Ah, Monday…it always seems to come around quicker than Friday, am I right?
I enjoyed a lovely 85km cycle this weekend…let the record show that this “lovely” 85km was no walk in the park…HILLS will humble you. My point…I love the outdoors and it is one of the reasons I am so passionate about this brand.
Long before cycling, I absolutely loved the mountains. I still do but my attention has shifted for now. I remember when I started hiking back in 2015…my husband was a pain in my neck about personal safety. I would always tell him that he was being silly…the mountains are safe…there are lots of people. Well, sadly there are still attacks and muggings taking place all over the country. We became so used to people flashing their cameras, cellphones or even IPAD’s out on the trails. You can tell people about the dangers but do they ever really listen?
If our behavior won’t change…trust me…neither will the criminals. I have linked an article from one of the attacks on the mountains HERE. Have a read, the purpose of linking it is really to consider the “What if…” scenario.
I always make mention of the fact that I train solo often and I understand the risks. But honestly, I don’t know if anyone is safe anymore? According to the article from IOL, a group of 6 cyclists were attacked earlier this year. Read the details HERE.
I decided to be the driving force behind this company because I truly care. I enjoy training outdoors and I am also a mother. The conversations I have with my eldest are of safety and being cautious of strangers. Sometimes it doesn’t feel fair having these conversations with an 11 year old. But if we don’t educate our children on the dangers out there then how will they know? Do they need to be faced with a scary situation before taking these things seriously?
I have mentioned this in my last post and I will mention it again. We need to start having these conversations with each other. We need to change the dialogue of “I only train in safe places” to “I create safety in my space”. The conversations need to be about vigilance and being alert at all times.
For any of those individuals who have been forced into reading this blog (i.e. Every family member 😉 and anyone who knows me personally…you will know that I am very passionate about South Africa. As an ex hospitality professional, promoting this incredible destination was something I did for almost 18 years. We are blessed with so many cultural diversities, landscapes and hospitable people. I have no intention of leaving because of crime.
Crime is not exclusive to South Africa. Some of the most violent crimes have taken place beyond our borders.
I love this country and I want to do my part in creating unity and a sense of community. A community of likeminded people who are willing to have the difficult conversations in order to create a better future for our children. Are YOU with me?