MRP Foundation Ride_2016 CC

theForriedweord

At the heart of arguably South Africa’s toughest road ride, the Ride for MRP Foundation supported by Absa, is a powerful message of
ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Cyclists tackle an epic challenge, 660km in just two days, and donors and support these worthy efforts. And through it all MRP Foundation
commits to breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality through their programmes in education and skills development.
Although the ride may be continuously evolving into a bigger and better event at it’s core the aim remains the same - to raise funds and
awareness for the MRP Foundation.
We hope this publication will provide but a snippet of the courage, camaraderie, passion and generosity proudly displayed by all partners
during the ride and inspire others to take on the challenge.
MRP Foundation would like to wholeheartedly thank all the cyclists, supporters and the sponsors Absa, SPAR, Deloitte, Defy, CMH Nissan
Durban, Raleigh, Finance Spec, KTM Durban, Zebbies and Cyclesphere.

our dreams are big.

millionswe want to impact

of young people.

natasja ambrosio

MRP Foundation Director

our mission

The MRP Foundation is a Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation
that was established in 2005, to carry out the Social Investment
initiatives for Mr Price Group.
We strive to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of young
South Africans. Our main focus is on upliftment, especially of those less
privileged, through education and skills development.

CONTENTS:

1 Foreword
2 Contents
3 Welcome Nigel Payne & Natasja Ambrosio
4 History of ride
5 Heart behind the ride
6 Man behind the ride
7 The Route
8 The Jersey
9 Comments
10 Meet the team
11 The Ride
12 Partners

Riders are coming through
Hillcrest.
They have done 632km at point
and have 28km’s left to go.
The tempretures are exceeding
35ºC and its not helping there is a
berg wind.



welcofrmomenigel

To the riders, organisers, sponsors and supporters Ð Welcome to the Ride for
MRP Foundation 2015 Johannesburg to Durban Challenge.
Thank you for participating in the 6th edition of this inspiring event, which
continues to grow in size, legendary status and its impact on the lives of
South Africans who are less privileged than we are. This is our biggest
peloton in the history of this event, SAÕs Toughest 2 day cycle challenge, and
as a result it will be the year in which we help the MRP Foundation to make
the greatest impact. Whatever role you have adopted this year, it is greatly
appreciated and will make a meaningful contribution, without which this
initiative would be less successful, or may not have happened at all.
Special thanks to Kelvin du Sart, your organising team and the cycling
legends from Westville Cycle Club Ð you are the cogs that drive this event.
Thank you to ABSA for partnering with us in this event, as sponsors and on
the road.
The MRP Group was built on the foundations of Passion, Value and Partner-
ship, all of which will be required in large measure over the two days of riding.
For most of the cyclists, particularly the newbies, including my friends who
have joined me, this challenge is well beyond anything we have done previ-
ously. We are here to ride the entire distance, but we know that we are
dependant on our fellow riders, the safety team, traffic officials, mechanics
and supporters to get us through. In the tough times we will think of those
who will benefit through greater life opportunities via the education, skills
development, employment and other opportunities provided by the MRP
Foundation. It is a huge endeavour, a big team, a worthy cause for our
sponsors to support, and will be an immense achievement for the cyclists.
Be safe, have fun, endure, prosper.

Chairman, Mr Price Group Limited

thankfroymounatasja

The MRP Foundation is all about ordinary people doing extraordinary things,
a value
this annual cycle event, the Ride for MRP Foundation, is an outstanding
example of.
These cyclists put their bodies on the line to raise funds and awareness for
the MRP Foundation which is an extraordinary action worth celebrating. With
their help we are able to continue to impact thousands of young South
Africans and give them the opportunity to become something significant, a
task we have been passionately doing for the past ten years.
Just like the cyclists who work together as a team to cross the finish line we
too believe that great things are achieved through teamwork.
Our partnerships with like-minded organisations help implement our sustain-
able and innovative programmes, sharing knowledge and ideas to create the
best possible solutions.
Thank you to the organisers of the Ride for MRP Foundation for believing in
our mission enough to put us at the centre of this event for the past six years.
We truly value your commitment to the cause.
And lastly, our sincerest gratitude to everyone who has cycled, supported
and donated. All contributions raised from this ride have and will continue to
help the MRP Foundation to impact thousands of young South Africans.
Together we can create change and do good.

Director of the MRP Foundation

theHrisitdorey

Strictly for seasoned riders with hearts for changing lives, the Ride
for MRP Foundation is an epic event that pushes cyclists to their
physical and mental limits.
Mr Price Cycle Club members Kelvin du Sart, Craig Jones, Ryan
Ambler-Smith and Graham Daniel first set this arduous 640 km ride
in motion in 2010, titling it the Double Triple Charity Challenge. From
the get go the group of sports enthusiasts decided to dedicate the
ride from Johannesburg to Durban to a worthy cause, choosing the
MRP Foundation (then called the RedCap Foundation) as the sole
beneficiary.

In the beginning...........



theHrisitdorey

Despite the fact that the route had never been attempted before the
first group of 23 riders braved the relentless heat and strong head-
winds to cross the finish line, leading the way for the 146 other cyclists
who have since completed the tough event. Over its six year journey
the route has changed very little; just the start of the route has changed
from Nigel to Heidelberg rounding up the total kilometres cycled to 660
km.

Countless hours of dedicated training, preparation and passion are
required to complete one of the country’s most testing road rides. For
most cyclists it is the unique blend of camaraderie and goodwill that
keeps them coming back each year.

Although the ride may be moving into its sixth edition at it’s core of the
ultimate goal of the event has remained the same, to raise funds and
awareness for the MRP Foundation. Over R500 000 has been raised
through the event to date and this year’s Ride for MRP Foundation is
hoping to raise an incredible R300 000, a generous amount that will go
a long way in funding skills development and education programmes.

The first team to take on this
Challenge, 7 years ago
in 2010.



theHrisitdorey 2013 Riders on the last stretch
coming to the end at the MR Price
The MRP Foundation, a Non-Profit organisation focused on youth Head office.
development, has impacted thousands of young South Africans
through their education and skills development programmes, giving ?
them the opportunity to reach their full potential and ultimately break
the cycle of poverty. From left: Craig Jones, Natasja
Ambrosio, Clynt Lund

The 2014 Riders.



the heart bethheinridde Students.........

Heart behind the ride A learner gaining knowledge
through computer training.
The MRP Foundation dreams of a South Africa where young people
break the cycle of poverty and inequality through education and
skills development.
As a youth development organisation we aim to empower
South Africa’s youth, especially those less privileged, so they can
successfully navigate the real challenges of access to quality
education and unemployment.
We see great value in building sustainable models with our
beneficiaries and partners to ensure our programmes in education
and skills development impact young lives in a lasting and
meaningful way.
Since we started in 2005, when MRP Foundation was established
to carry out the good business journey for Mr Price Group, we’ve
impacted hundreds of thousands of young people and we
passionately continue to empower thousands of South Africans
everyday.
Our hope is that through our programmes South Africa’s youth are
given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

HI RES IMAGE

the heart bethheinridde

Education

Unlocking learners’ potential through holistic education.
MRP Foundation Schools is a holistic education model focused on
school leadership and child development where children can unlock
their talents and develop them through quality education,
technology-based learning and physical education and arts and
culture programmes.
Many schools in South Africa, particularly those in low income
communities, face many challenges such as a shortage of
resources, skilled educators, good management and the active
involvement of parents. Through involving all key players, including
school leadership and management, educators, parents, the
community and learners of each school, the programme aims to
sustainably transform schools, reshape their educational
environment and ultimately improve learner performance.
Just through our physical education programme we’ve encouraged
a passion for regular exercise to be a part of the school curriculum
for over 60,000 learners from 260 schools.

67,000every day,

we impact over
children



the heart bethheinridde

Skills Development

Empowering unemployed young people to access job opportunities
A direct response to the national challenge of youth unemployment,
Jump Start is an exciting work readiness programme that develops
the skills of unemployed young people and links them to job op-
portunities in the retail and manufacturing sectors. School-leavers
complete foundational life skills training and hands-on experience,
empowering them to enter the job market more prepared.
We believe that having a job not only empowers an individual from
a situation of dependency to self-sufficiency but fosters a sense
of value, dignity and self-worth, something we’re passionate about
seeing. To date, over 10,000 youth have been able to access train-
ing programmes and more than 4,000 individuals have gone on to
land jobs in the retail environment or manufacturing sectors.
The Entry Level Programme develops the practical skills of unem-
ployed youth to become employable in stores, distribution centres
and call centres.
The Professional Retailers Programme...
The Supply Chain Programme develops the critical skills of young
jobseekers, teaching them about the production environment from
machine operations to the pre-production stage.

the man beThheinrdide

The man behind the ride

a well oiled back-up support team to ensure their safety on the road between Johan-
nesburg and Durban.”
“It’s in my blood to help others less fortunate and I love the thrill I get when a plan all
comes together. The whole event is a challenge but when you have a team that has
your back, nothing is impossible.”
These words….
With a keen sense of cycling, a sharp tool kit of organisation skills and an unwavering
passion for contributing to a better South Africa, Kelvin du Sart is the perfect man for
the tall task of organising the Ride for MRP Foundation.
As the Race Director Kelvin negotiates the challenges of getting road permission
from all the municipalities along the route as well as ensuring the cyclists’ safety on
the busy roads. With the assistance of his trusted team and the ride’s professional
support crew, Kelvin can ensure the Ride for Foundation is a highlight of the local
cycling calendar.
Since the event was first staged in 2010 the Mr Price Sport Cycle Club Chairman has
helped catapult
been key to the success of the annual event.
Every year brings different highlights but nothing like the goose bumps you get when
you are in the “Blue Light” convoy from Bothas Hill to Durban.



the rouMtaep

The route

The Ride for MRP Foundation is not called one of South Africa’s
toughest road rides without good reason, cyclists need to be
prepared to pedal 660 km over just two days.
Day one starts in the quiet town of Heidelberg, Gauteng's highest
point sitting at 2000m above sea level. After a brutally early start
entrants can expect 371 km of rolling hills as they descend down
towards KwaZulu-Natal and into Ladysmith.
Day 2 calls for an extra dose of energy and commitment as the ride
moves through the steep slopes of the Zulu Kingdom. It’s here that
the true spirit of the Ride for MRP Foundation shines through as
large doses of camaraderie is required to see all the athletes finish
strong as a team.
The Metro Police join up with the tight knit group on the approach
to Durban, briefly interrupting afternoon traffic to escort them safely
through the busy streets of the metropolis and into the MRP Head
Offices. Family and crowds of MRP staff always welcome the tired
cyclists as they cross the finish line, the perfect way to end a testing
cycle!
During the event there are three compulsory stops to fuel up with
nutritious food. Assistance is a mere few metres away as the sup-
port team and a medical vehicle watch over the peloton throughout
the taxing journey.



the roDuatey 1

It was a fresh start to the morning.

Day 1

Start: 3am start at Heidelberg
Finish: 6pm at Ladysmith
Distance: 371 km - change to 370?
Landmarks: Warthog Hill
Ascent: 800m

The Nissan vehicle putting in its
share of the hard work.

The first stop......



the roDuatey 2

Day 2

Start: 3:30am start at Ladysmith
Finish: 4:30pm at the MRP Head Offices
on NMR Avenue in Durban
Distance: 295 km - change to 290?
Landmarks:
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site,
Howick Ascent: 3200m



the ricdomements

Craig Jones, yellow jersey

“The bar was lifted yet again this year, the organisation and
support was excellent and the road surface was unbelievable
with most of the road works finally complete. Although we
faced some extreme weather conditions (thunderstorms and
highs of 44℃ in Pietermaritzburg) they made the
achievement that much sweeter.”



theJersey

Courageous cyclists proudly sport different colour jerseys, each hue
representing how many times they've completed the strenuous ride.
First and second time riders ride in white, third and four time cyclists
in pink, fifth time riders in green and the cyclist who completes the
ride more than five times rides in yellow. The Absa red jersey is worn
by the cyclists who raise the most funds from the previous edition.



thJeersey

Yellow Jersey

most rides
Craig Jones 8 rides

Absa Red Jersey

most funds raised from
previous year
Clynt Lund 7 rides

Green Jersey

Randy Walker
Leon Crous
Keagan Matthews
Dave Duke







theJersey

Pink Jersey

Ryan Katz
Gary Raath
Brad Rowlett
Neels Taljaard
Greg Stedman
Michael Rowland
Jimmy Redman
Randy Walker

White Jersey

Nolan Waldhausen
Tessa Hesse
Camilla Howard-Browne
Bruce Titmuss
Bruce Mc Donald
Travis Stedman
Mitchel Potgieter
Nigel Payne (1 day)
Adrian Payne
Arrie Rautenbach
August van Heerden
George Oertel
Rob Alexander,
Taschyana Hurter
Natasja Ambrosia (1 day)
Dylan Burmester
Philip Rutkiewicz
Martin Buck
David Yapp
Geoffrey Lee
Lyle Nesbitt
Claire Matthews
Tanner Quinn
Dion Ross
Sbo Zondi
Reece Tifflin
Quintus van der Berg
Dylan Cherry
Desiree Verwey
Anele Mncwabe

theladies

copy needed



thejuniors

copy needed





Commreindtes rs

Taschyana Hurter, white jersey
“The whole event, meeting new people and experiencing that
instant bond between all the riders were just some of my
highlights.”
Camilla Howard-Browne, white jersey
“The sense of unity, created though the one purpose mission, was
what amazed me the most. This ride was not about individuals or
egos but rather about getting the group to the end.”

riCdeomrsments

David Yapp, white jersey
“I’ve never had the opportunity to complete the entire two day
distance but I’ve witnessed the pain and elation of the riders who
have. Each hardship endured is nothing to the hardships of the
lives we are helping to change."
or
“When I rode out to meet the cyclists who were travelling to
Ladysmith I was alone. There I encountered a horrendous storm,
torrential cold rain, lightning and thunder so loud it left your ears
ringing….and then it started to hail. Rookies should definitely bring
a well hardened arse.”
Dylan Cherry, white jersey
“My highlight was experiencing the camaraderie and teamwork
of the riders who worked together to make sure the group stayed
together and no one was left behind. It’s true there’s no specific
training for an event like this, only that your head and heart have to
be in the right place.”



thsuepport crew

List of names....