Watch out, Cape Town... the Heartman cometh... or, rather, he unicycleth. You read that correctly. UNICYCLETH. One wheel, babies. From Durbs to the Mother City.
No pork. It was announced in Durban last night that Geoff Brink, freelance photographer, treefeller and up-for-anything adventurer, will unicycle across South Africa later this year to raise awareness of The Sole of Africa, a South Africa-based NGO run by the Mineseeker Foundation. The Sole of Africa - its patrons include Nelson Mandela, Graca Michel, Sir Richard Branson and Brad Pitt - works to rid the earth of landmines and support those people, mostly women and children, whose limbs and lives have been blighted by the largely hidden curse of mines left behind after wars have ended.
But why "Heartman"? Well, where there is "Sole", romance is never far behind. Geoff "Heartman" Brink has, as always, a personal agenda. He hopes that, by riding on one wheel from Durban to Cape Town, he can raise sufficient cash to give the love of his life quite a snazzy wedding. Aaaah. Sweetness or what? Poor woman. But she - Geoff's sweetheart shall remain nameless for now - says she does know what she is letting herself in for. But she can't help herself. True loveness, eh?
I'm fine with that. I wasn't that fine with lying in the middle of the road on Umdloti's beachfront yesterday, trying to get pictures of The Heartman wobbling around on his unicycle. Please sit back, light something, pour something... and enjoy these three images.

The Heartman knows not the meaning of "Stop"
Wait! It's up, up and... er, the crew on the ship out at sea duck for cover...

Oh. My. Hat. Heartman's gone 10 metres without falling, over-confidence has set in and it's styling it over a speed-hump!That's the way he rolls. Our Heartman. A lovable nutter. I can't think of many people who would have the guts to attempt this thing. Can you imagine Kingsley Holgate on a unicycle? Can you imagine the state of Heartman's bum a week into the Heart & Sole Tour? Ouchness.
So we're in discussions with rather excited sponsors and brainstorming the whole logistics side of Heart & Sole (f you're interested in getting involved in any way, it's redhatmann@gmail.com). And you'll find The Sole of Africa at http://www.thesoleofafrica.org.za. Cool. It's time for today's first practice session so Heartman and Hatman are off to amuse the people of Umdloti (and send the local dogs running for cover). Catch you later. http://www.fredhatman.co.za