While most 43-year-olds are settling into the routine of mid-life, Shaun Leach is preparing to put his body through a 12-day crucible. The goal? To ride a bicycle from the Beitbridge border all the way to the foot of Table Mountain,a staggering 2,600 kilometers,with one mission in mind: being a voice for the animals who cannot speak for themselves.

A Debt of Gratitude to Paws Haven

For Shaun, owner of Le Tour Cycles, this isn’t just an athletic stunt. It’s personal. The beneficiary of this grueling journey is Paws Haven in Potchefstroom, an organization that saves injured and lost animals.

"Most people know my Border Collie, Jemma,she’s my sidekick," Shaun says. "When she was younger, she contracted cat fever, which is usually a death sentence. Paws stepped in, performed a blood transfusion, and saved her life. I’ve seen their heart and passion firsthand. They do so much with so little funding."

The "Why" Behind the Miles

Shaun’s connection to animals runs deep, rooted in a childhood surrounded by dogs who offered silent, non-judgmental support during life’s hardest seasons.

"When work is stressful or I’m feeling down, Jemma just knows. She’ll lick my leg as if to say, ‘All is fine.’ It hurts me deeply to see animals neglected; you can see the sadness in their eyes. I keep thinking: What if my dogs were in that position?"

200km a Day: The Brutal Reality

The logistics of the ride are enough to make a professional cyclist wince. Shaun will average over 200km per day for 12 consecutive days.

The route is a gauntlet of South Africa’s most unforgiving landscapes:

• The Unknown: The first four days involve unpredictable gravel conditions near the border.
  

• The Karoo: A region famous for "long, gradual climbs" and heat that "is no joke."
  

• The Tankwa: Perhaps the most feared stretch, featuring loose sand, extreme winds, and total isolation.

"A wise man once said: when you feel finished and think you can’t go on, you are only at 70% of your limit," Shaun notes. To handle the terrain, he built a custom "Franken-bike",a carbon MTB frame with front suspension, drop bars for multiple hand positions, and time-trial bars to cut through the Karoo wind.

A Solo Ride, A Team Effort

Though Shaun will be the only one pedaling, he isn't alone. His wife has been the engine behind the scenes, designing posters and managing the marketing. "When I told her, she didn't ask 'why,' she asked 'when?'"

To survive the isolation, Shaun relies on his faith and a strict focus on the goal. "Mental battles in isolation are character-building. They take you out of your comfort zone, but knowing I’m doing this for the animals,and that God is with me in the quiet moments,pushes me through."

How You Can Help (And "Dot Watch")

Shaun is calling on the community to turn this ride into a movement.

There are several ways to get involved:

1. Donate Supplies: Blankets, pet food, and treats can be dropped off at the Le Tour Cycles collection corner.

   
   

2. Financial Support: Every cent raised goes toward medical treatments and food for Paws Haven.

   
   

3. Ride Along: Shaun will be carrying a tracking device. Supporters can "dot watch" his progress online. "If I'm passing through your town, come ride a few kilometers with me!"

   
   

4. Spread the Word: Follow the Paws Haven and Le Tour Cycles Facebook pages for the live tracking link and WhatsApp group updates.

The Final Goal

When Shaun finally reaches the shadow of Table Mountain, he hopes the legacy of the ride outlasts his sore muscles.

"I hope people support their local shelters more. Even if you can’t give money, go walk a dog or give them attention. That’s often all they want,love and care. I want to be a voice for those who cannot speak, and I hope others will join me."