Stephen Drew has faced challenges most of us will (thankfully) never have to. His attitude towards dealing with adversity as well as his passion for cycling set him on an inspiring journey of resilience and determination and his subsequent achievements have become a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a powerful source of inspiration for others.
Let’s find out more about Stephen…
Who is Stephen Drew?
A passionate amateur mountain biker who has been cycling since the 90s. In 2002 I was part of the first South African team to finish the Transalp challenge. Then in 2007, prior to my 4th Cape Epic, I was diagnosed with a type of brain tumour, which resulted in me losing my balance. I was told by the neurosurgeon that I would never be able to ride a mountain bike again. I had entered that year’s Cape Epic, and unable to get an entry refund and only 5 weeks after having radiation surgery, I completed that epic on the back of a mountain bike tandem. I then taught myself to balance again and to ride a solo bike, focusing on long distance. In December 2016, I suffered a traumatic motorbike accident that led to the amputation of my right leg above the knee. I then embarked on a mission to ride a mountain bike again and regain that sense of freedom.
Where is home?
Knysna, on the Garden Route of South Africa
When did you fall in love with bikes?
In the 90s, when I met my now-wife, who was a very competitive cross-country mountain biker at the time. I was a runner before.
What is it that attracts you to the sport?
The camaraderie at the time amongst competitors. It did not matter if you were coming first or last; it was how you were doing against yourself that mattered.
What was the biggest challenge you faced after the motorbike accident in 2016?
I am the owner of a factory that employed about 50 people. They all depended on me. I made it my mission to show them that this would not change anything, so on 9 January 2017 when the factory restarted, I was there on crutches to welcome them back. The support I received was incredible, and we are still running successfully.
Since 2016, you’ve completed several challenging cycling adventures; what was the toughest or most memorable adventure to date?
The 360ne mountain bike challenge in 2019. The race was a single-day, 360 km, 5400 m event. No above-knee amputee had ever come close to this distance before, so there were a lot of unknowns, and by finishing it in 28 hours, I proved to myself and other amputees that anything was possible. Day-to-day challenges became insignificant.
What motivates you to continue completing these adventures?
At first, when cycling as an amputee, I focused on the cycling aspect and tested myself and the limits in races. I had a very cycling-specific carbon leg and had to rely on others off the bike. Having done the cycling racing thing, I am now focusing on being totally independent. I now possess the ability to not only cycle but also walk off the bike. I did the Windhoek to Knysna bikepacking trip to test this system out and learned so much. These challenges were not necessarily cycling-related, but rather off-the-bike challenges. After every trip, I learn so much about myself.
What is your biggest achievement in life?
Being able to be with friends and do what I love.
Are there any adventures planned for 2025 and if so, what do they entail?
Planning a 2500-km bikepacking adventure from Luanda, Angola, to Windhoek, Namibia. We plan to fly into Luanda with our bikes and hope to return from Windhoek, which presents some logistical challenges. Planning to take 30 days between July and August.
Favorite food?
Ribeye steak with sweet potato on the fire.
Strangest food you were thinking of while riding?
It’s not food, but a chocolate milkshake.
Lucky charm?
The Nyami Nyami charm I wear around my neck. The charm originates from the Tongo tribe, located along the Zambezi river.
What do you always take on a trip?
I have a small bottle of single malt whisky.
What is your favorite Squirt Cycling product?
Barrier Balm. For me, who cannot stand on the pedals, it has been a game changer and makes these long-distance challenges possible.
Best tip to overcome life hurdles?
If you never push yourself far outside your comfort zone, you will never know what you are capable of.
I like my coffee…strong.
I would love to go ride with…. My original Colorado mates.
The secret to happiness…don’t take life too seriously.
My greatest exhilaration…overcoming the impossible.
I fear…spiders.
Passion… wide open dirt roads.
When I wake up… I hug my dogs, then my wife.
I wish… politicians would be honest.
I rage… 20–30-year-olds racing past me on climbs… On e-bikes.
Profiles
- Name: Stephen Drew
- Nickname: Shaky
- Age: 65
- Birthdate: 14:04:1959
- Birthplace: Simonstown
- Height: 1.87 m
- Shoe size: 45
