Back a Brother:
Martins Bike Adventure SA-Italy
Taking on the challenge in support of Mental Health Awareness, traveling by bike from SA to Italy.
Here’s an interesting initiative being undertaken by Martin Vd Vyver and Clinton Delport.
They are undertaking a monster adventure and are riding from GP all the way north, 16000 odd Kilometres to Italy.
And it’s not just another adventure trip, the guys are doing it to try and raise awareness around mental health issues.
“Particularly among men,” Says Martin. “We are meant to be all tough and the providers and so-on – and usually men do not talk about issues that they may be having.”
The flame for this event was lit when one of the guys who worked for Martin, Brian Chizinga took his own life.
“We had a young Zambian guy who worked for us,” he says. “We knew that he had issues, and spent a lot of time chatting to him about the problems that he was experiencing. One day, when I was out, he came into the office and dropped off his cell phone. A bit later, he sent me a text telling me that he was about to commit suicide. I went cold… tried to call the number, but no reply. I traced the cellphone location and raced to a guest house that he had booked into… but I was just too late. By the time I broke through the door, he was gone.”
Well you can only imagine. Roll forward a bit and plans are afoot for a massive adventure.
“My brother and I both love motorcycles – and we want to do something in memory of Bryan. To this end, we have started a Back A Brother facebook page where people who are having issues can reach out and get help. We also have a whatsapp group using technology to try and help. And we are off on this epic ride to try and create awareness around mental health.”
Singer, songwriter Garth Taylor got wind of the whole drive and he has leant his voice to the cause. He actually put us in touch with the guys and they popped in for a quick chat and to tell us about the initiative. “I have been there myself”, Says Garth. “I love the initiative – and who knows? I might just join the guys.”
The guys are sleeping rough, taking along tents and only booking accommodation when it’s absolutely necessary.
“We want it to be rough – live the experience.”
Martin will be riding his trusty GS1250, Clinton is on his GS1200. “A couple of dealerships have been really generous. BMW Motorrad East Rand has pledged tyres and oils for the ride – and the guys at Motomate in Boksburg have donated all sorts from helmets to fuel cells for the trip,” Says Clinton. “It’s really appreciated because fuel stops are often few and far between.”
What a ride!
19 countries: SA, Bots, Nam, Angola, DRC, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a tricky one,” says Martin. “We have arranged for an escort through that country.” Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, Spain, France, Italy.
“Our plan is to have a rest day every fourth day”, says Martin. “We have planned a point to point trip, day by day, but – this is Africa after all – and we need to make allowances for the unexpected.”
Why Italy? Was the question we asked, expecting a reply about family roots and all that…
“Because it looks so cool!” was the reply.
Dirt and Trail will be at the start and we’ll do a once a week catchup with the guys.
Hot FM will have a chat with the boys each morning during their breakfast show, so keep an ear open.
Orion tracking units have sponsored the lads some tracking units, so you can keep an eye on them virtually live.
South Africa- Italy
Date: 5th August 2023
Time: Depart @ 09h00
Place: Moto Mate Boksburg 122 Northrand Rd.
“All those who would like to join us that day to come and write someone’s name on our flag that lost their lives to mental illness is more than welcome to join us. This flag will be fitted to our bikes and will be riding in honor of them.”
“We also would love to have all those who have a bike, to join us in a mass ride to the Botswana border or even half way.”
Please come show your support in Mental Health Awareness.
“There will be a Coffee vendor and fresh pancakes for sale. We would love to see you guys there…”
Follow their journey at:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091833921301
