refreshments

Clicks Journey of Hope  2009

Clicks Journey of Hope  2009 the same path, a different road!

From 17 – 24 October 2009 15 breast cancer survivors will travel nearly 2 300 km on shining Harley Davidson’s along the roads of the West Coast, Northern Cape, Free State and Gauteng.
During the ride various communities will be visited  and educated on how breast cancer can be overcome, especially if it is detected in an early stage.

Janie du Plessis and Mama Lilian Dube areare living proof that there is life after breast cancer

This is the second year that survivors have taken up the challenge.  Our Author, Denise lloyd  will be riding with the ladies. The riders include well known celebrities such as Janie du Plessis and Mama Lilian Dube, who are living proof that there is life after breast cancer.

Information leaflets on Breast Cancer will be distributed and information will be shred with women en route

The 15 volunteers shared personal testimonies and delivered important messages about the early detection, diagnosis, treatment and survival to the communities. Information leaflets were distributed so that the information could be shared with all the women en route.
Visit Journey of Hope website for more photographs and articles on the journey.