Henk Duys is 80-years-old, and preparing for his 40th Amashova, proving that passion, friendship and purpose can keep you moving long after most have parked their bicycles.
When the first Amashova rolled out of Pietermaritzburg in 1986, just 150 cyclists lined up at the start. Forty years later, one of them is still riding.
Henk Duys is preparing to take on South Africa’s oldest classic cycling race once again, a milestone that mirrors the event’s own 40th anniversary celebrations. The achievement is remarkable, but Henk is quick to brush aside any suggestion that he is extraordinary. For him, cycling has simply become a way of life.
Born in Holland and raised largely in South Africa, Henk still plays an active role in his family’s heavy engineering and manufacturing business. He and his wife, Wendy, have been married since 1969, have four children, 11 grandchildren, and split their time between Hillcrest and Paarl. Yet, despite a busy life, cycling remains a constant.
“It started around 1984,” he recalls. “I was overweight, lethargic and under huge business pressure. I bought a second-hand bicycle for R120 and rode from Kloof to Hillcrest. That first ride nearly finished me.”
Instead of giving up, he climbed back onto the bike. The weight began to fall away. His fitness improved. More importantly, so did his outlook on life.
“Cycling has been like meditation on a bicycle for me. It gives you time to think. I always say, if your business interferes with your cycling, you must change your business.”
What began as a healthy distraction soon became a lifelong passion. Over the decades, cycling has taken Henk around the world. He has travelled with friends to experience the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, creating memories that extend far beyond the sport itself.
Those adventures, however, are only part of the story.
Ask Henk what keeps him returning to Amashova year after year and the answer is simple. “The challenge is part of it, but the friendships are just as important.” From riding alongside club mates from the Westville Cycling Club to helping fellow cyclists through difficult sections of the race, Henk says the camaraderie is what makes the event special.
One of his favourite memories involves fellow cyclist Jimmy Redman Junior. “One year he pulled me all the way from Pietermaritzburg to Durban so we could finish under three hours. The next year he wasn’t as strong, so I returned the favour. That’s cycling. Some days someone carries you, and some days you carry them.”
The race has not always been easy. One year, after injuring his right hand in a fall just two weeks before the event, Henk completed the demanding route using only one hand for braking and gear changes.
Another memorable Amashova almost ended before it began. Standing on the start line of the inaugural race in 1986, his derailleur snapped. Fortunately, Wendy had dropped him off and a spare bicycle was still in the family combi. “She brought it down to me and I still rode.”
That story says as much about Henk’s support system as it does about his determination. His family, particularly Wendy, have been by his side throughout the journey.
Today, Henk still rides several times a week, often meeting friends before sunrise in Hillcrest or tackling mountain bike trails in Paarl. He credits an active lifestyle, staying mentally engaged and surrounding himself with good people for helping him maintain his health and enthusiasm for life.
The introduction of an e-bike has also helped him continue enjoying the sport he loves. “Without it, I might have stopped.”
But stopping is not something Henk spends much time thinking about. When asked whether he will ever retire from cycling, his answer comes without hesitation. “No. It might stop me one day, but I don’t see why I should give it up.”
In fact, while many riders would be satisfied celebrating a 40-year milestone, Henk already has his eyes on another goal. “What’s wrong with me going for the 50th?”
After four decades of friendship, adventure, challenge and countless kilometres on two wheels, it’s hard to argue with him.
First-time rider tips from Henk
Hold your line Ride predictably and avoid sudden movements that can endanger other cyclists.
Don’t brake sharply Remember there is usually another rider directly behind you.
Check your equipment Ensure your brakes, tyres, shoes and saddle position are all race-ready before the event.
Respect the descents Fast sections such as Botha’s Hill and Fields Hill require concentration and confidence in your bike.
Focus on finishing, not winning For first-timers, enjoying the experience, safety is far more important than chasing a time.
Stay alert Keep your eyes on the road ahead and remain focused from start to finish.
Event details
The Amashova Durban Classic celebrates its 40th anniversary on Sunday, July 19, with spectators encouraged to line the route and show their support. The iconic 106km Classic starts at Pietermaritzburg City Hall, while the 70km route starts at Camperdown Spar (Mkhambathini Municipality) on the R103, with cyclists batched in Shepstone Street. The 40km route begins at Westown Square in Shongweni. All three distances finish at the Masabalala Yengwa Pedestrian Bridge in Durban, bringing riders together for a memorable coastal finish. Details: shova.co.za.
