Worthy cause propelled young cyclist through Clarens Ultra ride

In a display of grit, determination, and a heart devoted to charity, 19-year-old Hugh White from Hartswater emerged as one of the remarkable participants in the Clarens Ultra, a staggering 450-kilometer cycling journey undertaken in a single day.

However, his motivations transcended personal accomplishments, as he pedalled to drum up support for Jan Roux, an 18-year-old bravely battling the rare myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA).

Hugh, the youngest member of the Skema 2 Sea Clarens Ultra team, spoke to The DFA about his inspirational journey and the driving force behind his involvement.

“I grew up witnessing my father’s passion for cycling and his charitable endeavours,” Hugh shared. “In 2019, I became more serious about cycling after witnessing his tours aimed at supporting individuals like Shilo Grewar, a fellow resident of Hartswater, who was fighting against cystic fibrosis.”

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Joining Skema 2 Sea in 2023, Hugh embarked on a 1,240-kilometre tour from Hartswater to Cape Agulhas to raise funds for Shilo. Reflecting on his training regimen, Hugh emphasised dedicating around 10 hours per week or cycling 200 kilometres, varying between different intensities to optimise his physical preparedness. “Throughout the year, I focused on maintaining my fitness levels,” he added.

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The decision to participate in the Clarens Ultra sprouted from a desire to support Jan Roux’s battle against MECA. Initially envisioned as a two-day tour, Hugh’s father proposed the ambitious challenge of completing it in a single day.

As the Clarens Ultra commenced, Hugh acknowledged the gravity of the task ahead. “Before starting, I prayed for guidance, and I asked the Lord to give me and my fellow cyclists strength,” he said. “I knew this journey required more than physical prowess; it demanded resilience and faith during the arduous moments.”

During the gruelling ride, fellow cyclist Danny Blunden faced a challenging stretch. He went through a phase where he felt that he was not going to make it and that he was going to throw in the towel. Hugh’s encouragement and prayers provided a turning point. “I prayed for him and our team, and not long after, I witnessed a shift in his demeanour,” Hugh recalled.

“I knew the Lord answered my prayers because Danny told my father he was only going to stay positive and forget about the negative.”

Hugh said the challenge had forged strong bonds between the team members. “Cycling alongside these individuals, enduring the same struggles, bonded us like family,” he said. Despite encountering physical strains, including a moment of blurred vision close to the finish line that almost caused an accident, Hugh knew that he had to compose himself and push himself onward. “pproaching Clarens, I felt utterly drained, but the sight of our supporters fueled me to finish,” he recounted. “The journey was bittersweet for me. It was filled with both incredible memories and a sense of relief upon completion.”

Looking ahead, Hugh expressed his willingness to partake in future charitable tours. “Contributing positively to others’ lives is a privilege,” he said. “Skema 2 Sea’s mission resonates with me, and I’m immensely proud to be a part of this team.”

As Hugh White and his team concluded the Clarens Ultra, their inspiring efforts left a lasting mark, not just in conquering physical boundaries but in championing solidarity and support for those in need.