In eleven years Joberg2c has generated much feel-good and memories over nine days of riding, and in the spirit of stage races across the country, personified community involvement in the areas it passes through. You’ll find a load of quotes, cliches and inspiration about endings and new beginnings on Google. Truthfully many of them could be summed up by the experience of Joberg2c, as it ran its final iteration in 2022. While all good things may come to an end, the sun sets so that we may watch it rise.
Looking back at what riders, event crew and organisers experienced in the last week with weather conditions, it’s almost as if the gods knew and gifted everyone both a reminder and a lifetime of memories from the event dubbed “Ride the Beloved Country”. It is a true gift, something that is provided without expectations or choice. Many riders claimed that this year was the toughest and most rewarding yet.
Attending registration the day before stage one the buzz is palpable. From around the country and overseas old friends reconnect, new friendships are ignited, and the evening’s briefing sets in a sense of reality that the next nine days will be a welcome new normal. Proper. Bike Network was on-site and caught some introspective off-bike moments in homage to 11 years of 9 days.
But one part of the life of Joberg2c. Farmer Gary Green is a stage feature on event briefings, each one a legendary memory. Filled with dry wit, a smidge of wit and a calm farmer rationale. And in later years a dapper dresser, that shirt needs its own Strava.Pictured from left. All the way from Puerto Rico, Marco del Valle (282-1) and Jose Torres (515-1). | With 24 years of riding experience between them, not only is this Marcos and Jose’s first Joberg2c, but also their first experience of South Africa. What a way to discover the beloved country. Gufiao!Pictured from left. Kelly Wapnick and Roxanne Green. | On the ground, tireless behind the scenes and leading from the front. Kelly and Nicky are just two of many who are the force behind Joberg2c’s momentum.Pictured from left. Tim Goodwin (337-1) and Jeremy Rishworth (315-1) | Tim and Jeremy are longtime mates with 6 Joberg2c events between them. Tim is a Saffa expat living and working in the UK. Lockdown killed off his work and he launched a new business venture, winning Best British Baker. Jeremy runs a competitive business and relocated from Joburg to the KZN Midlands. The heart of the Joberg2c route.Craig ‘Proper Wappo’ Wapnick (left) is the face of the event, constantly buzzing and a personality to match. Also a touch feral. Alongside Wappo is Doug the MC.Pictured from left. Kirsten and Rolf. From Munich, Germany for their second Joberg2c, among other South African events. Kirsten and Rolf have a deep affection for both South Africa and Joberg2c.You saw it here first, long time supporters of the event, Pyga Bikes ebike. Still, in pre-production mode with some tweaks, it’s rough and ready just like the beloved country. Pyga has put a lot of work in as showcased by the intricate machining, high-pivot, raw finish and fillet mignon welds.The goody bag that’s also an extra kit bag. Innocuous and likely not worth a picture? Maybe, but at the end of 9 days, there’s a lifetime of memories packed in there that will accompany any luggage item. Like birthday shooters on stage, hours of muddy tears and laughs, new friends, breathtaking landscapes and even that time you may or may not have mixed up the bum cream and nought cream.A plaque at Kingsmead registration bearing a quote that should personify anything in life. Especially riding bikes. “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same” – Nelson Mandela
