The spokesperson for The 1965 Ride initiative, Tripolley Kolobe, says the initiative has been running for 12 years and has assisted students. The name comes from members of the matric class of 1965 at Queens College.

There are many success stories of educational scholarships and bursaries that enabled them to attend quality schools. She says that the initiative is also aimed at improving the quality of learning and teaching throughout the community, from pre-school to a Ph.D.

Kolobe says The 1965 Ride tour started on 13 April 2022 at Life Hospital Suikerbosrand, where Life Hospital manager, Kubashnee Naidoo, joined the tour. 

At the start of the tour, the cyclists were met by a group of Harley bikers, who, with much fanfare, escorted cyclists out of Heidelberg and through the traffic to keep them safe. 

Kolobe also adds that the nine-day tour has so far seen the group cycling through towns such as Villiers, Warden, Bethlehem, Fouriesburg, Ficksburg - and the nearby Constantia Cherry Farmstall - Ladybrand, Hobhouse, Wepener, Zastron, Rouxville, Aliwal North, Jamestown, Penhoek Pass, and Hazelmere, before they will finally finish in Queenstown/Komani on Thursday 21 April 2022.

Kolobe concluded that the cyclists have been supported by various sponsors who ensured that students are funded to change their lives.

The 1965Ride is an annual 850km, nine day cycle tour between Johannesburg and Queenstown. It is undertaken by a group of passionate amateur cyclists who believe in doing something constructive to secure the educational future of those who need it most.

OFM News