Rachel Kolisi, wife of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and a personality in her own right, has swapped the sidelines for the saddle. The entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast is gearing up for Wines2Whales, one of South Africa’s most scenic and challenging mountain bike races. But there’s one small hiccup: she doesn’t have her own bike.
@rachelkolisi First time getting a “BK treatment” with @Howe Hair ♬ A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
“Anyone Got a Bike?”
In a candid Instagram story, Rachel shared that while she has been training on a friend’s bike, she now needs her own to take the prep seriously. She even put out a lighthearted plea to her followers:
“If anyone has a mountain bike lying around they’d like to lend me for a few months, please shout.”
The request struck a chord with fans, not only because it was refreshingly down-to-earth, but also because it reminded many that even public figures juggle the very real, very human hurdles of training for endurance events.
Her post also included a glimpse of her cross-training routine, featuring running, surfing, yoga, and spinning sessions. She captioned it with humour: “How I decided @capetownmarathon and @wines_2_whales all in the same year was a great idea, I don’t know. Run-bike-run-bike-repeat.”
Why Wines2Whales Matters
For those not in the cycling community, FNB Wines2Whales is no small race. The three-day stage ride takes cyclists from the heart of Stellenbosch wine country all the way to the coastal town of Hermanus. Beyond its postcard views, the race has become a cultural fixture on the South African sporting calendar — a mix of grit, endurance, and community spirit.
Rachel’s participation signals more than just a personal challenge; it’s a nod to the growing presence of women in endurance sports and a reminder of how lifestyle and fitness trends are reshaping public life in South Africa.
A Fresh Look for the Journey
But it’s not all sweat and sore muscles. In between her training updates, Rachel treated fans to a playful TikTok reveal of her new hairstyle after trying a Brazilian Keratin Treatment for the first time. Adding some foils for extra shine, she declared herself “obsessed”, saying her hair had never felt better.
Fans flocked to the comments with support and wit. One wrote: “Bring that spark back, do you and be happy,” while another cheekily noted: “When a woman cuts her hair, you know it’s over.”
The style shift, paired with her ambitious training, reflects a theme many South African women resonate with: the balancing act of self-care and pushing personal limits.
More Than Just Miles
Rachel Kolisi’s story right now is not simply about finishing a race. It’s about reinvention, resilience, and relatability. From asking followers for a spare bike to showing off a bold hair transformation, she embodies the mix of glam and grit that defines so many South African women today.
And when she eventually pedals through the vineyards and along the rugged trails of Wines2Whales, she won’t just be racing, she’ll be reminding us that stepping out of comfort zones is part of the journey, even if it means starting with a borrowed bike.
{Source: IOL}
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