By: Dave Abrahams
Cape Town – Hundreds of riders gathered at Harley-Davidson dealers all over South Africa on Saturday for the first Pink Glove Run in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa.
Emboldened by the success of last year’s Snorrs for a Cause campaign, which raised more than R100 000 in a single day for testicular cancer research, Harley-Davidson decided that 2015’s fund-raiser would be one for the ladies.
“We want to kick cancer in the ass,” said Harley-Davidson Africa marketing manager Juan Mouton. “Our vision is to break down the barrier of ‘It won’t happen to me’ or ‘I’m too young’, which is why we’re joining hands with CanSA to educate women on the risks, the signs and most important, how to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
So, on the 31 October, each of South Africa’s 10 Harley-Davidson dealerships was festooned with pink ribbons, pink balloons and riders of all shapes and sizes happily shelling out for bright pink buffs – and then vying to find the most outrageous ways to wear them!
VERY LITTLE FORMALITY
Despite threatening weather, more than 100 riders – not all of them on American irons – turned out at Harley-Davidson Tyger Valley for one of Cape Town’s two rides, where Harley-Davidson Africa country manager Paul de Jongh was guest of honour.
Shortly after 10am the ride left on a circular route with a stop at Big Bay, before returning to the dealership for a morning of live music, good food and (very) close shaves – all in aid of breast cancer research.
But we went straight through to Harley-Davidson Cape Town, arriving just in time to catch their participants returning from their mass ride, well over a hundred strong, almost all on Harleys.
Here again, there was very little formality; the riders were encouraged to eat, drink endless cups of strong Harley coffee, listen to the Pincurls rendering close harmonies, Andrew Sisters style, on both swing-era standards and modern ballads, while the ladies got their nails painted and the men their heads shaved – and every cent they paid for the privilege went to CanSA.
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