Alumni Ride 1,045km to Support Schools and Community in Qonce

The Old Dalian Union launches an eight-day, 1,045km cycle tour from Cape Town to Qonce to raise funds for education, sport and community infrastructure.

Qonce, South Africa (09 April 2026) – An ambitious cycling journey is set to bring together purpose, community and long-term impact, as the Old Dalian Union (ODU) prepares for an eight-day fundraising ride from Cape Town to Qonce in the Eastern Cape.

Taking place from 30 April to 7 May 2026, the 1,045km cycle tour forms part of the build-up to Dale College’s 165th reunion.  Beyond the milestone celebrations, the ride carries a bigger goal. That’s to raise funds to support education, sport and community development in Qonce.

At the heart of the initiative is the launch of Club 5 Million, a campaign aimed at raising R5 million by 2030. The funds will go towards building a multipurpose facility that will serve learners from Dale College and Dale Junior, while also opening its doors to the broader community. The space is intended to support sport, learning and community programmes in an area where shared infrastructure is needed.

The group is made up of 10 cyclists looking to take on the full journey, riding through mountain passes, rural towns and long open stretches of road. On the final day, additional riders from Qonce will join the group for the last leg into town, marking a symbolic finish to the journey.

The initiative highlights the role alumni networks can play in supporting schools beyond the classroom. For many, Dale College and Dale Junior represent more than just education. These are spaces that have helped shape confidence, discipline and opportunity for generations of young people. Sustaining that environment, however, requires ongoing support.

The planned multipurpose centre will be developed in phases, with completion targeted ahead of the school’s 170th reunion in 2031. It builds on existing efforts by the ODU to invest in learners through scholarships, infrastructure upgrades and development programmes aimed at creating better opportunities for young people.

As the riders prepare to set off from Cape Town, the ODU is calling on individuals, businesses, and the wider public to get involved. Those who would like to support the initiative or find out more can do so by visiting the campaign page here.

Route overview (1045 km)

• 30 April: Cape Town to Worcester (132 km)
• 1 May: Worcester to Barrydale (135 km)
• 2 May: Barrydale to Calitzdorp (124 km)
• 3 May: Calitzdorp to Uniondale (168 km)
• 4 May: Uniondale to Steytlerville (123 km)
• 5 May: Steytlerville to Winterfontein Farm (120 km)
• 6 May: Middlewater to Adelaide (115 km)
• 7 May: Adelaide to Qonce (121 km)

Sources: Supplied 

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