The John Smit Foundation, more affectionately known as Barney’s Army, was going to be represented by 6 teams at this year’s Absa Cape Epic – they were planning on raising funds for various charities supported by the race.

In light of the disappointment at the race being (understandably) cancelled due to the impact of COVID-19, and being inspired by all the various ‘indoor charity challenges’ being undertaken around the world, John, along with ex Springbok team mates Butch James and BJ Botha, and the rest of the team have decided to put their un-used training to some use. They will be riding a 66km Zwift Ride on Sunday 26th April at 7am GMT (9am South Africa time), to replicate what would have been the 7th and final stage of the 2020 Absa Cape Epic.

This social ride will be open to an unlimited numbers of riders, and John and the team are inviting anyone who was supposed to be riding the Absa Cape Epic this year, or keen riders of any calibre from across the world, who are keen for a sweaty start to their Sunday morning to join. The objective of the ride will be to raise funds, so all riders and supporters are asked to support the fundraising efforts to buy food packs for children and their families in and around Ceres, on the Absa Cape Epic route, in dire need of basic goods in these extraordinary times.

Riders can join the Zwift link here: https://zwift.com/events/view/642632

Riders not on Zwift are invited to join in solidarity by riding 66km around their gardens or on indoor trainers and share their experiences via the various social media channels.
Dan Nicholl will be hosting the event on livestreaming, which will include interviews and engagement with the riders, and an opportunity for the public to get involved. Many prizes have donated by John and other Barney Army supporters and will be up for grabs for those following the morning.

Participants are asked to make a donation – no amount is too small – and to invite their friends, families and colleagues to get involved. The goal is raise as much as possible, EVERY single cent raised will be used to buy food packs (at R60 each) for communities in and around Ceres.

Thanks to the input from a nutritionist, we have ensured the packs provide the most important nutrients, and thanks too to the incredible team at DHL who will ensure that the packs are safely delivered to the school.

How to donate:
Zapper – https://zapper.com/url/XrrA4FYJEv
Credit Card – https://www.givengain.com/cc/barenys-army-epic-ride-for-food/
EFT:
The John Smit Foundation
Rand Merchant Bank
Branch Code: 25 50 50
Cheque Account Number: 6236 0554 937
Social Media Handles:
Facebook and YouTube: Please keep an eye on John Smit’s social channels for updates on live streaming links on Facebook and YouTube before the weekend
Twitter: @JohnSmit123
Instagram: @johnsmitty1978