My introduction to the Freedom Challenge

The first time I heard about the Freedom Challenge, back in 2009, it sounded rather strange – something reserved for crazy people! At the time, my older brother, Gawie du Plessis, was the only person I knew brave enough to take on the challenge. He started with the Race to Rhodes, and the following year he completed the full 2,200 km Freedom Challenge.

I often wondered about the incredible scenery along the route, the people he encountered, and the rich history woven into the trail. It made me question what I was missing out on. Should I simply continue focusing on shorter cycling races, or was there something much bigger waiting to be discovered?

The Freedom Challenge, with its hike-a-bike sections, bushwhacking, navigation using maps, and unpredictable terrain, seemed a little too far outside my comfort zone. So, for the time being, I put the idea aside.

Gawie, however, was clearly hooked. Over the following ten years, he went on to complete another four Freedom rides!

My first taste of Freedom

In 2021, Gawie introduced me to the Freedom Circuit, and in 2022 I entered the 400 km GPS event with a cycling friend.

We were quickly introduced to what the Freedom Challenge was really about. The first 150 km brought rain, mud, frustration and tears – certainly not the ideal introduction to what we had imagined would be a pleasant touring experience!

Climbing hills while carrying your bike through muddy trenches, over branches and across difficult terrain was a serious wake-up call. By the time we reached Flitwick Ranch, we were completely soaked and freezing cold.

After plenty of encouragement and explanations from the race director and fellow Buffalo herders, we were convinced to give it another go the following morning and continue towards the next support station.

Fortunately, the second day was a completely different experience. We enjoyed some beautiful open-road cycling and eventually reached Masakala.

My friend had picked up an injury and decided that he was unable to continue with the ride. I, however, was still curious to see what lay ahead. I decided to join the Barclay brothers, setting off at around 22:00.

That night became a valuable learning experience. I started understanding more about the Freedom Challenge, how to manage your pace, when to push, when to hold back, and just how much you can learn about the limits of your own body.

The moment everything changed

We cycled through the night and into the following morning. Somewhere along the way, while riding alone across the open grasslands of Ntsikeni Nature Reserve, I experienced something that would completely change my perspective on cycling and life.

There was an incredible silence and serenity surrounding me. No traffic, no noise, no pressure, no distractions – just the open landscape, nature and the sound of my bicycle.

For a moment, everything seemed to come together. I finally understood why people kept coming back to these events. It wasn't simply about distance, speed, competition or crossing a finish line.

It was about the experience, the freedom, the people, the places and the opportunity to discover something about yourself that you would never find in an ordinary cycling race.

All the frustration, discomfort and physical pain I had experienced seemed insignificant at that moment. I realised how fortunate I was to be out there, experiencing something so special.

That was my personal revelation.

After completing my first little taste of the Freedom Challenge, I knew I wanted more. I entered the 700 km Freedom Circuit the next year and from there, the rest is history!