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The Freedom Trail was founded in 2004 by David Waddilove as a mountain bike route across South Africa to honor the country’s rich history, landscapes, and spirit of endurance by retracing forgotten paths once used for travel and trade.

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The Freedom Trail stretches 2,150 km across South Africa and is divided into four portions, each offering its own unique challenge and character. The first section winds through the rugged mountains and valleys of KwaZulu-Natal, where riders face steep climbs, river crossings, and dense bush. The second portion traverses the wide-open landscapes of the Karoo, with its vast plains, star-filled skies, and remote farmsteads that test both endurance and navigation. The third section pushes into the Cape Midlands, where riders tackle rolling hills, thornveld, and unpredictable weather, demanding resilience and adaptability. Finally, the route culminates in the Western Cape, weaving through vineyards, mountain passes, and fynbos-covered terrain, ending with breathtaking views that reward the grit and determination needed to complete the journey.

MAP & COMPASS NAVIGATION
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED

2150 KM
JUNE 2026

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FREEDOM CHALLENGE ROUTE: 
portaging, technical riding

NEW

GPS NAVIGATION
SELF SUPPORTED
2000 KM
APRIL 2026

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FREEDOM TOURING ROUTE:
no portaging, gravel riding

The original Freedom Challenge, the real McCoy, remains unchanged and will continue to take place each June as it always has using map and compass navigation. 

2026 sees the exciting launch of a new race on the Freedom trail: Race Across South Africa.

The original Freedom Challenge will be known as “Freedom Challenge” and the new event as
"Race Across South Africa".

Races

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Freedom Challenge

2150 km

18 - 26 June 2026

The original and ultimate Freedom event—a legendary, community-supported, non-stop bikepacking race across rugged, technical terrain. With only a map and compass to guide the way and a 26-day cut-off, it’s a true test of endurance, navigation, and spirit.

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Freedom Challenge feeder events

aprox. 500 km

June 2026

The Freedom Challenge racing route is divided into four iconic sections; RTR, RTC, RTW, and RTP, each raced under the same non-stop, map-and-compass conditions and at the same time of year as the main event.

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Race Across
South Africa

NEW

2000 km

13 April 2026

A NEW self-supported bike-packing race held on the full touring route of the Freedom Trail. Even though the route bypasses major portages and follows mainly to gravel roads it is still a beast! GPS used for navigation. 15 day cut off.

Tours

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Karoo Meander

480 km

5 days

9 - 12 May 2026

The Karoo Meander is a fully guided and supported tour through the breathtaking Karoo section of the Freedom Trail. With coffee stops and trail-side picnics along the way, it blends adventure with comfort for an unforgettable riding experience.

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Baviaans Meander

NEW

380 km

5 days

16 - 18 Nov 2025

The Baviaans Meander is a guided and fully supported tour through the majestic Baviaanskloof. With coffee stops and trail-side picnics, it offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, making every moment as enjoyable as it is unforgettable.

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Self-guided tours

all year round

Choose your own portion of the Freedom Trail and tour it on your own schedule. Bring your own support driver or we will provide on for you. Touring the trail is the perfect way to share epic Freedom experiences with family members or riding mates those who have less hunger for racing non-stop.

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