#BIKES4ERP means this much to me.
- Cornel van Onselen
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
For 6 years we have had a very special partnership with #BIKES4ERP, and have become close friends with the founder of this special event, Nicolai van der Merwe. Together, we have changed the lives of over 150 young school students, giving them easier and safer access to education.
Each bicycle drop is different, and everyone walks away with their own special story that lasts forever. At Inkwazi Adventures, we always say the impact from the bicycle drop is immediate, and the smiles last forever.
Just take a look at our smile of the drop from the past 6 years.
This is why we wanted to capture some of the stories and testimonies from the volunteers that were part of this year's drop. We hope that by reading each of the stories you will get just a taste of what this life-changing experience is all about.
How and when were you first invited to a #BIKES4ERP bike drop?
By Suanette in 2024.
How many bike drops have you done?
One
In totality, what did a bike drop mean to you personally?
It was the most rewarding act of charity I've ever done.
What is your fondest memory of handing over a bicycle to a learner?
A girl who fell didn't know she could get up, and simply needed someone to make sure she was ok. I rode with her and taught her how to stop. The look of joy on her face on getting back up and stopping without falling was something that stuck with me.
What is your fondest memory of a bike drop weekend?
Check-ins in the evening. We had tough people who knew how to kick back and relax when needed.
If you could invite anyone to join a #BIKES4ERP bike drop who would it be and why?
My friend Tony, to experience the joy of the work we do during a bike drop. Tony stood with me from the time I started cycling seriously 3 years ago and has since been a rock for me.
--Zubayr
How and when were you first invited to a #BIKES4ERP bike drop?
October 2019
How many bike drops have you done?
Ten
In totality, what did a bike drop mean to you personally?
At every drop I get to know more colleagues and partners. Seeing the humanity in others is a great equalizer and sharing in a common purpose builds a bond stronger than a mere work relationship. Many strangers became instant friends and those of us that have shared many drops are like family.
What is your fondest memory of handing over a bicycle to a learner?
The first time. I had to help the girl to learn how to ride a bike.
What is your fondest memory of a bike drop weekend?
When my son could share the experience with me.
--Danie
How and when were you first invited to a #BIKES4ERP bike drop?
By Natalie in 2023.
How many bike drops have you done?
Three
What is your fondest memory of a bike drop weekend?
I will always remember the way the learners sang, danced and cheered us on when we cycled into the community hall's grounds on my first bike drop weekend. It was very emotional. I realized that they will experience the same freedom with their bicycles and that I could be a part of it. I also knew that it would change their lives forever.
--Sylvia
How and when were you first invited to a #BIKES4ERP bike drop?
March 2025
How many bike drops have you done?
One
In totality, what did a bike drop mean to you personally?
I saw the challenges in South Africa with my own eyes, but at the same time, there are people making differences for better future. And it was a great opportunity to be part of it.
What is your fondest memory of handing over a bicycle to the learners?
Their excitement and they couldn’t wait to start riding. Even if they had never ridden a bicycle before, they were so eager to learn.
What is your fondest memory of a bike drop weekend?
To see and be there where people live and the animals in Melorane.
If you could invite anyone to join a #BIKES4ERP bike drop who would it be and why?
To other Japanese so that the word would spread more globally.
--Masafumi
How and when were you first invited to a #BIKES4ERP bike drop?
My brother, Cornel, who is involved with Inkwazi Adventures mentioned the bike drop for a few years and how rewarding it was and the difference it made to the community and learners. I wanted to be part of something magical and was invited in May 2025.
How many bike drops have you done?
Only one, but hopefully not the last.
In totality, what did a bike drop mean to you personally?
It was a life-changing, and life-charging, experience. I experienced both of these during the bike drop.
There are so many wonderful facets to the bike drop which, in my case, included cycling with Cornel. It was our longest endurance activity together and something we will treasure for a long time.
The day of the bike drop brought so many different people together with one goal in mind: to give a learner a bicycle. It was a humbling feeling to work alongside people from different walks of life. Also, to know that the bicycle will contribute to the learner's education which in turn will provide better opportunities in the future.
What is your fondest memory of handing over a bicycle to a learner?
The learners were already waiting in the rain at the venue when we arrived. They waited patiently until it was time to receive their bicycles. The boy I handed a bicycle to was like a Jack-in-a-box when he got onto the bicycle and sped past his friend with a huge smile on his face.
What is your fondest memory of a bike drop weekend?
When I completed the ride from Pretoria to Melorane and the camaraderie I experienced in the group.
If you could invite anyone to join a #BIKES4ERP bike drop who would it be and why?
Anneke van Onselen. She would laugh and cry at the same time when we hand out the bicycles. Just the whole experience was magical and she needs to experience the whole trip and camaraderie.
--Marius
How and when were you first invited to a #BIKES4ERP bike drop?
I actually got involved in the logistics and planning side before ever going on a bike drop myself. It was Gert who invited me a few times to come with and then Lanne and Juane to really get me there. The planning weekend was the one just when Gert passed away; the first planning weekend we ever did. The most special one of all.
How many bike drops have you done?
9 and counting - I’ve been involved in almost every one since I started, sometimes in planning and logistics, sometimes riding, and sometimes quietly helping in the background. Each one has its own story and a special energy.
In totality, what did a bike drop mean to you personally?
It’s more than an event, it’s heart, purpose, and perspective all rolled into one. Every drop is a reminder that impact doesn’t always come from big things; sometimes it’s in the small, consistent acts that change lives quietly but permanently. It’s the bonds formed, the kindness in a smile and the love for people and nature all in one.
What is your fondest memory of handing over a bicycle to a learner?
I’ve only handed out one bicycle in all the nine drops I’ve been part of, but that one moment will always stay with me. Buti later told me that the learner I handed the bike to was someone in his family and that the impact it made on him was incredible. He still remembers me by name and asks each time if I’ll be there again. It’s the kind of full-circle moment that reminds you why you do it.
What is your fondest memory of a bike drop weekend?
My fondest memories always revolve around the people. Every drop feels different because of the group that comes together, each one has its own dynamic and energy. The bonds we build over that weekend are just next level. You start as strangers and leave as family, connected by something much bigger than yourself.
If you could invite anyone to join a #BIKES4ERP bike drop who would it be and why?
Anyone who’s forgotten how good it feels to give. But if I could pick one person, I’d invite my mom. She had such a heart for people and adventure, she would love the spirit, the community, and the purpose behind it all.
--Emily
How and when were you first invited to a #BIKES4ERP bike drop?
My good friend and co-founder of #BIKES4ERP, the legend Gert Vermeulen, invited me and I invited him to the very first drop in 2016.
How many bike drops have you done?
16
If you could invite anyone to join a #BIKES4ERP bike drop who would it be and why?
A few years ago I did a project in Alpharetta, Georgia, in the USA, and I made a bunch of new friends there through mountain biking. At the end of the five weeks I was there, they donated money to purchase 7 bicycles which was used for one of our very first bike drops.
I would love to invite Mark and Ellin McCabe who were the instigators of that fundraising. They raised funds amongst their friends and fellow cyclists to purchase those 7 bicycles. It is a bunch of rough mountain bikers with hearts of gold. Their informal group name is ChattaHooligans. You can just imagine…
If I could invite anyone it would be them for their fabulous hearts and their friendship over the years.
--Nicolai
The Adventure Life Lesson
At Inkwazi Adventures, we believe there is a life lesson (or lessons) in every adventure.
If you fall down, get up. If you can't, get someone to help you.
Sharing in a common purpose builds bonds stronger than mere work relationships.
Do something each day that gives you a sense of freedom.
Even if there are challenges (obstacles), you can make a difference.
Do something today that takes you out of your comfort zone. You won't regret it.
Small consistent acts of kindness can change lives permanently.
Here is a look back to the Inkwazi Adventures #BIKES4ERP Bike Drop 2024.
Compiled by Inkwazi Adventures leader, Cornel van Onselen
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