An 850km cycling journey from Heidelberg to Komani is bringing riders together to raise funds for education, changing lives one kilometre at a time.
Komani, South Africa (31 March 2026) – “South Africa belongs to all South Africans and each one of us can make a difference.”
That belief, shared by Tony Frost, is what fuels one of the country’s most inspiring cycling initiatives, the 1965 Ride.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a powerful annual journey. Back in 2010, after attending a Founders Day celebration at Queens College, Tony found himself asking a simple but important question: how can I give back? The answer came in the form of a bike, a long road, and a ride from Johannesburg to Queenstown to raise funds for education.
Fast forward to today, and that idea has turned into an 850km cycling challenge that stretches over nine days, taking riders from Heidelberg all the way to Komani. Along the way, cyclists pass through towns like Villiers, Reitz, Ladybrand, Wepener, and Aliwal North, covering some of the country’s most scenic and demanding terrain. From the Maluti Mountains to the Stormberg range, the route is as breathtaking as it is tough.
And tough is an understatement. Despite dropping in altitude overall, the ride is filled with climbs, including the iconic Penhoek Pass, before a final descent into Komani. But this isn’t about racing or personal glory, it’s about purpose and giving back.
At its core, the 1965 Ride is a fundraiser for the Queenstown Education Foundation, which provides bursaries to young people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to quality education. Each cyclist commits to raising funds, with the broader goal of changing lives through learning.
This year, a group of 15 riders will take on the journey, many of them former pupils from Queenstown schools, all united by a shared desire to give back. Some are seasoned participants who return year after year, while others are taking on the challenge for the first time. Whether it’s a first timer or a returning driver, the goal is the same.
Beyond the kilometres and the climbs, it’s the moments along the way that truly stand out. From schoolchildren cheering riders on, to communities welcoming them with open arms, the journey becomes something bigger than just a ride. It’s a reminder of what can happen when people come together for a common cause.
By the time the cyclists roll into Komani they’re helping open doors for the next generation.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 