Page 57 - LHR Motorcycle Magazine May 2024

SOUTH AFRICAN LEGENDS
SOUTH AFRICAN LEGENDS

outh Africa boasts a rich history of motorcycling, with several
legendary figures leaving an indelible mark on the country's
Sbiking culture. These pioneers and icons have not only
excelled on the track but have also contributed significantly to the
growth and development of motorcycle racing and riding in South
Africa.

One of the most prominent numerous accolades and
South African biking legends is championships along the way.
Kork Ballington. Born in His tenacity, skill, and passion
Salisbury (now Harare), for off-road riding have made
Kork Ballington Zimbabwe, Ballington began his him a beloved figure in the
racing career in South Africa South African motorcycling
before making a name for community and a source of
himself on the interna onal inspira on for riders seeking
stage. He dominated the world adventure beyond the beaten
of motorcycle racing in the late path.
1970s, winning four consecu ve
world championships in the South Africa is also home to a
250cc and 350cc classes. vibrant custom motorcycle
Ballington's remarkable success scene, with individuals like Paul
on the track cemented his van der Spuy making their mark
status as one of the greatest on the industry. As the founder
motorcycle racers of his era, of the renowned custom
and he remains an inspira on to motorcycle shop, Kustom
aspiring riders in South Africa Kommune, van der Spuy has
and beyond. played a pivotal role in shaping
the country's custom biking
Jon Ekerold Another South African biking culture. His innova ve designs
legend is Jon Ekerold. Hailing and cra smanship have
from Johannesburg, Ekerold garnered acclaim both locally
made history in 1980 when he and interna onally, earning him
became the first South African a reputa on as one of South
rider to win a Grand Prix Africa's foremost custom bike
motorcycle racing world builders.
championship. Riding a
privately entered Yamaha, These South African biking
Ekerold clinched the 350cc tle legends exemplify the spirit of
in drama c fashion, overcoming passion, perseverance, and
formidable compe on to etch excellence that defines the
his name into the annals of country's motorcycle culture.
motorcycle racing history. His Through their achievements
Alfie Cox historic achievement inspired a and contribu ons, they have
genera on of South African not only elevated the profile of
riders and showcased the South African motorcycling on
country's talent on the the global stage but have also
interna onal stage. inspired genera ons of riders to
pursue their dreams and push
In the realm of off-road racing, the boundaries of what is
Alfie Cox stands out as a true possible on two wheels. As their
South African biking legend. legacies endure, they con nue
Renowned for his prowess in to inspire admira on and
disciplines such as enduro and reverence among enthusiasts
rally raid, Cox has conquered across the country and beyond.
some of the toughest terrains
on the planet, earning

Paul van der Spuy