530 km
June, 2028
Community-supported, non-stop bikepacking race across rugged, technical terrain. Map and Compass navigation.
.jpeg)
Riding the Freedom Challenge Race to Willowmore is an immersion into true wilderness adventure, where every kilometre demands focus, resilience, and self-reliance. Armed only with a map and compass, riders must navigate their way through the unforgiving landscapes of the Osseberg and the Baviaanskloof, where paths twist through rugged valleys, riverbeds, and mountain passes with little sign of human presence. The silence is immense, broken only by the crunch of tyres on rock or the call of a distant bird, and the vastness of the terrain makes every successful navigation decision deeply satisfying. In these remote regions, there is no backup and no safety net—it is just rider, bike, and map against the elements. Yet this raw simplicity is what makes the Freedom Trail so powerful. And when, after hours or even days of hard riding, the route finally delivers you into the Karoo heartland, the warmth of farm kitchens, the smell of home-cooked food, and the generosity of hosts feel all the more profound—a reminder that the Freedom Challenge is as much about human connection as it is about conquering the land.
Entries for RTC 2027 and RTW 2028 will open 1 August the year before.
Preparing for the Freedom Trail
The rider handbook includes what to expect, how to prepare, what to pack, packing your tubs and final checks.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
6 days
530 km
7 400m
June 2027
map & compass
The 'golden rules'
The Golden Rules are a distillation of the General Race Rules
Golden Rule 1 - No motorized transport After the commencement of the race, challengers may not be transported at any time by motorized means whether forward, backward or off the trail with a vehicle or they will be disqualified. Golden Rule 2 - Close Gates Always close any gate that you open yourself, even if there are riders immediately behind you. Failure to close gates properly will lead to severe time penalties or disqualification. Golden Rule 3 - No outside support Challengers may not receive personal support or outside assistance at any stage during the race. This includes but is not limited to visits by family, friends or supporters anywhere along the route or receiving any sort of gear, equipment, food or spares. Golden Rule 4 - No GPS for Navigation The Freedom Challenge is a traditional navigation style event. ie Map and compass. This is a massive and important part of the challenge. GPS devices capable of following a track or assisting navigation more than speed and distance are strictly prohibited. Competitors may use simple GPS odometers or running watches that show speed and distance only. Riders must have their distance measuring devices visible at race start. Any rider caught with a GPS device capable of navigation during the event will be disqualified. All competitors must carry a cell phone and smart phones are allowed and encouraged (for photo sharing and social media reach purposes). Golden Rule 5 - Impeccable behaviour All Challengers are expected to act in a sportsmanlike manner and conduct themselves in a civil manner throughout the race. Abusive behaviour toward fellow riders, support station hosts or any other people encountered along the route will not be tolerated and will result in time penalties. Any complaints received from support station hosts will be investigated and could result in disqualification. Golden Rule 6 - No Fires Challengers accept that during any Freedom Challenge event, the making of open fires is prohibited anywhere along the route – doing so will likely result in disqualification and Challengers will be held liable for any damages that may occur from the spread of such a fire.
-
Non-stop event, riders are not required to stop every day/night as in other stage races
-
There are 5 Support stations where riders must check-in. Food and basic accommodation is provided at support stations. Bedding and towels provided
-
Riders can pre-pack 5 x 2litre ice-cream tubs with supplies such as maps, trail food, personal medications, spares etc. These are distributed to the 5 Support stations
-
In addition to the 5 support stations, there is also 1 interim stop where food and accommodation is provided
-
Solo event and all riders are required to be self-sufficient and carry all their own personal belongings with them
-
No individual seconding is permitted during the event – this means that no friends, family or other supporters may meet you along the route and offer assistance during the ride
-
Cut-off: Riders are allowed a maximum of 6 days to complete the ride
-
Rider vehicles can be transferred from Cradock to Willowmore at additional cost (2024 = R2200 plus VAT)
Sponsors
