By Nangamso Mabindla
3 December 2004

BUFFALO City traffic superintendent Jannie Schoeman's quest to encourage people with Rheumatoid Arthritis to lead healthy lifestyles continued on Wednesday when he and a team of cyclists left the city on a ride to Cape Town to raise awareness about the disease.

Schoeman - an RA sufferer - started Project Cycle in 2003 when he cycled over 1 000 kilometres from East London to Cape Town. He also participated in the Cape Argus, the biggest cycling event on the calendar.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease, mainly characterised by inflammation of the lining of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability.

In November, Schoeman cycled over 1 800 kilometres from Durban to East London. The Project Cycle team left Durban on 20 November, arriving in East London on November 28, having cycled through the Eastern Free State, Aliwal North and Queenstown.

"It was a very difficult ride; we were faced with very steep hills and strong head winds. We really needed to be at our best to complete the trip," says Schoeman.

But Project Cycle is all about helping other people and this goal is what kept the team focused on their goal: to raise funds and awareness about debilitating diseases like RA.

Now the team is on its way to Cape Town. Before they left, Buffalo City Manager, Mxolisi Tsika, wished them well, saying he appreciated the team's commitment to helping others.

"It's people like you who put our city on the map. I'd like to wish you well in this very noble cause," said Tsika. "If I was fitter, I'd cycle to Cape Town with you."

Team Project Cycle also took the opportunity to make one youngster's heart rejoice when they handed over a mountain bike to a young orphan.

Before they left, Team Jet-X's Russell Heger entertained the crowd at the City Hall with some outrageous moves on his motorbike. Team Jet-X was invited by Schoeman to perform at the event.

"We love doing events for local charities and people like Jannie Schoeman. I really wish them well in their quest," said Heger.

Upon arriving in Cape Town Schoeman will take part in the Die Burger-Sanlam Cycle Tour. After that, it's back to doing what he does best - law enforcement.