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Meet Jared Hinde, a Director of Photography living with Type 1 diabetes. Jared and his cycling partner, Con Malherbe, a multiple myeloma survivor, are no strangers to doing hard things. This time? They’re fundraising on behalf of CANSA Active by doing the 2026 ABSA Cape Epic mountain bike stage race. Get inspired below!
Can you tell us about your Cape Epic challenge?
The Cape Epic is the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world. It consists of a prologue and 7 stages over some of the most rugged terrain in the Western Cape, during the heat of summer. Just finishing the race will be a dream come true for us. But in addition to the extremely tough race, we have committed to raising funds for the CANSA Active charity and have an ambitious goal of raising R250 000.
Why did you and your Cape Epic partner decide to do it?
My partner (Con Malherbe) is a multiple myeloma patient. In September last year he was contacted by CANSA South Africa and offered an entry to raise funds for CANSA Active. As we’re both avid cyclists, we felt it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass on. Entries to the Cape Epic are extremely expensive. So that, combined with the the bucket list nature of the event and also the opportunity to raise funds for a charity that is tied really closely to Con’s battle with cancer, made it a challenge we had to accept.
Have you had much experience with rides like this before?
Both Con and myself have ridden stage races and taken part in rides that require longer than 7 hours on the bike, but nothing really compares with the Epic. We’ve been fortunate enough to work with a coach, David Low. And that gives me peace of mind going into the race.
How are you going to manage your diabetes during the ride?
I was diagnosed when I was 5years old, but I have loved sport my entire life. So I have learned how to manage my diabetes, while being active, slowly but surely. Lots of trial and error too.
For the epic, I’ll use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to monitor my sugar levels while riding, but I’ll keep my target rage higher than normal. I also normally reduce my insulin doses… I like to let the exercise bring my sugar down and then I fuel with carbs. I’ll also reduce my long acting insulin slightly. When I’m active for consecutive days, I find my sugar levels are generally lower than when I have longer rest periods between rides. I expect a few surprises, so I’ll also do my best to be prepared for any eventuality. I’m carrying a glucagon pen and a test strip glucometer with me in case of emergency.
What do you wish you’d known when you were diagnosed?
When I was diagnosed, I wish I had known that I hadn’t done anything wrong to get diabetes. As a child I would wonder if I deserved it for some reason. Chronic disease is never deserved.
What advice do you have for people with diabetes who are struggling?
Embrace people who support you and your condition. And don’t ever feel like you’re the only one who hasn’t figured out how to manage your diabetes.
Everyone has bad days and we all feel frustrated because our sugars aren’t behaving.
But by choosing to face our condition, we choose ourselves. Also, set realistic goals.
What makes your life sweet?
I have so much to be thankful for. My wife, our cat and the joy I get from riding bikes and staying healthy. I also love my work as a freelance cinematographer.
Stay updated and learn more about Jared & Con’s epic journey
Watch the film about Con’s cancer story:
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