Delene Boonzaaier's Memorial Ride - Thank You

[Brendan Vogt]

Hi all,

 

I would like to thank everyone (cyclist and non-cyclist) that was at Delene's memorial ride. It was a great success and I know that awareness was made on Saturday 18 February 2017.

 

I tried to greet and thank everyone for attending. I know I skipped a lot of you but I tried my best to come and greet and introduce myself to everyone. Sorry if I missed you - it was hard keeping a straight face.

 

There was about 130 odd cyclists from all over the Western Cape. Some even cycled from Durbanville/Brackenfell with their bicycles to attend the ride. Delene's father cycled all the way from Malmesbury to the venue. We had some cyclists that started late due to other commitments but at least they completed the route.

 

Thank you to the traffic department for helping us out on the day and insuring our safety. Thank you to the motor cyclists (Zool and my sister Elzabe and Riaan) for roaring behind the group and blocking off traffic at certain intersections. Thanks to all those that drove behind us. Thanks for the people that sponsored the energy drinks at the end (I hope everybody had one), Thanks to Delene's family for helping out on the day of the ride. But most thanks should go to Johan van Staden and the support of his wife, they organised everything for this day to take place - they need a gold medal each for this.

 

I lost a life partner, best friend and cycling buddy on 14 January 2017 - it was the darkest day of life (and still is) but I will press on. How I will train and race without her is going to be hard. She was the one that always motivated and pushed me and her father to be better and stronger cyclists. She taught us how to cycle, event though she has been doing it for a fraction of the time that I have been doing it. We are what we are today because of her. We cycled almost everyday of the week for the last 4-5 years. Now going forward with no Delene behind me - but I will carry her in my heart like I always do.

 

These memorial rides are very important and they should be done on a continual basis irrespective if someone has passed away or not. Roads need to be shared by motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, runners and many others. It is no longer just for motorists. People need to be aware of other people.

 

Once again guys, thank you for Saturday!

 

PS: Please connect with me on Twitter (@brendanvogt) or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/brendan.vogt.7).

 

Brendan

[Tony datoy]

I've read this with profound sadness, I have no words to condone your loss.

My wife is my life partner, best friend and cycling buddy and I can't imagine how I would feel if something as tragic as your loss happened to us.

Sorry that we couldn't be there in support of your loss.

T