Read about Charles Mansfield's journey and the Rhino Challenge.
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Learn about the Freedom Challenge and the 2013 Race Across South Africa.
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Today the eastern freestate has thrown its best at me with pouring rain, deep slimy slippery mud, howling wind and icy single digit temperature....perfect chance to put some of my Freedom Challenge gear to the test....outcome...great success! Even although I only spent 3 hours out there, I got back home nice'n dry & cozy. Yes the Freedom trail will definitely throw much more at me, but with just the few items I was wearing, nice to know that I'm on the right track. Roll on June 15!!
Found this on Glenn Harrison's blogspot. Some interesting facts comparing Freedom Challenge to other well known biking events. Read these and shed a little tear for me....
Riding 2300k’s in 26 days sounds quite achievable to your average road cyclist but to ride / hike-a-bike, this distance on footpaths, tracks and trails in the middle of winter whilst climbing a cumulative altitude of 47000 metres is a remarkable accomplishment and one realized by the 28 riders who competed in the 2010 Freedom Challenge Race across South Africa. Only 16 finished!
Freedom Challenge Tour de France Cape Epic
Distance 2300km 3600km 650-1000km
Vertical Ascent 47km 25km* 14-18km
Tar <100km 3600km ?
Gates >100 0 0
*Only includes all the category climbs
Hi Everyone!
As I've mentioned in my description of the freedom challenge, one of the biggest issues, especially for first time riders (rookies) like myself, is navigating the route correctly and dealing with many unforeseen 'surprise' obstacles along the way. Well tonight we received an email from race office regarding numerous issues in our preparation for the event. Just had to share one of the sections that was included in the mail...might just give you a small insight into what we may have to deal with on route. Have a read:
"13. Access
There are a few places on the route where access remains an issue. We remain satisfied that these are public routes and there is no legal basis for preventing riders utilising these routes. But just so that you are aware of the locations they are:
i. After van de Venterskraal over Koedoeskop (you might need to contend with an electric fence – but the guy living at the main gate has the key);
ii. Out of Gamkaskloof via the Ladder (you might need to climb over a new game gate);
iii. After Rouxpos through the northern section of Anysberg (you might need to content with a disgruntled Mr Meiring who is trying to get the road deproclaimed);
iv. Coeniesrivier on the way to Kasra (you may need to contend with getting lost if its dark)."
Apologies for the long post but just had to share this...
So far training going great, body just a tad drained after extended high intensities. So just taking some time out to prevent over extending. Thanks again to all supporters, funds are mounting slowly but surely.
Let's do it for our rhinos people.
Cheers
Charles
So base training is nearing the end at last...yeeeehaaa!!! Now at least I get to start doing some of the fun stuff again, some lung bursting and technical climbs along with all sorts of hair raising descents. Getting a good feel for the back pack that I'll be using on Freedom Challenge...sits really well and doesn't bother me too much.
One of the big positives getting out to these remote places in training are the stunning views you get treated to. These photos are taken from one of the amazing view points, and the road back down...not called the 'mineshaft' for nothing...
Thanks again to all those that have donated so far. The numbers are starting to roll!!
Well folks, afraid there aren't any great fotos to share this week, had a couple of encounters with the standard "puffadder on the trail" stuff but unfortunately nothing worth capturing on camera. Slightly better than average week managing to top 18 hours on the bike. Today's ride was however the best sesion, spending about 5h30 on the bike with at least 60km of brutal head wind, combined with getting lost in the flatlands of the eastern freestate. Anyway, once my orientation skills came together and I could find my way through to Adelaid farm owned by the Beukes's, I was treated to the best lunch and plenty of beer & wine to go with the amazing food. All in all, rode 130km today on windy flatlands...great training. People who think that cycling flat country is simple....hmmmm??? Lucky Heids was there to join for lunch and drive a slightly over endulged 'me' home....gotta love training.. ;-) Next week is lining up to be a real tester as I need to scrounge together about 25 hours on the saddle and put in an honest days work aswell...."focus!!" Highlights of the week saw Lancers Inn Maseru come on-board as Title sponsers for my Freedom Challenge participation...many thanks to Johnny & Kathryn!!! Then to all those that have contributed to Rhino Challenge 2013 sofar....You are all champions..you know who you are. On a sad note to finish...January 2013 saw 59!!! Rhinos killed in poaching activity.. :-((( We need to stand together to make a difference people....!!!
Yours truly in riding for those BEAUTIFUL RHINOS!!!
Cheers
CHARLES
Well, that's the Attakwas extreme done. My first training race in preparation for Freedom Challenge 2013.... As much as it was a suffer fest of note, I'm really happy with current state of fitness...at this stage I'm just doing long slow base training without any high intensity 'pain' threshold training and I still managed to finish in same time as last year when I was well advanced in training for Epic...so all good. The route resembled much of what I will be facing at FC so really chuffed to be able to stress myself out in these conditions. I also made a point of riding by myself the whole time...something that FC will require....just a note of congratulations to my friend Eric Kleinhanse who pulled of a podium spot today as well as his wife Ariane....the real deal!!! Time now for some r&r with my gorgeous wife and some Chardonnay next to the ocean....cheers till next time.
