Father and son, Grant and Julian, had a cause that pulled on their hearts, and they committed to it the best way they knew how. To pedal for a purpose. What did that look like exactly? Cycling over 2,500km across Europe, enduring some of the harshest elements, and it was all to support intellectually disabled adults.
Milan, Italy (14 May 2025) – The “CrazyBikeGuy” Grant Cameron-Smith and his 15-year-old son, Julian, have finally completed their 40-day cycling journey across Central Europe.
From Warsaw to Milan, the Johannesburg father and son duo rode over 2,500km, enduring the harsh sun, thunderstorms, tough terrains, muddy riverbeds, aches and pains and of course, got to bask in some of the most stunning views, enjoyed epic adventures and the occasional glass of prosecco too!
Their last leg of the cycling adventure on 6 May was marked by overcast conditions and heavy rain, but the pair refused to reach their final destination by train, a total “fizzer” that would have been, as they put it.
“By the time we reached Monza, the drizzle had partially subsided, so we visited the Monza racing circuit. A track day, and Julian was in his element – more Porsches, Lotus, Alfa, Lamborghini, BMW and other cars than one can imagine. He was allowed into the vehicle prep enclosure, and I suspect this certainly was a trip highlight for him.
“Our trip from Como via Monza to Milan has to be one of my most favourite sections of our route. Kilometre after kilometer of fast single-track riding on the banks of a river or through forests. Monza is a truly beautiful city. Exquisite bike paths surrounded by lush vegetation,” CrazyBikeGuy recalls on his blog.
The long and soul-enriching journey wasn’t just a personal adventure; it was fuelled by a bold idea and heartfelt purpose: to raise essential funds for a charity that does so much for intellectually disabled adults, Logwood Village in Johannesburg.
By the time they had finally reached Milan, 2,535km had been covered and R353,205 was raised in donations!
“We had good days. We had bad days. A true adventure and my promise to a nine-year-old in 2019 has been fulfilled.
“Our cups are full.”
Grant and Julian have, without a doubt, turned adventure into impact. We proudly celebrate and applaud their incredible feat!
Sources: CrazyBikeGuy
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 