There’s something special about hitting the trails with family; the shared excitement at the start line, the encouragement during tough climbs, and the laughter as you cross the finish together. Mountain biking, whilst being a great sport and way to stay active, is also a way to go on adventures, spend quality time with people close to you and make long-lasting memories together.
We’ve seen incredible stories of families riding side by side-fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, even grandparents and grandchildren-all brought together by a shared passion for the sport. Through our “Family on Two Wheels” campaign, we’re celebrating these riders, sharing their experiences, and showcasing how cycling together strengthens relationships both on and off the bike.
Father & Son vs. the Trails
For Tim and his son Rob, cycling isn’t just a sport; it’s a shared passion that has strengthened their bond over the years. From their early morning rides to the finish lines of Ford Trailseeker races, this father-son duo has discovered that two wheels can bring a family closer together, one ride at a time.
From First Bike to Finish Line
Tim has been cycling since 1993, and it wasn’t long before Rob followed in his dad’s tracks. Their journey together started with short rides, and like a true expert dad, Tim knew the secret to keeping Rob motivated, pastries. A promise of a sweet treat at the end of a ride was all the encouragement Rob needed to embrace the sport. “We’d cycle to Delta Park, cross the Blue Bridge, ride through the trails, and then make our way back, stopping for a well-earned pastry,” Rob recalls. “It made the ride worth it, especially the uphill part back home!”
This simple but meaningful routine became a tradition, turning morning rides into moments of connection, adventure, and of course, delicious rewards.
Memorable Moments on the Trail
The duo has taken on multiple Ford Trailseeker events together, gradually building up from the 10km route to the more challenging half marathon-short race. While the rides are packed with fun, they still require hard work and determination but luckily Tim and Rob have each other for motivation and encouragement. Rob and Tim shared many fun anecdotes from their races together and their pre-race training. “There was one time I hit a root, and my bike tipped over-I thought I was going down for sure,” Rob laughs. “And another time, I didn’t have enough speed to make it over a hill, so I just… stopped and had to push!” Tim, being the supportive dad, was always there to help and to encourage to keep on moving forward. Beyond the physical effort, these experiences have taught Rob valuable lessons in perseverance, determination, and resilience—things that go far beyond the trail.
More Than Just a Sport
For Tim and Rob cycling is the best way for them to spend quality time together. With work and school keeping them busy it’s the perfect hobby to keep fit and to keep in touch with each other’s busy lives. They also love going on a fun Sunday morning motorbike ride together to give their legs a bit of a break, but still enjoying the feeling of being on two wheels. This is always a fun change of pace for them and they try do it regularly.
And while it’s been mostly a father-son affair so far, there’s hope that Rob’s sister, Gabby, might join in one day. “She keeps saying she wants to ride with us,” Rob says. “We’re still waiting for that to happen!”
What’s Next?
With more Ford Trailseeker events on the horizon, Tim and Rob are ready for their next Race; #3 Die Bosveld in Gauteng on the 7th of July. It promises to be challenging and will require some hard work but Tim and Rob are confident that they will be able to go there and triumph together as a team. And most importantly have fun!
