The cycle ride commemorating Imran Akuji went off without a hitch last Sunday. The event started at 7:30 on the dot and slowly meandered up to the Portagem where the TRAC officials opened the side road to let the large number of cyclists (about 40) through, as planned.
The municipal and provincial traffic police escorted the cyclists as well as a large group of motorcyclists and support vehicles. We arrived at 9am at the spot where Imran was killed, just past the Umbeluzi water treatment plant. One lane had been blocked off for the event, and traffic was directed onto the single lane, with the traffic police ensuring no bottlenecks. The cyclists placed their bikes in single file on the closed section of road as a form of protest, showing that this space also belongs to us.
The areas was cleared and a search party dispatched to find any pieces of the bicycle. After a while Imran's father-in-law opened proceedings with a muslim prayer that he later translated into English. Then Yazid, Imran's eldest son spoke. Sebbie, a schoolmate of Imran from Swaziland and who had come especially for the event also spoke about his early days with Imran. Danilo Correia and Luis Filipe spoke on behalf of the Maputo cyclists. Iran's brother closed the session and then Imran's children proceeded to burying some parts of Imran's bicycle and laying some wreaths.
A moment of silence was kept for him and for all cyclists killed on the road.
Once proceedings were complete the cyclists remounted and headed back towards Maputo - destination Nautilus Cafe, the favourite post-ride haunt of the Maputo Cycle club. A few minor cycle accidents on the return leg occured, mainly due to fatigue of the younger and more inexperienced rides, but nothing more serious than a few scratched elbows and a broken spoke.
We all assembled, cyclists and Imran's family and friends at the Nautilus cafe for a well-deserved coke.
Guys I really appreciate you all for having made the effort to commemorate the contribution Imran made to the sport and in fact to all of us. He was a really good example of wholisic preparation, dedicating himself to serious practice and always pushing on when things were toughest. He thrilled in the tough climb called 'life'.
ReplyDeleteIt is my pleasure to have known him for +20 years both as a great basketball player and lean, speedy cyclist. My three boys were happily afflicted with the same diseases :)
Sebbie, so great you could get over from Manzini to represent us Swazis, some of us scattered in the wildernesses of the rest of the world. But we know where home is...
Yazid, great job man. Looking at your club it seems like you have a whole lot of Big Brothers. I am sure you can depend on them.
Big Brothers, you have a few little ones to protect, and many generations who will follow them. We first met some of you on the Lomahasha-Manzini run almost 20 years ago. You guys are tough competition!
Cycling combines the best of human efforts in both pysical training and materials science. It deserves a lot more respect. Once Desmond was riding from Manzini to Hlatikhulu (a great run for your Flatland club!) and was overtaken by a bus. The bus slowed down to his speed and with deliberation, ran him off the road, then took off. The young and energetic deserve a great deal more respect from road vehicles. It is not the size of your car that matters, it is the size of your heart.
Cycle safety is important for all. I hope you can take this sacrifice forward, into the public schools, the driving schools and onto the streets and change attitudes.
Thanks Imran, you kept good company.
Best wishes to the families from
Crispin Pemberton-Pigott
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada