We spread a bit of Xmas cheer while at our Year End Function at Shelly Point Hotel.There is a small day care center looking after less privileged  kids.The members got together and each made up a Xmas present which we handed out to the kids

Charity Ride to Montagu – 8^th October 2017

It was a chilly and damp Sunday as 9 bikes and 13 members met up at the Engen N1 bright and early. We were joined by Peter Loeffler and his wife who were in their car as his bike is still on the water.

The clouds looked very threatening as we headed out onto the N1. Our route would take us over Du Toits Kloof Pass and on towards Worcester. The clouds were starting to gather and a slight drizzle was in the air. We made a quick pit (pee) stop just outside Worcester and some members decided to don their waterproofs. Us Harley guys are a hardy bunch so some of us decided it wasn’t necessary yet!

As we pulled out of Worcester and headed for Robertson, the black clouds seemed to be waiting for us to catch up with them. Well, as we approached Graham Beck Winery we rode straight into the rain. I could almost hear Peter Loeffler chuckling in his car as he followed us.

Luckily, the showers didn’t last long and as we passed Ashton the weather cleared briefly for us to make our scheduled stops. Huis Uitvlug was our first stop and as we arrived at our destination most of the residents were waiting for us outside to greet us. We were joined by Gerrie and Monika from Ladysmith for the presentation. After a short speech from the Matron and Zelda it was time to see who wanted a ride on the Harleys! There were 3 or 4 ladies and 1 gentleman who were up to the challenge of swinging their legs over the pillion seat. After a few sprints up and down the road I think some of the ladies went off to change their underwear!

Our next stop was the local Spar in Montagu where we would present a cheque to Precious Jewels Playgroup. The money will be kept at Spar and they can draw from it when they need food and such for the children. Another brief shower came down as we gathered at Spar but as we departed for our lunch venue it was clearing nicely.

We arrived safely and on schedule at NUY ON THE HILL for lunch. The restaurant was bustling as we arrived but our tables were ready and waiting. We were joined for lunch by Rafi who also came by car.

Very soon our food was on the table and we were tucking into various delights, including Fish and chips, chicken salad, quiche and Roosterkoek burgers.

The weather was clearing nicely now and the wind was picking up a bit. We decided on the same route back to Cape Town and we all made it safely back to the Engen N1 to say our goodbyes.

Thanks to the marshals for getting us there and back safely and to Marianna and Ammi for the excellent lunch venue.

– From the pen of Ivor Wills, Historian / Editor

SPAR Women's Day – 2017

21 Free Chapter members were treated to an amazing morning at the SPAR women’s breakfast to raise money for cancer.

It was organised by an incredible team of women under the watchful eye of Elsabe van Zyl who excelled herself.

The theme was nautical – “Hope Anchors the Soul”.

507 women attended, all wearing nautical colours of blue and white.

The tables were magnificently decorated with lots of beautiful flowers & each lady received a place setting as a gift.

The 3 course meal was well thought out and delicious and pink and white champagne flowed the whole morning.

Each lady also donated packets of sanitary towels for charity.

The MC for the morning was an incredible talk show host, Tracey Lange who entertained us and made us laugh.

The speaker was the athlete, Charl du Toit – an incredible young man. He spoke about his winning gold for SA in Rio. His message was to never give up and to always believe in yourself.

Loki Rothman entertained us with his beautiful music and sung from the heart.

Newton Cross from Butler Trainer Academy showed us how to place table settings as well as how to pack a suitcase properly. He also showed us how to remove stains from our clothes and table cloths.

There were also amazing prizes handed out to lucky winners.

The day raised R1,050,000 for Cancer.vive - an incredible organisation which is making a difference to people all over the country.

A great morning was had by all and we all left with a generous SPAR hamper of groceries & useful goodies.

– Written by Michele Joffe

Simon van der Stel Donation – May 2017

For the month of May we decided, since the Simon van der Stel Primary School in Wineberg graciously lets us use their grounds as a venue for our Skills Training events and more recently our Captain's Ride, we would donate a hamper of chips and popcorn to the school.

As you can see from the pictures below the delivery (dropped off on the 5th of May) was eagerly received by the children at the school.

Fire Relief Donations – January 2017

Due to the recent spate of fires plaguing the Western Cape, we decided as a Chapter to donate desperately needed supplies to the Drakenstein Fire Station in order for them to distribute it to the victims of the fires who lost their homes and sometimes even more. Items were collected throughout the month and delivered to the station. Below is an extract from a letter by the station chief.

	
	We would like to again thank you for your support to the victims of the recent fires.
	We as a service really appreciated your dedication to bringing relieve aid to those in need.
	

– Dereck Peceur (Asst. Chief Fire Officer, Drakenstein Municipality: Fire Department)

Annual Toy Run – December 2016

Sunday the 27th of November was the Annual Toy Run hosted by the Italian Motorcycle Club. I think most of our members forgot about this event as only 13 of us turned up!

The meeting point was Grand West Casino Car Park. We were joined by various other Harley Chapters and all the customary “Kokkolollys”.

We departed at 9 am sharp and as usual FCCT was leading the way. The traffic officer who was leading us was obviously in a hurry to get home as he was proceeding at a brisk pace which made a change from previous years.

Unfortunately for some of the pack, they didn’t keep up with us so they took a wrong turn! When we arrived at the end point, Kenilworth race course, we were minus the rest of the pack.

Eventually, the rest of the riders caught up and we then made our way to the venue. This year you could choose between dropping off your toy and leaving or dropping off your toy and donating R50 and entering the event. After paying our R50 we made our way to the tents and found a nice shady spot for our members.

There were various static displays of new, used and custom bikes on display as well as various accessories, clothing and badges.

I must admit from my experience the standard of stalls, food stalls and food trucks had improved from previous years.

After listening to one of the many bands and enjoying a beer and a bratwurst roll we all went our separate ways.

A worthwhile event for a worthy cause.

– Written by Ivor Wills

Red Cross Children's Ride – December 2016

On Friday the 25th of November, 8 members of FCCT attended the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Ride. We met up with members of various chapters including HDCCT and H.O.G. Tyger Valley at Cottage Motors on Campground Road.

At 2pm sharp we departed for the short ride to the Hospital. Thanks to Mike and his Marshals, the ride was uneventful. This was my first time at this event and I must admit I didn’t know what to expect.

When we arrived we were greeted by excited children, staff and parents, and “Father Christmas”. Some of the riders then proceeded to take some of the children for a ride around the car park. The look on their faces was a joy to see.

This year we were unable to go into the wards as there was an infection on the ward. After the rides were finished we gathered in the gardens outside the wards and enjoyed a cool drink and a snack.

The children were then each given a present by “Father Christmas”. The presents we donated at our Christmas in July were handed over to the organizers and these will be used once they have been sorted into ages and sexes etc.

It was nice to be able to bring some joy into the children’s lives even for a short time. Thanks to the organizers, Len & Doreen Pears, for organizing such a worthwhile event. I strongly recommend all members attend this event at least once.

Huis Martina – November 2016

On Saturday the 5th of November 16 members of the Free Chapter Cape Town visited Huis Martina, a care facility in Parow. We were joined on the ride by TippI  (I hope the name is correct ) from the Free Chapter in Lille, France.

We met at H-D Tyger Valley and headed off in the busy Saturday morning traffic to the venue. The Chapter was donating from the Route 62 Rally proceeds. Each resident was presented with a goodie bag containing various toiletries, dried fruit, etc.

We also donated Corn Flakes, fruit juice, porridge and other goodies to the home for use in the kitchen. After a few words from Bruce and some photos, we headed back to H-D Tyger Valley and some of us headed off for breakfast.

There was a tattoo convention and body art and make-up event on the go when we returned to the dealership. I must say these people are DIFFERENT! with some of the people looking like they slept in a wet newspaper.

Thanks to Gideon and Mariana for packing all the goodie bags and the entire charity committee for organizing another worthy cause.

The DreamTree School for Children with Autism – November 2016

On Friday the 4th of November the Free Chapter Cape Town visited the Dream Tree School just outside Somerset West.

The School is for children with Autism and is situated in the grounds of Somerset College. Children from age 6 until 18 attend the school.

The Chapter donated educational games, scooters and a bicycle from the Route 62 Rally proceeds. On arrival we were presented with various posters which some of the pupils had made for us.

We toured the school and met some of the dedicated teachers. This is a beautiful facility which does wonderful work, I certainly had a lump in my throat as we left.

Thanks to Zelda & Ammi for choosing such a worthy cause.

Route62 Rally Charity Handovers  – October 2016

My day started at 5:30 am, bright and early. I thought to myself ‘today is going to be a good day’. Well, I was not wrong. 17 members and 12 bikes gathered at the Engen N1 for the start of our ride. Our route was straight up the N1, through the tunnel (the sound of the Harleys in the tunnel is worth R33).

We then turned right in Worcester and headed for Robertson, we stopped briefly for a loo & petrol stop. Along the road we had met up with Eben so we were now 18 members, and 13 bikes headed for Montagu.

The road captain had told us the road was bad between Ashton & Montagu and he was not wrong!

With 2 stop & go’s and some short sections of gravel we slowly made our way to Montagu and our first stop, which was the RAD Foundation, where we were joined by Gerrie and Monika who had come from the other direction.

Spar Fundraising Luncheon for Breast Cancer – September 2016

The Spar Venue used for this Function was stunningly decorated using the “Shabby Chic” theme this year and was attended by FCCT Ladies and some of their family.  The very long tables had beautiful low flower arrangements in white and others in various shades of pink, including candles and champagne in buckets of ice and jugs of lovely fresh orange juice.  Artistic place mats set in fake rusty tin plates and these on lovely white trellis type wooden place mats identified each place.

While we all waited in the foyer area for the doors to be opened we were welcomed with tea, coffee, juice or bottles of cold water and freshly cooked small pancakes.

While we found our places there was lovely background music and the names (some with photos) of those we had loved and lost in the past year, were rolled across the 3 big screens.   On our chairs were rather large, certainly heavy, attractive “Shabby” Chic” grey oilskin shopping bags containing a variety of many goodies for taking home!

Ursula Chikane of Top Billing fame was MC for the event and introduced Claudia Michel from Spar Head Office in Cape Town to welcome and thank us all for attending. Former Miss South Africa 1990, Suzette van der Merwe, then gave an interesting motivational address by outlining her own life and how she learned to deal with adversities.

Ursula then “interviewed” Riaan Cruywagen about his long 50yr career in first radio, then TV News at the SABC and currently with Kyk Net.  He proved a popular guest for the Luncheon, as did the Girl Byrds who contributed the live music before and after the talks.

The Team of Ladies, all survivors of cancer, who travel on motorbikes all over South Africa, imparting the information about cancer, what the disease really is and how it can affect anyone, without regard to race, age or gender including that men too can succumb to the terrible disease.   They inform how it may affect one and what the different methods of treatment are, but that there is always hope and support available.

The ladies said they find it necessary to include small villages, settlements with very poor people and shanty settlements, as well as the people in the towns too on their journey around South Africa.

These Ladies were then presented with the R1,050,000 raised for CANcer.vive by the attendance of so many ladies at the Luncheon each year. All ladies present who had had cancer, were still recovering, or newly diagnosed, were asked to come forward so that a group photo could be taken. Quite rightly, much applause followed!

Attendance at these Special Luncheons each October can be very humbling and one can only salute Spar for their determined support for Breast Cancer and the huge amount of planning needed beforehand for such a wonderful event – including the artistic meal.

Special thanks must be made to Zelda Newman for her coordination of the FCCT group and to Elsabe van Zyl for ensuring our bookings were recorded. 

– Written by Naomi Peagam

St. Monica's Centre, Shelter for Older People – July 2016

This morning, 16 of us left the Waterfront & took a magnificent Peninsula ride over Ou Kaapseweg, through Noordhoek, over Chapman’s Peak into the Bo-kaap to meet up with Zelda, Marzell & Chanté who were waiting for us at St. Monica's Centre. Zelda, brought a load of cornflakes, beanies, berets & clothes which were gratefully accepted by the centre for the many elderly people who had very little in the way of possessions. 

A big thank you must go to Elsabé & Spar for sponsoring the truckload of cornflakes. Also, a big thanks to those FCCT members who were able to provide other items of need.

Our bikes were a great fascination to many of these elderly folk & they were so grateful to the FCCT for bringing all these needed items. As their manager, Dion Fuller, said: "Nothing happens at the centre on a Sunday", so the visit by our club was a very exciting moment for these poor people.

From there we rode through to Sea Point to have lunch at an American styled diner called Franky’s. The food was very good diner style eating, but their milkshakes were a highlight.

All in all, we had a great day of riding, good charity work & a great lunch with a great bunch of friends.

– Written by Alan Joffe

Keeping Patients Warm – June 2016

Michele & I were warmly hosted by Gerrie & Monica in their home in Ladismith over this last weekend. Friday late afternoon, we picked up the assistant hospital pharmacist, Daniel, who works under Monica at the Alan Blythe Hospital. 

Daniel, who does frequent ward rounds, took us to see all the men, women & children patients.

We handed out to each patient a colourful & warm beanie – the smile & gratitude with "baie dankie", made us feel very humble. 

The sister on duty was most grateful to the FCCT for caring about her patients. She did make an appeal for smaller beanies that would fit babies & very young children.

– Written by Alan Joffe

P.S. In addition, we subsequently had a request that the hospital was in dire need of smaller beanies for infants and toddlers. Our own Michele Joffe graciously knitted 60 beanies and we delivered these via Gerrie and Monica in July. See the last photo.

Blanket Run - May 2016

My Ride started at 7 am in a Dark & Foggy Somerset west. To be honest, if I knew the fog was going to be that bad I should have stayed in bed!

But as I needed my “fix” for the week, I set off. As I got further down the N2 the fog became thicker and the road wetter, all I can say is thank goodness Lisa wasn’t on the back.

Thankfully, I made it through to the Caltex garage at the waterfront and met up with the chapter, we set off for the meeting point with more Marshalls than members as some of the members were meeting us at the venue.

We made it safely to the Bikers' Church although it was still very foggy in places. We met up with Tyger Valley and a few other Harley chapters.

As we gathered at the venue and looked at the various Kokkolollys (as Mike would say) arriving on all sorts of superbikes, trikes, etc. Mike and his team decided for our safety we would leave after all the main bunch had left.

There were 2 routes organised and we decided to take the shorter route which took us out on the N1 and off at Joostenburg off -ramp, we turned right over the N2 and turned left towards the Giraffe house, we then turned right onto the Stellenbosch road.

And then right again at Slaley Hall Winery and headed back to Brackenfell. The Venue was at Fairbridge Mall with a specially cordoned off area for the Harleys. We then donated our R50 or handed over blankets.

By now I could feel nature calling! As there were no toilets outside in the car park I went looking in the shopping centre. Unfortunately, the toilet was at the other end of the centre. I managed to make it in record time, closely followed by Bruce and the marshalls!

After viewing the various cars and trucks on display it was decided by some of the chapter to adjourn to Willowbridge shopping centre for a bite to eat, we settled on Colcacchios for pizza and pasta.

Overall I would say a very well organised and well attended event. It was unfortunate about the weather, but even the CMA couldn’t organise that!! I heard there were ±400 bikes and riders who braved the elements for a worthy cause.

– Written by Ivor Wills

Soup Kitchen Donation - April 2016

My name is Randall Wynkwartd. I was given the opportunity in partnership with the UCT students and the Chaili campaign to assist me to make my dreams come true. I always had ideas and the knowledge to make a difference in my community but did not know where to start until they came into my life. My dreams turned into reality because of them. I am very grateful to the University of Cape Town and the Chaili campaign for assigning them to me.

My goal is to make a difference in the lives of others, especially in my community and our youth who make the wrong choices in life like gangsterism, dropping out of school and using drugs. My goal for the youth is to motivate them to go back to school and value educational opportunities and to create jobs. I am paralyzed from my shoulders down. In 1990 at the age of 9 I climbed over a school fence and slipped. I landed on my head, which left me a quadriplegic. I would like to create more awareness for spinal cord injuries in order to show them my disability, but also my ability – to share my 25 years of challenges in my wheelchair, but also my achievements.

I was a student at False Bay College. I completed Matric and studied mouth painting there. The first time I started painting with my mouth was like eating a lollipop when moving it around my mouth, but it felt amazing.

My painting is another way to create awareness especially in schools. The children can see my disability, but also my ability to paint with my mouth and use my computer with my head. I hope to motivate the learners by showing them that if I can achieve my goals, surely they also can and even more. I was invited to Yellowwood Primary School in my community. I did an initial talk there. It was an amazing feeling for me and very fulfilling too. The learners were quite surprised to see my ability to paint with my mouth and use the computer with my head.

I have also been instrumental in various community initiatives. We [the community] would like to restore our park by making it a beautiful and safe environment for our community to enjoy. I recently negotiated with the ward councilor to have the park cleaned and repainted. Other communities can also benefit from this example. I also started a soup kitchen by feeding the community twice a month.

My reason for writing this letter is that we need donations like groceries for the soup kitchen and paint, trees for the park, etc. And I also need some art materials like paint, brushes, canvases and fabric or oil paint to start doing bigger paintings. I will use my art to my ability and to use it to motivate others to achieve their goals. My dream is to have my own art studio at the back of my home. I am looking for sponsors to be so kind and make my dream come true.

I am also available to do motivational talks and to share my story with your employees so as to create disability awareness, so please do not hesitate to contact me.

– Written by Randall Wynkwartd

House of Hope for the Royal Kids - March 2016

In March we donated Cornflakes, kindly sponsored by Spar, to the House of Hope for the Royal Kids in Paarl, a non-profit organisation run by Wendy Mangena. She provides clothing, shelter and food to 13 children, ages ranging from 6 months to 18 years, from the outskirts of Paarl.

The name of the organisation speaks for itself, “gives hope to the children of whom in her eyes are of royalty”. The children under the care of Wendy are from various walks of life, some children are found in the streets and others are orphans. 

The home is reliant mainly on sponsors and organisations for clothing, food and beds for the children. A nearby clinic assists with the medical requirements.

House of Hope for the Royal Kids is located in 220 Drommerdaries Street, Wederpart, Mbekweni, Paarl, 7726.  Wendy Mangena can be contacted on 063 280 7882 should you wish to assist.

The R.A.D. Foundation - February 2016

Just thinking of our Free Chapter involvement with the RAD Foundation brings to mind the ever-so enthusiastic young folk marching with pride as they display their talent, whether it is the dancing flag bearers, or the incredible drummers and brass instrument players.

We were in awe of their performance at our 2015 Rally and again even more so at our 2016 Rally. Many of you will also remember the sparkling performance which they gave us and the Montagu public this year in the streets opposite the Police Station – and again during the march through of our Bedouin Tent at the Rally site. The drums and instruments which our Chapter donated to the RAD Foundation in 2014 topped up with more instruments donated in 2015 were played with aplomb, and brought home to us the feeling that our Chapter had contributed positively to the growth and development of the young people in the band, including their improved musical ability. Having said that we are of course aware that the instruments and band members on their own don’t achieve anything – it is the coaches who so conscientiously commit time and energy teaching this young group how to play an instrument and then how to put it all together as a band – and a marching band at that. We salute the organisers and instructors for the work which they do in transforming the members of the band into competent drum majorettes and musicians, with the ability to play various instruments, and to play and perform with skill while at the same time marching in step with each other.

We glibly refer to the RAD Foundation and I wonder if many have thought much more about their origin and purpose. RAD is short for Rural Arts Development and they have a catchy phrase to link into: MAGIC or: Music & Arts Growing Inspired Children. The group also has a motto: Inspire, Engage, Educate – with Respect, Attitude & Discipline. This says it all and no wonder the band march with pride and heads held high – they have earned it by perseverance with practicing and by adherence to their motto. And isn’t it just delightful to see the supporters/hangers-on following the band around and copying what they do – such as drumming on paint tins by youngsters of only 6 or 7 years old!

For us Free Chapter members it is very rewarding to see the band performing in such an exemplary way – and looking so grand attired in the T-Shirts and tops also donated by us. In my view this has been a special and worthy sponsorship which has shown significant growth both in terms of numbers and playing ability. Legends they will become. Certainly they deserve a sponsorship again in 2016.

– Written by Noel Peagam

Red Cross Children's Ride - 27 November 2015

It is the season of giving.

The Free Chapter Cape Town attended the annual Red Cross Children's Hospital Harley-Davidson Christmas ride for the Oncology Ward on 27 November 2015. Around 60 Harley-Davidson bikers took children for a short spin on their motorcycles. Children and their parents enjoying the festivities outside were also treated with gifts, cupcakes and cool drinks.

It was a pleasure visiting the Red Cross Children’s Hospital and being able to put a smile on the faces of the children. It really warmed our hearts and our festive season started in a very special way.

A hearty thank you to all our members who donated gifts to bring some joy into the lives of the children at the Red Cross Children Hospital.

FCCT members, your hearts are in the right place.

WELL DONE!

- From the pen of Zelda Newman, Charity Officer

RAD Foundation Donation - 7 November 2015

Christmas came early on Saturday when the RAD Foundation was again truly BLESSED by a visit from FCCT – !

The drumline performed on their donated instruments and our hip hop group danced and shared their anti-substance abuse message! What a day!

We were truly grateful for another donation of a Tri-tom, 5 snares, a mini snare, trumpet and a trombone! The extra golf shirts were also a huge surprise!

With the donation we received after the 2014 Rally we were able to assist 3 drumline groups with their development, but we still had to “share” instruments at our workshops and events! With the generous donation of this year, we are now able to ensure that all 

three groups have access to their instruments on a daily basis, and this will make a huge difference in our progress. We hope you will witness this at the 2016 Rally!

Thank you again to each member who contributed and made this possible – we trust you will know the difference you have made in the lives of our youth!

- Helen Gooderson, CEO of RAD Foundation

Santa Shoebox - November 2015

Our charity event for November is, as we usually do every year, to contribute a donation of gifts for underprivileged youth and the elderly via the Santa Shoebox project. We collected an assortment of shoeboxes on behalf of our members as you can see in the photos below. Our thanks to Bernie who arranged our involvement again this year and ensured that the boxes got to the Santa Shoebox drop-off in a timely fashion.

Bikers4Bandanas, Sunflower Fund - 18 October 2015

Helderberg Bikers 4 Charity - 10 October 2015 

On the 10th of October we attended as a club a charity event organised by 6 other clubs at the Helderberg Rugby Club.

In addition to selling raffle tickets beforehand and attending, we also donated some shoes and clothing on the day.

Members from a variety of clubs were present – cruisers and superbikes. As always, we were glad that the Free Chapter could contribute to this charity event which supported the Ons Plekkie preschool and SenCit, an old age home run from donations.

Spar Cancer'vive - 3rd October 2015

 ... and so 3 October happened and the long wait to see what Elsabe pulled out her creative sleeve for 2015 was about to be revealed...

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.  I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." - Audrey Hepburn

The venue was dressed in white, black & a hint of turquoise and everywhere Coco Chanel was present...

Elsabe and her team lined up a super exiting morning with MC Hannes van Wyk who introduced us to our first guest speaker, marathon athlete Caroline Woestman, sharing her inspirational story of her road from depression to being the number one Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades ladies runner for 2015.  From small beginnings to being a humble winner!

Then the Kokkedoor winner and finalist 2013 team with Johnny & Marius enticed us with their delicious and out-of-the-box cooking creations.  Everyone just oooed and aaaaed...

We were spoilt with a delicious lunch, plated beautifully with attention to detail and taste sensations.

Thereafter the ladies of Cancervive with amongst others, Janie du Plessis shared with us their inspirational lives living with cancer.  All the good work continues what these ladies do annually by spreading the word of the power of early detection.  They invited guests who were diagnosed with cancer to the stage who all received the Cancervive bandana - what a touching moment...

Thereafter we were spoilt with desert, oh - the most divine chocolate, red velvet and carrot cake.  Too pretty to eat, but oh so tasty!

The day was ending on a high note too with 'boy band' Adam, who entertained us with a few popular songs from their album.  

Once again another truly stunning and inspirational morning visited by the Ladies of FCCT!  Looking forward to join again in 2016 with all ladies of FCCT.

- Written by Marlize Roos

St Luke's Hospice Collection - 26 May 2015

During our regular club meeting in May we took up a collection of supplies to be donated to St Luke's hospice. A bunch of members brought shoes, clothing and other useful things to be donated to this good cause.

Appearance by Dave Barr - 18 April 2015

The FCCT raised R5,000 for a charity Dave Barr supports to provide wheelchairs for those in need. Below is an account of us meeting with him by Alan Joffe.

This last Saturday evening at the Killarney Club House, 10 of our FCCT members were privileged to meet & hear the amazing life story of a remarkable man.

Dave Barr was born in the USA in 1952 & left school at the age of 17 to join the US Marines – a big dream of his.

After serving duty in Vietnam on a helicopter gunship, he was discharged in 1972. After that, he lived in various locations around the world & being a true military man, he served in the armed forces of various countries, including the Israeli Parachute regiment & one year in the Rhodesian Light Infantry. From there he volunteered to serve a 2 year stint in the South African Defence Force. In 1982 on a patrol in southern Angola, the military vehicle in which he & others were travelling hit a Russian landmine. The resulting explosion cost him both his legs as well as his hearing in the one ear.

With iron will & determination, Dave learned to walk again on prosthetic legs.

Having spent many months in 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria, Dave met many men who had suffered similar injuries to his. He was now determined to spend the rest of his life helping disabled people come to terms with their circumstances & make the best of their lives.

He returned to the USA and learnt to ride his beloved Harley again which was adapted for him.

Dave began to publicise & raise money for disabled people. He felt that the best way to do this was to show both abled & disabled people that anything could be achieved if the individual put his or her mind to it.

In 1994, Dave embarked on an epic journey around the world on his 1978 Harley Wide Glide 1200. He did this completely alone without support vehicles or major sponsors.

This Herculean journey earned Dave a place in the Guinness Book of World Records & a place for him & his bike in the Harley-Davidson Hall of Fame.

He covered a distance of 132,000 kms over three & a half years.

Dave’s nominated charity at the time, Cheshire Homes, still needed funds & Dave decided to embark on another trip with a Harley Sportster. His journey this time would take him across Russia & Siberia in winter. Dave followed this trip by criss-crossing Australia on another Sportster. Both the Russian & Australian rides earned him 2 more places in the Guinness Book of Records. All 3 Harleys have now found homes in museums in the USA.

Dave returned to his home in California where he manages an annual cross-continent ride for US War Veterans. He is also very active in giving motivational talks to societies & corporate entities. 

This year, Dave came back to South Africa to where it all started. His team accompanied by his “Rough Riders”, left on the 15th of April from the Ann Harding Cheshire home in Randburg, also on a Harley 1200. His 6,000 km tour around South Africa has taken him through all the main cities where he stops at all the Cheshire Homes to meet, motivate & inspire disabled people.

He appeals to the public & businesses to support his cause so that prosthetic limbs as well as much needed wheel chairs can be donated to helping so many disabled people.

Dave has also authored a few books of his incredible journeys. These were on sale & signed by himself.

Dave made it very clear in his address to us: “Life is a privilege & it can be taken away from us within a split second”.

We left the club house feeling humbled by a man who proved that with determination, one can & will achieve great things, and it does not matter whether you are abled or disabled.

Thank you, Dave Barr, for your soul stirring talk – you are an inspiration to all.

Yarden Children's Enrichment Centre - 20 January 2015

As mentioned at previous meetings, we have collected donations for the Yarden Foundation, an organisation that provides care for children with illnesses that demand a high level of care and supervision. We provided them with some funds to buy necessary equipment and a television and DVD player to entertain the kids. They currently care for two children but have capacity for up to eight at their venue at the Bergsig Dutch Reformed church in Durbanville.

Central Fire Station - 7th November 2014

Recently, the Free Chapter participated in an Ice Bucket Challenge to benefit the Central Fire Station. In addition, we gathered donations from members and the club contributed some money as well. On Friday evening, we handed over the "cheque" at the fire station and were treated to a quick tour of the station.

 Operation Shoebox - 21st October 2014

This year the club once again pooled together to compile and donate a number of shoebox-gifts to The Spirit of Christmas. This charity provides these gifts to underprivileged children, as well as kids with life-threatening illnesses.

A big thank you to Bernie and Zelda for organising and administrating our contribution to this project. Your efforts are much appreciated by us, as will the recipients of the gifts enjoy them.

 Route62 Rally 2014 Charity

Blanket Run to Huis Martina 

The Blankets were kindly sponsored by Jacques' company, Group Five