Modern Cyclist Magazine Issue 3, November 2014 | Page 14

Fudge’s ears have
the same texture as
a teddy bear, so he
is called “Daddy’s
Teddy” at home.

There is no doubt about it, the South African
cycling scene’s best known dog is beautiful
but “he knows it so he gets away with
murder”.
“I wouldn’t say he is cycling’s best known
dog, but he certainly is a legend I suppose,”
sniggered Eben.
Fudge plays an important part of the West
Rand Cycles team when they attend stage
races to provide mechanical support. And
it’s at these events where Fudge receives
the most attention.
“At Joberg2C one year, someone came up
to me and said that they cannot believe
that there are so many cars and so many
bicycles and even a helicopter, but he is
not deterred by any of those things,” Eben
mused.
And it was at this event that Fudge’s other
“crime” was revealed.
“He loves food, so when we couldn’t find
him around our workshop area, you just
knew that he was at the food tent,” Eben
explained.

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So, every working
afternoon, a West Rand
Cycles staff member
takes Fudge for a brisk
walk around the block.
And this is good for any
dog, because as “head
of security”, Fudge needs
to keep fit and healthy
in case anyone walks in
wearing a cycling helmet.
Even at the shop, Fudge will try and steal
anyone’s lunch.
Strangely enough, for a slightly overweight
hound, Fudge gets plenty of exercise. He
even joins Eben for short rides, obediently
running alongside his master’s bicycle but
“he is not as lean and mean as he used to
be”, so these rides are kept to around three
kilometres.

ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2014 / www.moderncyclist.co.za

“We’ve actually got a roster system,
where we take turns to take Fudge for
a walk,” explained Eben, “and he is
normally beside himself with excitement
when we reach for his leash.”
So, every working afternoon, a West
Rand Cycles staff member takes Fudge
for a brisk walk around the block. And
this is good for any dog, because as
“head of security”, Fudge needs to keep
fit and healthy in case anyone walks in
wearing a cycling helmet.
“I really have no idea why Fudge feels
uneasy when someone wears headgear,
and only when he or she takes off their
helmet will he decide that ‘oh I know
this person’ and will be happy. Even
when I come in after a ride, he checks
me out until I take off my helmet!” Eben
concluded.
If you want to meet Fudge, pop in at
West Rand Cycles but no one can
guarantee that you won’t walk out there
with a new bicycle.