A Team for a Cause: Beers & Swenson at Cape Epic
Athlete photo credit: @kaicaddy and @brettrothmeyer
Songo.info photo credit: @maxsulliphoto
The Cape Epic, a grueling eight-day mountain bike stage race through South Africa's Western Cape, is the real deal. Rivalries are forged, limits are tested, and legends are made. And this year, something unique is happening.
Two of the sport's biggest names, Matt Beers (Specialized Off-Road) and Keegan Swenson (HTSQD), are setting aside their competitive differences to ride together, forming the Outride-Toyota-Songo Cape Epic team! They're not just racing for a spot on the podium this year, they're riding for something much bigger.
This unique collaboration shines a spotlight on two incredible organizations: Outride and Songo.info. These organizations are transforming lives through the power of cycling, and the unlikely rider partnership is a testament to the unifying force of their missions.
Outride: Spreading the bike’s potential
Through research efforts, cycling programs, and funding, Outride works to empower all people to experience the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of cycling. They work to break down barriers to cycling, focusing on increasing access to bikes, education, and safe places to ride.
Outride prioritizes supporting programs that reach underserved communities and create inclusive environments. Through their Riding for Focus program, youth can build confidence on the bike and learn essential safety skills during school with the help of a trained instructor. When they develop the desire to ride outside of school, Outride supports community programs that help build more advanced skills like trail riding and racing or just being able to ride with friends and have new adventures by bike. Such programs create spaces where young people can connect, support each other, and grow together. You can learn more about Outride’s work on their website and follow them on Instagram.
"As we look to 2025 and beyond, Outride looks forward to seeing communities around the world leveraging the bicycle not only for physical health but also for mental well-being and brain health. We encourage you to share this vision and spread the word about the transformative potential of cycling in our communities. "
- David Wood, Executive Director, Outride
Songo.info: Building brighter futures in South Africa
Songo.info, based in Stellenbosch, South Africa, is another organization using cycling to create positive change. They focus on providing educational and recreational opportunities for children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Songo.info's programs encompass more than just cycling. They offer academic support, life skills training, and mentorship, helping young people develop into well-rounded individuals.
By providing access to education and opportunities, Songo.info empowers young people to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Songo.info is deeply rooted in the Kayamandi community, working closely with families and schools to create lasting change. You can discover more about their impact at songo.info and follow them on Instagram at Songoinfo.
“Songo.info is a foundation, in the truest sense of the word. We provide a solid platform for all of our kids to kick-start their lives. We get to understand their needs and nourish them individually. That’s what we stand for.”
– Christoph Sauser, founder, Songo.info & 5x Abasa Cape Epic winner
Parallel missions uniting competitors
Both Outride and Songo.info share a fundamental belief in the transformative power of cycling. They do this through empowering youth, community engagement, and minimizing barriers to entry to cycling.
The sight of Matt Beers and Keegan Swenson, who have been seen battling each other on the racecourse, riding side-by-side is a powerful symbol. Their partnership highlights the unifying power of sport and the importance of giving back. By representing Outride and Songo.info, Beers and Swenson are using their platform to raise awareness and support for these incredible organizations.
“Cycling has been such a huge part of my life, so being able to race for a cause that shares that passion is an honor. We’re here to win, but it’s awesome to know we’re riding for something bigger tHan ourselves out there” - Keegan Swenson
The Outride-Toyota-Songo Cape Epic team is a reminder that even the most competitive rivalries can be set aside for a cause greater than oneself. As they tackle the challenging terrain of the Cape Epic, Beers and Swenson are not just racing for themselves; they are racing for the future of countless young people. They are racing for hope, opportunity, and the transformative power of the bicycle.
Cheer on the Outride-Toyota-Songa team on the course starting March 16, 2025 and follow Matt Beers and Keegan Swenson on Instagram to learn more about the athletes. Share their message by supporting Outride and Songo.infos’ communities, proving how powerful it is to unite for a cause.