Endurance rider Grant Lottering summited Montagu Pass near George 20 times in 24 hours to raise funds for the Reach for a Dream Foundation. Photo: Max Sullivan
Grant Lottering’s dream to help others less fortunate came to fruition when he completed 20 summits of the Montagu Pass in 24 hours just outside George in the Western Cape today.
With each climb 4.6 kilometres in length, the 52-year-old endurance rider completed in excess of 180km with 8 640m of vertical ascent and proclaimed himself “totally satisfied but completely exhausted” at the end of it all.
As tributes poured in over social media, Lottering was able to reflect on helping to secure the wishes of 20 children through the Reach for a Dream Foundation.
Each time he summited during the charity ride, which started at 10am on Saturday, a dream was realised and he drew special inspiration from the children’s names he had placed on his bike.
“It was a really good decision to do this for Reach for a Dream and having the names in front of me was huge motivation, because there were some really tough times,” said Lottering.
“These kids face serious challenges and to hear of the money being donated while you are suffering like a dog keeps you going.
“I just told myself to byt vas because there are people who have bigger problems than you, so just keep riding.”
As he drove back to Somerset West, where he lives, Lottering said he was feeling fine, just very tired.
“It was incredibly hectic in terms of elevation and the road surface was very rough, so it was a real grind in some places,” he said.
“There was a kilometre stretch with a 13 per cent gradient and at one stage yesterday, after about six hours, I was feeling really bad.
“The weather was great, but quite hot, and we had a tailwind at the start going up the pass.
“But it was a warm tailwind and late yesterday I battled because of the heat. The descent took only 10 minutes, while it was about 35 to 40 minutes to the top.
“This had a sort of compound effect on me and there was a period yesterday afternoon when I struggled to stay cool.
“In those cases I would just stop for a short while to gather myself. When the sun set and it became cooler, I felt much better.
“In fact, riding through the night was brilliant, with a full moon, no wind, and it was just so beautiful.”
Lottering acknowledged that he could not have done this without his support team.
“There were others who didn’t sleep through the night so I am indebted to them, as well as the fantastic support I received from the public and the many donors.
“I am proud of the outcome and it was an honour to attach a bigger purpose to a goal like this.
“The ride served a double purpose, with long-lasting implications, and for that I am very grateful.”
