{"id":63139,"date":"2023-05-23T10:47:23","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T08:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=63139"},"modified":"2023-06-08T10:37:30","modified_gmt":"2023-06-08T08:37:30","slug":"songo-info-and-soil-searching-shaping-better-futures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/songo-info-and-soil-searching-shaping-better-futures\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike auction: songo.info and Soil Searching Shaping Better Futures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>songo.info are auctioning two limited edition Specialized Bicycles to raise funds for their trail building internship programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Soil Searching: Shaping Better Futures\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U8c9Q2PudHI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Specialized Bicycle\u2019s Soil Searching programme is a movement to recognise and support the trail builders who help shape our sport and ensure our stoke. Since 2018, it has provided financial, organisational and outreach support for trail systems around the world. In 2021 two songo.info graduates were funded by Soil Searching as they embarked on internship programmes with two of South Africa\u2019s top trail builders. Now Specialized Bicycles have donated two limited edition mountain bikes, which songo.info are auctioning, to continue to fund the charity\u2019s graduates in the next phase of the trail building internship programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first chapter in songo.info\u2019s Soil Searching journey was undertaken by Sipho &#8216;Morgan&#8217; Futhela. In early 2021 he joined, Stellenbosch trail builder and Soil Searching ambassador, Bennet Nel and his company Ace of Spades. A few months later Aphiwe Ginyayo began work with seven-time XTERRA World Champion Conrad Stoltz, of Stoltz Trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e91547cf7b7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e91547cf7b7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Specialized\u2019s Soil Searching programme celebrates trail builders and has funded internships for two songo.info graduates, who are now fully employed by the Winelands Trail network. Photo by Shift Media Co.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What followed was a true apprenticeship. Futhela and Ginyayo learned everything from trail design to technical trail sculpting practices. They even got to grips with the admin side of the businesses. Once their internships with Ace of Spades and Stoltz Trails were completed the pair were employed full-time by the Winelands Cycling Club as trail rangers. Their jobs are not only to maintain a designated section of the vast trail network, but also to serve as marshals to prevent rogue riding and help ensure the safety of the trail users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e91547cfb7c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e91547cfb7c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/2-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/2-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aphiwe Ginyayo (left) and Sipho &#8216;Morgan&#8217; Futhela (right) with songo.info programme manager, Sipho Madolo (centre). Photo by Seamus Allardice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With their success to build upon, and thanks to the continued generosity of Specialized Bicycles, songo.info is hosting an online auction to fund the next phase of the Soil Searching internship programme. Specialized South Africa have donated two custom, Soil Searching limited edition, mountain bikes to the cause which members of the public can bid on. The first is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.songo.info\/product\/specialized-turbo-levo-soil-searching-ltd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Specialized Turbo Levo Soil Searching LTD<\/a>, featuring a Specialized Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor and a 700Wh integrated battery. The second is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.songo.info\/product\/specialized-stumpjumper-evo-soil-searching-ltd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Soil Searching LTD<\/a>, with 150-millimetres of trail devouring rear travel paired with a plush 160mm Rockshox Lyric Select Plus fork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e91547cfed1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e91547cfed1\" class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/3-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/3-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/3-1-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Specialized Turbo Levo Soil Searching LTD features a Specialized Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor, a 700Wh integrated battery and a limited-edition Soil Searching paintjob. Photo by Dan\u00e9 Turvey.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e91547d01c8&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e91547d01c8\" class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/4-1-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Soil Searching LTD is not only an exceptionally capable trail shredding machined but also boasts a limited-edition Soil Searching paintjob. Photo by Ray Cox.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These unique bikes will not only provide the winning bidders with years of trail shredding pleasure but will also contribute to the funding of songo.info\u2019s graduate programme. \u201cEmployment opportunities are limited to the vast majority of the children who grow up in Kayamandi,\u201d emphasised, songo.info Programme Manager, Sipho Madolo. \u201cWe do what we can to find internships or help our graduates obtain bursaries to further their education. The Specialized Soil Searching programme and the trail building internships which Morgan and Aphiwe served are excellent practical means of achieving these goals. It\u2019s been fantastic to see not only their development as trail builders, but also their personal development over the last two years. Aphiwe has obtained his driver\u2019s licence and Conrad taught him how to operate a digger, while Morgan has improved his people skills tremendously, from being an exceptionally shy teenager to a vastly more confident young man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e91547d04f0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e91547d04f0\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-1-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The songo.info and Soil Searching internship programme will not only shape a better future for the graduates of the programme but will also contribute more exceptional mountain bike trails for South African riders. Photo by Ray Cox.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere are already a group of boys in the songo programme who I\u2019d love to see follow in their footsteps,\u201d Madolo continued. \u201cWe do regular maintenance on our BMX track at the clubhouse and there are a handful of the guys who have a love for that building and who show a clear aptitude. The money raised by this auction will go to paying them a salary while they learn their trade from Bennet, Conrad and maybe a few of the other Winelands Trail builders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To place a bid in the songo.info Soil Searching auction please visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.songo.info\/auction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">www.songo.info\/auction<\/a>. From there bidders can click through to the individual bikes to view the full build specifications and place a bid. The auction closes on Youth Day, Friday 16 June 2023, at 17:00 (CAT).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>songo.info are auctioning two limited edition Specialized Bicycles to raise funds for their trail building internship programme. Specialized Bicycle\u2019s Soil Searching programme is a movement to recognise and support the trail builders who help shape our sport and ensure our stoke. Since 2018, it has provided financial, organisational and outreach support for trail systems around [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":63143,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[264,454,719,95],"featured_location":[338],"class_list":["post-63139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stoke","tag-soil-searching","tag-songo","tag-songo-info","tag-specialized","featured_location-bottom-row"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63139"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63418,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63139\/revisions\/63418"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63143"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63139"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=63139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}