“daring.lion.race” Victoria Manor Hotel, Craddock

22 March 2021

Mike Roy

Time to look at a few RTC statistics. Prior to this year’s event (the seventh RTC, the first one being held in 2015) the following is of interest:

• 157 unique riders have finished RTC
• 25 riders have done the race more than once, giving a total of 197 RTC finishes over the last 6 years.
• 33 riders on average do RTC each year
• Biggest field was 2017 with 50 riders (38 this year)
  
  
• Riders who have 3 or more finishes:
• Mike Woolnough (6)
• Gavin Robinson (5)
• Janine Stewart (4)
• Jacques Tattersall (4)
• Anthony Avidon (3)
• Brad vd Westhuizen (3)
• Casper Venter (3)
• Chris Morris (3)

Record time is held by Bruce Hughes, a phenomenal 1 day, 18 hours and 51 minutes. Around 43 hours. Only three other riders have gone under 2 days, Mike Woolnough who has done it twice, Jacques Tattersall and Alex Harris.

Friday 19 March 2021

Barkly East, Eastern Cape

Mike Roy

We open today’s report with some eagerly awaited updates on some unfinished business from earlier reports. It is with much regret that we have to inform you that Lizette Fourie, the former sports masseuse to the All Blacks, will not be joining us at Cambria as part of the Buffalo Herder team. There is hope though, as she may well be available for RASA later in the year. Imagine that, after the horrors of the Osseberg, a soothing massage and the now traditional steak and chops to look forward to. There may be a happy ending after all.

It turns out that the story about Ingrid “Gladiator” Avidon is actually true, at least as near-as-dammit true. Ingrid, in her younger and more impressionable years, was indeed part of the Gladiator team, originally as part of the assessment and training function for the Gladiators. She was offered the chance to be an actual gladiator but figured that “Gladiator” wasn’t a natural fit for her professional career, and declined the well-intentioned offer. She is after all, aside from being an outstanding cyclist, Doctor Avidon (actually former Assistant Professor Avidon). In the end she ended up being the time-keeper on the Gladiator show, blowing the whistle next to Umpire Cyril (“ARE YOU READY”) Mitchley. Not many people know that a series of Gladiator stamps were produced (postal history fans, please contain yourselves) and Ingrid is featured on one of these stamps (on top of Cyril Mitchley, in the philatelic sense of the term). From now on Ingrid shall be known as Ingrid “Gladiator” Avidon as a mark of respect from the FC community.

This morning saw the start of Batch 4, the second last batch of this year’s RTC, only one more batch to leave Alpine Swift tomorrow morning, the sharp end of the field. Trevor Elliot, Laurence Chambers, Mark Rule, Andy Wright and Mike Arnold fall under the general moniker of “The Fat Farmers”, although there wasn’t much evidence of that descriptor that I could see. Of this group Trevor has completed RASA, RTP and two previous RTCs. Mike Arnold has three previous shorter FC events under the belt including riding the inaugural 2020 RTP together with Laurence Chambers and Trevor. Mark and Andy are riding their first FC event. By some margin the most relaxed group we have seen going through Alpine Swift.

Discussions over dinner last night ranged from the attractions and perils of investing in Bitcoin to the unfortunate oversight of the Wall Street Journal in their 100th anniversary edition of 1986 where they predicted the top 100 companies likely to succeed in the future. IBM, HP and some other obvious companies were included in the list. Excluded was Apple, even although there was a full page Apple advertisement right next to the published list of the companies likely to succeed. Useful advice for FC navigation, when you are lost sometimes the obvious solution is staring you right in the face.

Enslin Uys, who has so far demonstrated that he is indeed as good a rider as Bruce Biccard, could have done with this advice the day before yesterday when he experienced some considerable navigational pain after Goedehoop. East is not West. Come to think of it Bruce himself had some interesting navigational adventures in the Osseberg during last year’s RASA so perhaps the two friends have learned more from each other than we thought. Enslin has recovered well though and looks on course for a sub 4 day finish, although as I write I see he seems to have got himself lost again. Pivots, always challenging.

The runners are doing just fine. Notwithstanding that they have been ravaged by night monsters, they are well on track to finish within their 8 day cut-off, having completed 41% of the distance in 39% of the time available. My sense is that they are eyeing a sub 7 day finish, but achieving this will not be easy. I, like many of you I imagine, have really enjoyed the superb images that Andy Wesson, one of the runners, sends through on a regular basis. The other Batch 1 starters, the three Durban riders, Mike Harker, Mark Pattison and Kendall Slater together with Nico Louw (hanging in there to stay with them) have been motoring along on a one day at a time schedule. They are strong riders and I suspect will surge towards the end for a 4 days and change RTC.

Batch 2, the threesome of Nick, Tania and Fiona seem to be coping just fine. I suspect they are riding within themselves. Janine Oosthuizen (“Janice Opperman”) has the bit between her teeth on this batch’s third day and has opened up a gap of about ten kms on the rest of the group. Wouldn’t surprise me one bit if she is considering going through Romansfontein to Hofmeyer. David Holyoak, Deon Vrey, and Athony Gould are riding together with Nic, Tania and Fiona and also appear very happy with themselves as far as I can tell from staring at their dots on the tracker. I’ll ask them directly. John Bowen, who started with Batch 2, has fallen behind by half a day which shouldn’t be a problem if he gets through to Broslea tonight.

Mike Woolnough’s flock in Batch 3 get plenty of coverage on social media from Mike himself. Really good footage, the interviews make for great viewing. My interest is in Ian Russel, who like me, will naturally go to the back of the rack at any clothing store where the XXL and XXXL shirts find themselves. Big guys and FC aren’t really a natural fit but looks can be deceiving (think of how good a rider Mike Potgieter is) and Iain is having a strong ride so far. He is a project manager in Kazakhstan and it’s not easy to get any riding in while he is there, so all the more kudos to him. Speaking of Mike Potgieter I’m sure we are all looking forward to his return to the FC after his health challenges post RTW last year, stronger than ever I have no doubt. The 3 racers in Batch 3, Pieter vd Westhuizen, Henry Angove and Dallas Fenthum seemed a bit slow out the blocks this morning, unusually for them. No idea why, maybe a big night, nothing wrong with that.

Llewellyn Lloyd, our very talented photogarhper, told me last night about an interesting character from the 1980s, Joan Abrahams, otherwise known as Tannie Mossie. Back during the South West Africa/Angolan Bush War of the period she organised for pupils from the Oranje School for Girls in Bloemfontein to send letters to soldiers (including I imagine many FC riders of a certain generation) serving their country up in South West Africa and Angola. I suspect she herself had a soft spot for an man in uniform. These letters were sent with a sparrow (“mossie”) ¼ cent coin, the smallest coin in South Africa’s currency denomination, hence Tannie Mossie’s nickname. Legend has it that many friendships and some marriages resulted from these penpal relationships and that tattered copies of these letters were found enclosed in bibles in the pockets of some of serviceman that had been killed in action.

It shouldn’t be too difficult to get a similar initiative going for FC riders. I’m sure we can arrange for the pupils of selected schools along the route to send supportive letters to brave FC riders. Hopefully we won’t find any tattered copies in their pockets, somewhere out there in the cold and dark wilderness. And, who knows, perhaps we could ultimately celebrate a marriage or two.

Julia has asked me to remind you all about the Freedom Challenge Scholarship Foundation. Contributions have already been made from rider’s entrance fees but it would be wonderful if others could donate to the fund. If 4 people each contributed R250 per month a child from a rural home along the route is provided with a private school education at Mariazell Secondary School, a famous learning institute in East Griqualand. A full scholarship for 1 child is R12000 per year. The Foundation has funded over fifty kids in this manner over the years.

Banking details are:

Freedom Challenge Foundation
First National Bank
Account number: 62473449356
Branch code: 0025495

On that happy note we come to the end of this report. Feel free to point me in the direction of newsworthy stories.

 

Wednesday, 17 March 2021

Alpine Swift, Rhodes

Mike Roy

The first two batches of runners and walkers are off. The walkers and runners from Batch 1 are either through (the riders) or arriving at Slaapkrantz (the runners). Batch 2 (all riders) set off this morning and seem to be going along very nicely so far today. The beauty of the tracker function is that you don’t need me to tell you this, you can see for yourself. This allows me to write about other peripheral matters, which is wonderful, to me at least.

Perhaps a disclaimer before we get too far in the race. Last year I commented on a few happy looking couples that cycled past me and got myself into big trouble for having mistaken a non-couple for a couple in my report. All hell broke loose as a result and, in an effort to avoid making a similar error this year, I have scanned the entry list and can confidentially state that there are no couples. Not one. This comes as huge relief, especially as I have had a number of this year’s entrants take me aside to stress that they are not a couple, just very good friends, which was extremely helpful of them.

The Buffalo Herders had a lovely morning and walked four kilometers down the road (and back, we are fine athletes in our own right) to Rhodes for an early coffee. This really is a beautiful part of the world and the slower one travels the more wonderful it is. We were chatting about the use of GPS and bike computers and Advocate Gerrit told us about the FC event where he had two magnets on his wheel instead of the usual one magnet. The consequence of this unfortunate error was some absolutely appalling navigation errors as he was blissfully riding in reality half of what he was thought he had done. He has not repeated this error since removing the offending extra magnet.

We have met a few interesting people in the two days we have been in Rhodes. Mariska Jane, manager of the band Prime Circle and currently working at the newly refurbished Rhodes Hotel, is one of the RTC’s biggest fans in Rhodes. She has been at both 5am starts to date and has looked after the Buffalo Herders during the day at the hotel (as in providing us with wonderful cups of coffee). Aside from potentially showing us one of the pristine river swimming spots later today, she tells me that she thinks her husband may have dated Ingrid Avidon back in a day. Apparently, according to her, Ingrid was a Gladiator on the TV show of the same name. I’m sure Ingrid (“Gladiator Ingrid”) will confirm this one way or the other in due course.

Fiona owns the vintage memorabilia shop “Back in a Day” in Rhodes. For those of you who are into retro 1950 images, like I am, there is a magazine rack full of old Popular Mechanic, Life, Drum and other period magazines. Very much worth a look. I think these would complement the 200 editions of 1950s Woman and Woman’s Own magazines that I happen to own. Don’t judge, the Freedom Challenge community is a broad family and caters for all sorts of people, including guys who collect vintage woman’s magazines.

For the interest of our postal history fans Fiona relayed to me the story of her paternal great grandfather Sir (yes, a long story) Johannes Wessels who was Postmaster General of the Cape Colony at the time of the Anglo Zulu wars. When news of the loss at the 1879 Battle of Insandwala came through, the signal was so bad that he personally interpreted the message by placing his tongue on the receiving instrument, so faint was the signal. A useful tip for FC perhaps. When battling with communications, when you think all is lost, use your tongue.

We also bumped into some familiar faces from Johannesburg and Cape Town social circles, including Paul Moxley and Japie van Niekerk, who were part of a group of fly fisherman in the Rhodes area for the weekend. I walked away from our brief chat under the impression that both fellows are now committed to doing one of the FC events next year or perhaps even later this year. I have little doubt that they will convince others such as Chris Lawrance and Carl Chemaly to join them. John Barrow is finding it lonely out there.

The batch that started off this morning (Batch #2) are a fit looking bunch. Wonderful to see John Bowen back on the trail after his misadventure during RASA late last year, having to withdraw after slicing his foot open during a skinny dip (the last time he will ever do that) in the Umkomaas River on a very hot first day of RASA. John’s quest to get a blanket is one the legendary stories of the FC. He has three unsuccessful attempts at RASA under the belt and I know for certain he will be back again to get that elusive blanket. As I write this I am sitting with Gilly his wife and Georgie his daughter, staunch and very patient supporters of John. Interesting how today’s youngsters are preparing for a very changed world. Georgie has an archeology and ancient culture degree from Tukkies, qualifications in nutrition and personal training, and is currently completing a Pilates course. Many options for a career are open to her, not a bad idea these days.

Today’s batch also included three woman riders, Fiona Austin, Tania Pfaff and Janine Oosthuizen (“Janice Opperman”). All three look the epitome of lean, mean and very capable FC riders. Tania and Fiona are new to FC but Janine has a RTR and a RTW under the belt, as well as a Munga. She is also down for RASA later this year and she is clearly focused on honing her FC credentials. Who knows what she, Fiona and Tania are ultimately capable of, and we all look forward to seeing their journeys unfold. Janine Stewart, Ingrid “Gladiator” Avidon and others may have some emerging competition which is a good thing. At the briefing for Batch 2 last night Race Director Chris Fisher exhibited considerable bravery when publically asking Fiona her age when she mentioned she had a 40 year old son. Given that she doesn’t look that much older than her son’s age (the benefits of a heavy FC training schedule), I understood his puzzlement whilst admiring his candor. Turns out that the son is a stepson so it all made sense.

The remainder of Batch 2 are made up of five guys, four of which are newcomers to FC events. Nick Adams has completed one and a half RTCs in the past, the half being the COVID truncated event of last year in March when the field had to get off the course very quickly as a result of the first COVID lockdown. If that seems like a long time ago it is because it is a long time ago. FC has survived through all of it. The newcomers to the event include Anthony Gould, Enslin Uys, Deon Very and David Holyoak. Enslin is a doctor and buddy of Bruce Biccard and if he is anywhere near the class of rider that Bruce is he must be a very good rider indeed. Anthony tells me he is also a history hound so we will have plenty to talk about over the next week. At the very least he has a few things to look out for as he descends down Kapokkraal to the Spitzkop farmhouse. Italian artistry, dead British soldiers (more of that ongoing saga in future reports), an old ox wagon and imported vintage sheet metal shed kits (still standing) amongst others.

The Buffalo Herders have been branded. By this I mean we are now resplendent in FC Buffalo Herder kit, floppy hats, caps and T-Shirts. My wife says I look like Farmer Koos in my Buffalo Herder hat and vellies. This is a wonderful complement. In addition our cars have Buffalo Herder magnetic signs stuck on the sides. This must be one of the fastest growing sub-brands in the world. Buffalo Herders, we will rule the world.

The rest of the Buffalo Herder team have just returned from a recce out on the route, having left me to finish my report. They tell me that Enslin is riding like the wind and that all is well at the oasis of Chesneywold. Minky is still in command of the farm and, most importantly, the kitchen. As Odysseus managed to avoid being lured by the fatal attraction of the singing of the sirens, riders have to tear themselves away from the delights of Minky’s kitchen table. Linger too long, and it’s very easy to do that, and the perils of the Kapokkraal portage in the dark await. Glancing at the tracker it seems as if my friend John Bowen may have missed this important advice. This is surprising as I recall spending six hours lost in the dark with him on Kapokkraal in 2015.

On that note we reach the end of today’s report. I am aiming to have seven or eight reports out during the combined 2021 RTC/RTW events so the next report will be in three days or so. In the meantime we will be doing what Buffalo Herders do. Picking up Gladiators in Barkly East, seeking out obscure stories and helping Chris. Today we have taken over the admin (welcoming new riders, administering COVID tests, doing the race briefing) and Chris is going for a well-deserved cycle ride.

Sunday 14 March 2021

Vrederust Farm, up and over Naude’s Nek

Mike Roy

Only three months ago we were winding up RTC/RTW 2020 in Willowmore, the conclusion to a tumultuous year in which the Freedom Challenge (‘FC”) calendar was turned upside down. This year we return back to some semblance of normality with the traditional March slot for the Race to Craddock (“RTC”) and Race to Willowmore (“RTW”). The Race to Rhodes (“RTR”) and the Race to Paarl (“RTP”) will be held as usual during June/July at the same time as the Race across South Africa (“RASA”). From henceforth we shall talk only of FC, RTR, RTC, RTW, RTP and RASA. It’s a lot easier for stressed Buffalo Herder report writers (Buffalo Herder update coming up later).

Incidentally for those who are a bit puzzled as to the “Paarl” designation when the race doesn’t actually go anywhere near Paarl, it is because the actual finish is at Wellington and the “RTW” was already used up by the RTW. It’s simple really, one of those compromises you just have to accept.

Before I get into the details of RTC, it is opportune to talk about a few broader brushstrokes for the FC. In no particular order these are as follows:

There is a new event, the Freedom Circuit. The jury is out on how we abbreviate this one as “FC” is already taken by the FC (suggestions please to the editor). This is a 400km or 700km circuit race, starting and finishing at the same place. The event will held in April partly on the existing FC route (although raced in the opposite direction) and also through some new terrain, all mainly in typical RTR territory. Other than circular route the major changes are that this is a GPS enabled race and that there are no official support stations. Where you stay and pay is up to you and your wallet. Similar to Tour Divide rules. It is hoped that this event will serve as a halfway house to draw riders into the wider family of FC events and also potentially, as a consequence of GPS being allowed, to attract some of the top overseas racers. For further information follow this link

www.freedomcircuit.com

This year’s RASA will be the biggest ever, with a field of around 100 entrants. This is partly due to the postponed 2020 event (which as you may recall was eventually held at the end of 2020 with a much reduced field) but also due to the burgeoning profile of the FC. It seems as if the investment into social media is paying off. Word has and is spreading which is fabulous for the future of the FC. The implications on logistics, in particular access rights and support stations, is going to be significant. We are probably going to need more Buffalo Herders as well and we are certainly not short of applicants, which is encouraging.

FC runners will ultimately become as numerous as FC riders. At least that is my prediction. Last year saw four runners finish the RTR within the same cut-off time for the riders, seven days. The same foursome are running this year’s RTC. Remember their names, Andy Wesson, Peter Purchase, Nicky Booyens and Dean Barclay. They are the pioneers. Much thought has been put into the cut-off time for runners for RTC and this year it has been set at eight days as the distance is significantly greater than RTR. There is clearly the potential for each of RTR, RTC, RTW, RTP and indeed RASA to be opened to runners. Interest has already been shown in entering RASA as a runner. I suspect cut-offs for runners might eventually settle at a ten days cut-off for each of the shorter events and forty days (think of the twenty six day cut-off for riders) for RASA. It may be ultimately difficult to hold the running event at the same time as the riding event, mainly due to logistics but the momentum is there. When one remembers that David Waddilove first ran the FC route before he cycled it, this running element will be true to the origins of the event and crucial to the sustainability of the FC.

Much of the focus of prior FC events has been on the extraordinary achievements of some of the finest endurance athletes in the country if not globally. Dot-watching is an industry in itself. One area where there is growing interest is in the achievements of woman riders (and runners for that matter). There have been some incredible performances by woman riders over the years and we are currently blessed with a very competitive group, a number of whom have entered this year’s RTC and RTW. More about this later, I have just heard we have a late entrant, Ingrid Avidon, for RTC which make things very interesting in the race for line honours for first woman home and possibly a new woman’s record.

There is another addition to the growing FC family, which currently consists of FC Riders, FC Runners, FC Race Office, FC Buffalo Herders, and FC Writers (of which there are many). It looks like we will soon have a resident FC Artist. Well known South African landscape artist Bruce Backhouse, himself a rider, will be joining the Buffalo Herders during 2021 RASA and will, over the next two years, be producing a body of work that will be sold off in 2023 as part of the twentieth anniversary celebrations of the FC. Our hopes are that an exhibition will be held at the Everard Read Gallery in Johannesburg after 2023 RASA. A significant portion of the proceeds from this sale will go to the Freedom Trail Foundation (more about this Foundation in my next report). In addition Bruce will, as he travels the route, be producing daily line drawings to augment the race reports that are produced. These drawings will also be leveraged in the future to further fund the Foundation.

Back to the RTC. A big field of 34 riders and 4 runners set off this week, spread out over five batches starting from Tuesday. Over the next few reports I will be covering this race. In this report I’d like to focus on one aspect, the changed role that Mike Woolnough is taking in this year’s RTC. I’m going to give Mike the floor here. He is, aside from being a proper FC rider and undisputed champion and multiple winner of the RTC, very much one of the family of FC Writers (more about that as well in future race reports). So over to you Mike:

“Spring 2020 will find me lining up for Race to Cradock for the 7th time, which includes every version since the inception of the race. For the first time I will have overnight sleep kit in my backpack. I will be joined by 6 Freedom Trail rookies. Actually 5 rookies as 1 of them (Colleen Cawood) has been on the trail a couple of times but is keen to learn how to self-navigate.

Cognisant of how people are keen to get on the trail but are intimidated by the self-navigation component I decided to offer my services as a mentor to a dedicated start batch. I won’t be pointing them down the trail. Rather, I will get them familiarised with directional orientation and how to interpret real world features from scribbles on a map.

We will be taking it easy riding from support station to support station each day. The key is for them is to learn the craft which entails learning and then putting into practice a handful of techniques. It’s not difficult but anxiety has a way of amplifying fear and making simple tasks appear insurmountable. I will be there to answer queries and teach basic navigation techniques, trail etiquette and how to manage your day. Once we start moving each day my primary role is that of sweeper and if needs be fixer of bad route choices.

Why am I doing it? I love racing but I also love encouraging people to experience what has captivated me for the best part of the last 15 years—riding the Freedom Trail. The trail has fed my spirit of adventure and made me realise that I am far more capable than I originally thought I was. As a result I have grown as a person as I have challenged myself to go further and faster. If I can ignite a passion for this kind of adventuring in other people it will be a satisfying way of paying it forward”

A wonderful gesture Mike and I am sure you and your flock will enjoy your ride. We look forward to seeing you along the route.

The Buffalo Herder team is as it ended up at the end of last year. Elton the Mechanic (“Elton”), Gerrit the FC Legend (Race #8 (“Advocate Gerrit’), John the Geologist (“John the Geologist”), and I are back again, hopefully adding a bit of value and certainly having a heap of fun. The Johannesburg Buffalo Herders overnighted on our way down to Rhodes in Aliwal North (where Andre Buys of Slaapkrantz fame is a teacher). Elton and I shared a room and, when comparing notes the next morning, we were astonished to find out that, in the opinion of the other, neither of us had snored. This was totally contrary to the opinion of our wives, who have been telling both of us for decades that we snore like crazy. Advocate Gerrit suggested that we may need additional corroborating evidence before confronting our respective wives so we made the decision to sleep with as many different people as possible during this early FC season, gathering their feedback. Advocate Gerrit said he didn’t think (in fact he looked quite worried) that our wives would look too favorably on this idea (as logical as it appears at first sight) either so it is unfortunately a non-starter. We are therefore, rightly or wrongly, condemned to be snorers forever.

Whilst driving up into Rhodes we came across two walkers. Being gregarious creatures of habit, we stopped to have a chat. The upshot of this chat is that we may have an additional Buffalo Herder. One of the walkers, Lizette Fourie, was the professional sports masseuse for the All Blacks back in a day and, being a seemingly free spirit, she seems keen to join the Buffalo Herder team. We are uncertain as to whether this will actually materialize but do not be alarmed if you are offered a soothing massage at Kudu Kaya. Only if Lizette is there mind, the rest of us Buffalo Herders don’t have those skills.

Postal history aficionados need not despair. The Buffalo Herders continue to be vigilant in this crucial area of research and can report that a full set of the 1952 Post Office Regulations can be seen in the foyer of the newly reopened Rhodes Hotel. The new owners, a group of local farmers, have done a great job and both the Buffalo Herders and Janine Oosthuizen (“Janice Opperman”) can attest to their hospitality. Janice (“Janine”) arrived four days prior to her start on Wednesday in the RTC and is apparently having a marvelous time up at Tennahead.

My Tuesday report will cover the folk starting on Tuesday, race winner contenders and the like. The Buffalo Herders will work our way tomorrow back up Naude’s Nek and over and down to Rhodes where we will report for duty at Alpine Swift, the starting base of the FC for RTC. We are currently “team building” at Vrederust, the superlative farm owned by the Naude family itself (thanks again Tim James).

Freedom Challenge 2021 is open for business. Enjoy.