Jason Kilian tackles “The Epic Ride” on Thursday – an extreme “Iron Butt” challenge where he will cover 3,000 miles (about 4,800 km) in three consecutive days. (Photo: Provided)
The road ahead is long, the wind unapproachable and the exhaustion threatens to paralyze every member, but for Jason Kilian, founder of Modderbok Adventures, every kilometer on his motorcycle is a step closer to hope for someone who lost almost everything in a fire.
Kilian tackles “The Epic Ride” on Thursday – an extreme “Iron Butt” challenge where he will cover 3,000 miles (about 4,800 km) in three consecutive days. However, this journey is about much more than just endurance; it is a deliberate effort to raise awareness and funds for the Hero Burn Foundation.
Spirit of resilience
For Kilian, Modderbok Adventures is not just a brand, but a philosophy of life. It’s about moving outside of your comfort zone and building character through adversity.
(Photo: Provided)
Although the discipline for such an endurance ride requires enormous physical stamina, the core of his mission lies in his compassion for others.
Annerie du Plooy, founder of the Hero Burn Foundation, describes Kilian as much more than just a supporter.
“Jason has been part of the Hero Burn journey for a long time. He is not just a supporter – he is family. His connection with the foundation runs deep, because he understands that it is not just about the physical wounds, but about people, dignity and the difficult road to recovery.
“What I appreciate most about him is his genuine humanity; he is the type of person who first reaches out and asks how he can help,” she says.
The harsh reality for burn victims
The money Kilian raises with this drive is used for the most basic, yet critical needs of burn victims. According to Annerie, the road to recovery for these patients is often a lonely and expensive battle.
“Many of our burn survivors spend months or even years in the hospital. It is crucial for me that they have direct contact with their family, because that support is indispensable to the healing process.
According to Annerie du Plooy, the road to recovery for these patients is often a lonely and expensive battle. (Photo: Provided)
“We use the funds to help patients keep in touch with loved ones who often have to travel far. Many victims in government hospitals do not even have basic toiletries, and we provide them to those who need them the most,” says Du Plooy.
She paints a frightening picture of the challenges after discharge: “We are left with so many patients who do not have the means for transport to go back for essential wound care.
“They are discharged with bandages, but without money for a taxi those wounds become septic. We then arrange wound care closer to their homes and provide the right wound care products to nurses all over the country.
“Medical costs can amount to anything from R20 000 to R2 million. This is a lifelong injury that does not disappear after a year or two. Occupational therapy, physiotherapy and compression garments are necessary to integrate back into the community.”
The route: 3,000 miles from border to sea
Kilian’s challenge is based on the American “Iron Butt” concept, which requires covering 1,000 miles (1,620 km) within 24 hours. He plans to complete this challenge in three consecutive days on his BMW 1300 GS Adventure.
“The first day I drive from Hazelwood to Beitbrug, the northernmost point in our country, and then south again to where the Orange River flows from Lesotho. This is the first 1,620 km.
“On the second day, I roughly follow the Orange River from Lady Gray to Alexander Bay, where the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean – another 1,650 km.
“The last day I drive from Port Nolloth through Upington to Stellenbosch, which will be the longest stage of approximately 1,720 km,” says Kilian about the demanding route.
Strength in compassion
When exhaustion strikes and the elements turn against him, it is not his own strength that keeps him in the saddle, but the thought of those he rides for.
Kilian admits that the challenges on the road – from extreme heat to torrential rain – are nothing compared to the pain of a burn victim.
“I have ridden in temperatures of 38 °C and rain showers where I could not see my hand in front of my eyes. There is only one thing that keeps me on the saddle: I have to go forward for the people who need it so much.
“Burn victims’ recovery is a very long battle to get back on their feet, and with this endurance ride I want to prove that there is hope. I want to encourage the community to contribute, because this is an expensive battle.
“If you stop, you lose time, so it’s just a matter of sticking with it. I know exactly why and for whom I’m doing this,” says Kilian.
Kilian admits that the challenges on the road – from extreme heat to torrential rain – are nothing compared to the pain of a burn victim. (Photo: Provided)
Preparation and support
Spending so many hours in the gym requires specific physical preparation, even though his busy lifestyle does not always allow him to get to a gym. Jason focuses on core exercises to support his back.
“I do basic exercises with my own body weight. You can accomplish a lot in 15 minutes in a hotel room. If your stomach muscles are strong, it helps to support your back on the long road.
“While I ride, I also often stand on the motorcycle to stretch my legs and change positions. Fortunately, the motorcycle itself is well equipped with a 30 liter tank and a comfortable ‘air flow’ saddle that at least offers some protection for the buttocks,” he jokes.
While Kilian covers the miles, a team works behind the scenes, including Linda Scholtz of Linda James Lifestyle and the Hero Burn team, to share his progress and coordinate the final function in Stellenbosch. The public can follow his progress via “live location” on social media.
“What really keeps me on the saddle are the messages from people who encourage me and believe in what I’m doing. Every word, every bit of support gives me strength to keep going, even when the road feels endless. It reminds me of the final destination, of the people I’m riding for, and of the purpose that is bigger than myself,” says Kilian.