Wines2Whales entry a dream come true for Greyton local

Nineteen year old Caleb Henderson had a dream come true when the organisers of the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events granted him a complimentary entry into the FNB W2W MTB Ride.

Nineteen year old Caleb Henderson will get to fulfil his dream on Monday, 02 November 2015 when he toes the line to partake in the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Ride that will start at the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) on Monday, 02 November 2015. Photo Credit: Jetline Action Photo

The FNB W2W MTB Ride will start at the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) on Monday, 02 November 2015. Riders will cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes and nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus on Wednesday, 04 November 2015.

“We are truly grateful to FNB W2W for Caleb’s entry,” says Owen Henderson. “Caleb was diagnosed as being deaf at birth. At the age of two he was fitted with hearing aids and attended the Carel du Toit School for the hearing impaired, where he was taught to speak. When Caleb started school he was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis (calcification of parts of the brain) and Autism. Although unable to read, he progressed through school with the help of a facilitator and very supportive and dedicated teachers until he left school at the age of fifteen.”

“Despite his disabilities he has made a life for himself,” continues Henderson. “At present he is helping at Greyton House Village School. He enjoys sport and puts this to use by helping with school sport in the afternoons. Caleb has developed a love for cycling which enables him to participate in a sport where his disabilities do not hold him back. Corne Barnard of Rockhopper Adventures encouraged Caleb to fulfil his dream of completing W2W. Corne will be Caleb’s riding part.”

According to Caleb it’s the hard work, training and technique that attracts him to the sport of mountain biking. “I love that each route is different as this allows me to improve my skill. W2W is important to me because it will be my first big race. It will really challenge and test the hard work that I have put in thus far. I am mostly looking forward to finishing with my partner, but am also really excited to see my finishing time after each stage. I plan on working hard. It is my responsibility to finish what I have started.”

“We are aware that the FNB W2W competitors come from all levels of ability. We welcome Caleb to fulfill his challenge and wish him the best of luck,” says Dezroy Poole, FNB W2W MTB Director.