Heart Rate Monitor Expert Alinda Perrine's South Africa Trip Report

Posted 27 April 2009


South Africa – A Transforming Experience
By: Alinda Perrine, OD, MPH & Bobby Guet, the Coaches/Trainers

Publilius Syrus, a freed slave in 1st century Italy wrote “Do not turn back at the goal.”

Bobby and I view our South African experience as more than a vacation. South Africa was a goal. All goals are accomplished through process and in this case – a process of transformation. The goal was to travel to South Africa, see the country by bicycle, and bicycle the 70 mile Cape Argus Ride. From the beginning, we felt a responsibility for the physical and mental preparedness for the group. From our experience as bicycle coaches and long distance cyclists, we knew a trip such as this is not just fun and games. Team work, flexibility, training, and attitude are the foundational blocks to accomplish this type goal.

During our first group meeting in July 2008, Bobby and I looked around the room- sizing up the crew. Wow, what a diverse group. Some had accomplished bicycling 100 miles in a day; another was frightened by traffic and did not fear comfortable to bicycle around the neighborhood. Willing? From the start, everyone was willing to do their part to transform themselves to become the best athlete they could be for this trip-a new goal for many-to transform themselves by training on a specific regiment for 8 months.

“Do not turn back at the goal.” The gas prices, world affairs, and unsteady economy during the summer of 2008, were more than considerations. We developed a budget and John seamlessly coordinated the finances for the trip. Money did not deter us from the goal. We had transformed a bleak economic situation into a doable financial endeavor.

With cycle gear and helmets loaded, our departure day arrived. As we loaded the airplane in New York, we realized that the passengers spoke many different languages, were dressed in garments unfamiliar to us, and politically and culturally diverse from our way of life. Our transformation in looking at the world through different eyes had begun. During the next two weeks, we experienced, shared, and learned about South Africa, the African continent, and the people, history, and culture. Through the smiles of the people, we realized that life has many struggles, but smiles transcend the struggle and lighten the load.

South Africa is more than beautiful, it is nearly magical. Limestone caves, ice blue coastal waters, rolling wheat fields, hot deserts called karoos, safari plains, skies with clouds as big as tidal waves are vivid images that remain for a lifetime. From refugee camps made of pieces of tin and cardboard to designer homes of sophistication and luxury, we felt comfortable and welcomed.

Soon the day arrived to bicycle the Cape Argus Ride. Howling winds and blowing sand did not deter our group. Dressed in Cycle Gladiator jerseys, compliments of Cycle Gladiators Winery via Mark and Alyson Leibendorfer, we saddled up for a mentally tough 70 mile bicycle ride. Bobby and I were so proud of our cycle team. With people turning back from the start, our group did not hesitate. They did not turn back from the goal. Bobby worked his bicycle magic and repaired Bill’s bike after Bill crashed with an Italian. Bleeding, but confident, Bill got on the bike and successfully completed the ride. As we crossed the finish line, Bobby and I knew these people had transformed themselves to a new level- true athletes.

South Africa was more than a country; South Africa was more than a vacation; South Africa was more than the daily experience of being in another land. South Africa was a goal that transformed us into a better, broader people who learned from Publilius Syrus’ advice: “Do not turn back from the goal.”

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Comments

  1. Enjoyed your article, Alinda!! xo

    Molly Wong ~ Jul 6, 12:03 AM
 
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