In view of the economic climate the organiser’s have still pegged entry fees at 2008 levels – one of the few rides to have done so. Despite this, the organisers have managed to increase the lucky draw prizes to in excess of R100,000. These super prizes include a safari for 2 at the Pafuri Camp in the Kruger National Park, a Venter Bike Trailer, Rotary watches, a postupedic base/bedset, a recliner chair, MTB bikes from Mongoose, holiday weekends and many other prizes. All pre-entries will also get a superb Dis-chem goodie bag.

All proceeds from the event go directly to Retina South Africa and are not filtered through an events organiser. Retina South Africa is appealing to all cyclists to support this ride again and help to fight Retinal blindness.

Online entries at www.cyclelab.com close on Monday, 7th February and physical entries will still be taken at Cyclelab, Fourways until 12noon on the 7th. Entry fees for the 116km Super Classic event are R150 while the Vita-thion 63km challenge will only cost R90. Cash prizes for the Elite, Ladies, Junior, Vets and Tandem categories exceed R70 000. Over the past 22 years this event has raised over R3m towards fighting blindness and at last treatments for juvenile forms of this devastating condition are being discovered. Director for Science for Retina South Africa Claudette Medefindt said “Even non-cyclists can help bring these treatments to South Africa by sending an SMS with the word VISION to 38267. The SMS will cost R10 and free minutes do not apply.”

Info hot line Cyclelab 011 707-2800 or eMail Retina South Africa at national@rpsa.org.za.
For more information on retinal blindness see Retina South Africa at www.rpsa.org.za.