A group of Limpopo cyclists are to undertake the longest ride of their lives - a 17-day trip from Beit Bridge to Cape Town - to promote polio awareness throughout the country.

Close friends Jan-Kolbe du Toit and Brian Gardner of Haenertsburg, near Tzaneen, started talking about the idea some time ago, and the ride has now become a joint venture by the Rotary Club of Haenertsburg, and the nearby Stanford Lake Centre for Outdoor Development Training.

"The cycle trip will remind the public of the 1985 promise by Rotary International to help eradicate polio through their PolioPlus campaign," says project promoter Thias Taute.

He points out that, to date, Rotary Clubs around the world have contributed US$373 million to PolioPlus, in order to purchase and supply vaccine, and also mobilise health workers and volunteers to immunise children all over the world. "Since 1985 the number of polio cases worldwide has declined by 99 percent". The Rotary Foundation has a target of US$80 million for the "Fulfilling Our Promise" campaign this year. The amount is to be matched by grants from the World Bank, the United Nations Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to provide a total of $400 million to finally eradicate polio.

Whereas the Haenertsburg Rotary Club has secured a principal sponsorship of R55 000, it plans to increase this, by soliciting further sponsorships.

The cycle trip was scheduled to start on June 2, and the participants will be accompanied by two support vehicles. Rotary Clubs along the way have been approached to provide accommodation and publicity.