Through the Heart of the Karoo – A Birthday on the Pedals

Karen Scheepers
Mar 30
3 min read

The "Beitbrug to Blouberg" 2,600km cycle tour has reached the vast expanse of the Northern Cape, marking a grueling but milestone-heavy second leg of the journey. Since departing Potchefstroom on March 25, lead cyclist Shaun has traded the bustling roads of the North West for the legendary corrugated paths and "sinkplaat" gravel of the Karoo, pushing his physical and mental limits for the animals at Paws Haven.

The trek through the interior has been defined by isolation and physical grit. On March 27, Shaun celebrated a birthday unlike any other, spending the entire day in the saddle. While most would choose a day of rest, Shaun navigated the long, lonely stretches toward Kimberley, using the milestone to call for further community support. The response was immediate, with local schools like Hoërskool Die Wilge and the Potchefstroom community at large stepping up with significant food and blanket donations to honor the occasion.

The Corrugated Challenge: Vanderkloof to De Aar

The journey reached a peak of difficulty on March 28 as Shaun moved toward the Vanderkloof Dam. The day was plagued by miles of "sinkplaatpad" (corrugated road), where every kilometer felt like a battle against the terrain. Despite the vibration and fatigue, Shaun’s focus remained on the mission.

The team highlighted the story of Hank, a gentle and loving dog currently at Paws Haven. Hank is a primary example of the many animals awaiting a second chance. With the South African winter approaching, the team issued an urgent plea for blankets, noting that warmth is a basic necessity many shelter animals currently lack.

A Karoo Welcome

As of March 29, Shaun successfully arrived in De Aar. He was greeted by a spectacular Karoo sunrise and, more importantly, two local dogs who waited at the town's entrance to "welcome" him. These small moments of connection serve as powerful reminders of the tour’s core purpose.

As the journey moves toward Loxton and Victoria West, the physical toll is evident, yet the momentum continues to grow. Shaun has now surpassed the 1,000km mark, transitioning from the north of the country into the deep south.

Live Progress Tracking

Followers can view the specific route taken between March 25 and March 29, documenting the push from the Free State border into the heart of the Northern Cape, via the live tracking portal: View Live Progress: Beitbrug to Blouberg

Traversing the Central Interior

Data from live tracking logs indicates a steady southward trajectory through late March. The team has maintained a grueling pace, documented across several key milestones:

March 25 – 26: The route moved from the North West into the Free State, passing through Kgotsong and Bothaville. The tracking data shows a dense cluster of positions as the team navigated the rural roads near the Vaal River.
March 26 – 27: The expedition tracked toward the Bloemhof Dam region. Despite mounting physical fatigue, the team successfully navigated around the nature reserve, moving through Hoopstad and Hertzogville.
March 27 – 28: A major milestone was reached as the team crossed into the Northern Cape, arriving in the historic city of Kimberley.
March 28 – 29: The most recent tracking data confirms the team has pushed south of Kimberley, moving through Jacobsdal and heading toward the Vanderkloof Dam area.

How to Help This Winter

With the finish line in Blouberg appearing on the horizon for April 1st, the need for supplies is at its peak. Paws Haven NPC is specifically requesting: