Freedom challenge .... Eventually!

And so it started.... eventually... After all the months of training, setting up bikes and bags, shopping for the right gear, and lately serious carbo loading! When the Pietermaritzburg town hall bell chimed at 6 this morning,  the 5 riders of today's batch took off... No starting gun, no banners, no coffee cart, no ra ra girls.... Just the riders, a handful of supporters and dave... Oh and the clock...  Charles started in a batch with robbie and christo who are both first time FC riders. The nienaber brothers also started with them on a tandem - that should be fun to watch... Especially when they have to carry the bike in some areas... The 2 other riders with them is stopping in Rhodes. 

The general consensus is that the winner of this year might come out of this batch of riders, but it's still very early days ... And there is a cold front coming.... :) 

Charles getting ready to start....

Today's batch of riders outside town hall this morning, waiting for the bell.

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The night before

I can't believe we are here! Tomorrow these wheels start turning...

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Freedom Challenge 2013 rig

Finally completed my Freedom Challenge rig. This is the machine and back pack that will hopefully be carrying me over 2350km from Pietermaritzburg to Paarl. Total bike weight including full water bottles, fully packed saddle bad and top tube pouch is 15 kilos. Complete back pack and map pouch including 2,5 litres of water inside comes to 9 kilos. Two weeks to launch date, the butterfly's inside have grown into the size of rock pigeons and have totally lost formation, charging around inside me like a bunch of deranged bats. I need this thing to come now.....

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Freedom Challenge food preparations...

So the days are getting less and the support boxes needs to be packed. Fruit cake baked and ready for cutting and wrapping.... The big question is... To brandy or not to brandy??

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testing testing 123...

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!!

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Freedom Challenge taster

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

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Navigation giggles

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

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