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The Freedom Challenge Race Across South Africa has developed a reputation as being the toughest endurance race in South Africa.  In 2013 it will again take place in the heart of the South African winter.

It is a nonstop, unsupported mountain bike race. Competitors need to navigate by using maps and a compass (no GPSs allowed!) along cattle tracks and dirt roads.  Riders have 26 days to complete the 2300km race which has a total ascent of 40 000m. Competitors can send a two litre container with food, maps and bike spares, to 24 check-in points along the way, prior to the start of the race. Everything else needs to be carried on the bike or on the competitor’s back. Riders in the last few years have faced extreme temperatures from -12 to 30+ degrees Celsius.

The Freedom Challenge, which starts in Pietermaritzburg, takes cyclists through some of South Africa’s most breath-taking scenery as it climbs up and over the escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, travelling along the plateau, before descending into the Little Karoo. It crosses every feasible mountain range until the competitors reach Paarl in the Western Cape. Many of these areas are hardly known and very seldom utilised because of their remoteness, even to 4x4 vehicles.

There is no prize money involved in this race. The rewards for completing the Freedom Challenge are entirely personal. I do, however, want to make a difference to some of the communities along the trail.

As many of you know, I have a passion for education. I believe it is one of the keys to our country’s future. By supporting my ride you will contribute to a better education and better opportunities for a few rural students.  The Freedom Challenge Scholarship Fund provides disadvantaged children with the opportunity of fulfilling their potential. I will be starting this journey on the 13th June and you will be able to follow me (when cell phone reception allows!) on Twitter  @Dave_Bell_ZA

 www.freedomchallenge.org.za

 

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