The SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHRs) Table Mountain Region, in collaboration with Olympic Cycles, donated three mountain bikes and helmets to Table Mountain National Park’s marine rangers to help with park patrolling and conservation management.
A handover ceremony commemorated this donation on 3 November, with Mr Kenneth Carden, the chairperson of the SANParks Honorary Rangers Table Mountain Region, in attendance.
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‘It’s such an honour to have been associated with Olympic Cycles over the years, and I’m pleased to see this wonderful partnership coming to fruition in introducing mountain bicycles for the rangers,’ stated Mr Carden.
He continued, ‘These bicycles will enable rangers to conduct mountain bike patrols and get to areas where the vehicles can’t. The bikes will come with basic spares and a service plan, which will see Olympic Cycles servicing the bikes regularly. As part of the arrangement with Olympic Cycles, we will be able to purchase further bikes for SANParks at very reduced prices, and I’m truly grateful to them for this amazing initiative.’
The donation is timely as the park heads into a busy season, and the SANParks Honorary Rangers Table Mountain Region have pledged their support to join rangers on mountain bike patrols. This initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency, especially in areas inaccessible by vehicles.
‘This donation came at the right time when faced with diverse challenges in the park. I’m truly grateful for this initiative of introducing mountain bicycles in the park,’ said TMNP Manager Megan Taplin.
She added, ‘Thank you very much to the SHRs for securing this donation, which will facilitate the operations of the Marine Unit. The spares and service plan are a very useful addition too. Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Olympic Cycles for this wonderful initiative.’
The mountain bikes have basic spares and a service plan, ensuring their longevity and effectiveness.
Olympic Cycles has committed to regular servicing of the bikes and has offered SANParks the opportunity to purchase additional bikes at reduced prices.
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