Still Riding Strong at 81
At 81 years old, Brian Garvey is proof that passion has no age limit. His sporting journey has been a lifelong adventure — one that started on the road as a runner, where he completed an astounding 100 marathons, including 13 Comrades Marathons.
When injury brought his running career to a close, Brian didn’t stop moving. Instead, he chose a new path: mountain biking and road cycling. And that path led him straight to the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight, an event he has now completed 21 times over the full 116km distance.
Last year, he participated in the 62km event for the first time and is returning again this year with a personal goal: to complete it in 2 hours.
When asked what keeps bringing him back to Ride for Sight, Brian shared:
“February is the perfect lead‑up to the Cape Town Cycle Tour, which I’ve completed 28 times. The Ride for Sight is well‑organised, with great starting facilities and an incredible finish atmosphere. But above all, it’s the chance to support Retina SA through the Dis-Chem partnership that motivates me most.”
For Brian, the event is not only excellent preparation for the cycling season — it’s a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the fight against retinal blindness.
His determination is a reminder to all of us that:
- Purpose is powerful
- Community matters
- And staying active at any age is possible
As he lines up for his next Ride for Sight at 81 years old, Brian continues to inspire riders of all ages with his quiet dedication and heartfelt commitment to the cause.
Thank you, Brian, for showing us what it means to ride with purpose.
More Articles
Article title: World Retina Week .
There are 10 easy steps that people can take to preserve their precious sight. STEP 1: HAVE REGULAR EYE CHECKS An.
Article title: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Living with Usher Syndrome (Type 2) – Sue Scharf .
Picture the scene: it is an overcast, cold late Autumn afternoon. You’re sitting round the dining table in a.
Article title: International Day of Play .
The International Right to Play Day was established to underscore the critical role of play in children's lives. The United Nations designated 11 June as the International Day of Play,.