About Me

Stretched Family picture at Olifants May 2008

I grew up in South Africa – born in Cape Town some 53 years ago. I emigrated in the early 1980’s and have spent most of my adult life in Toronto, Canada, where I am a consultant for a Professional Services firm.

My wife Randi and I have been married for close to 30 years. We have two university-age kids, Michael and Jill, who attend the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

I’ve stayed pretty active over the years by running and cycling. My wife and I have traveled a fair bit – including a few bike trips in Southeast Asia. However, nothing we’ve done will approach both the physical and mental challenges this trip presents. It’s going to test me and I have been preparing as best possible the last few months. I’ve spent lots of time on my trusty Specialized getting both it and my butt tuned as best possible.

I’ll be seeing areas of Africa that I could only have dreamed of growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa.

When I first read about the Tour D’Afrique I thought that it would be the neatest but most inconceivable thing to do. I had all the usual objections but over time started running out of reasons NOT to do it! Its appeal to my sense of adventure and passion for travel won out.

I am grateful to have the support of T4G – the organization I work for. It’s a great company – driven by principles not policy – one of which encourages associates to pursue their passions.

I’m enjoying the preparations – and learning more about a bike and its maintenance than I care to know! I’ll be fundraising for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada).

I’m grateful for my wife and kids’ unreserved encouragement. At a certain level this is something of a self-seeking endeavor that has their selfless support.