[Event] Freedom Challenge 2014

[Boggom]

when the wind came up in 2012 one in our group just used to sing Demis Rousos's song "my friend the wind"... and you just pedalled a bit harder.Ai, the memories. I know its hard to do the FC, but its also hard to sit and watch from the sidelines. The pull is immense,esp this time of year

[The Crazy German]

I'd run the cable tie slightly differently to try and pull the crack together (assuming it's only along the top of the top tube)...

 

I don't really believe in the tie wrap beiing any strength. If the crack is really moving get something similar as below, many a farmer will in the bush have to secure loads. Run it all the way from headtube to seatposttube as in the picture above suggestedfixed as per red line to created presure from top. Get under tension but also wrap with duct tape to the frame as to limit movement and make sure it doesn't hamper leg movements of rider much. Macggyer bush mecanics.

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KMbKGgxbl34/TQ2JBk6DIFI/AAAAAAAAASw/zxsh9gLMSTI/s1600/ratchet_tie_down.jpg

[Trackz]

The Freedom Challenge (RASA, R2R) vs Epic vs Munga......

 

Going to wade into this one as I am surprised it hasn't come up, but I like the fact that there is not too much debate about this among the guys following this thread, that the guys here don't bash other races

 

I think the reason is that FC riders do as many of the other races on offer as they can, its not ever a case of "oh this ones better than that", most guys here just love riding and that's what the FC is about - simply riding a bike wherever possible.

 

I love the fact that Tim James was competing at the Epic this year with Robbie Mac, that he still rides age group races at national level - marathon and XC.

 

I seem to think I have seen some national bands on one of either Con or Coen ( I could be mistaken, but it would be nice to know).

 

Gawie was an SA champ many many moons ago - he still has the skills to show it.

 

Jeannie Dreyer (dont think she needs much intro) was tweeting today about her ride this year being at the marathon worlds in a week or so.

 

Then the adventure racers are represented at the FC this year by two of the top two teams about at the moment.

 

The point is, the FC, R2R and RASA are not for fringe loonies, (although Mike Woolnough may fall into that category in the nicest way!) and while there is some negative debate elsewhere about the Munga, I think like the R2R, the Munga is a good addition and I hope Alex pulls it off.

 

Even more so, I hope one of the silent assassins from this looney crew out there tonight are in at the death racing themselves to a big paycheck, hell if I had the spare cash I would take a punt on a Tim/ Glenn combo.....

 

Just my thoughts.

 

 

Reason is they cannot be compared by any means, those who attempt to have no idea what FC is about. FC has too many non MTB dynamics, ie tricky navigation, portaging up & down cliffs & over mountains, sleeping strategy, conditions, etc. FC is more an adventure race than an MTB race. Each have their place.

[Cejay]

Me I have already got my dream bike in my head. Just need to get round the training time and have a go.

My head goes ......click click,my riding partner (and wife) has already agreed!!!!

[deanbean]

Flip I think the guys are going to be cold this morning. I measured -2 this morning so it'll be at least 10deg colder on the route, and this wind will drop the windchill, ouch...

[MTBeer]

Did it 4.5 days .

great achievement. congrats.

[tubed]

Flip I think the guys are going to be cold this morning. I measured -2 this morning so it'll be at least 10deg colder on the route, and this wind will drop the windchill, ouch...

 

Deanbean, when you local guys complain of the cold......., Marnitz threatening to do something with his pee this morn as it is the only substance still in liquid form, everything else frozen solid. See pic.

 

There are quite a few riders leaving Slaapkrantz this morning over the portages, everything there will frozen solid.

 

I see Gawie is out a bit late of Slaapkrantz, he knows the portage route so well he will be on top there in the rising sun before the rest - he's enjoyed another hour of Andre's warm kitchen and coffee......the small things.

[Ryanpmb]

My head goes ......click click,my riding partner (and wife) has already agreed!!!!

See you there next year...

[Ryanpmb]

I don't really believe in the tie wrap beiing any strength. If the crack is really moving get something similar as below, many a farmer will in the bush have to secure loads. Run it all the way from headtube to seatposttube as in the picture above suggestedfixed as per red line to created presure from top. Get under tension but also wrap with duct tape to the frame as to limit movement and make sure it doesn't hamper leg movements of rider much. Macggyer bush mecanics.

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KMbKGgxbl34/TQ2JBk6DIFI/AAAAAAAAASw/zxsh9gLMSTI/s1600/ratchet_tie_down.jpg

 

I think I big strap like that would be awkward. I also wouldn't be keen on it clunking around on the rough cattle tracks or grass paths. It would definately be stronger but heavier too. My suggestion was made as a light weight, strong enough fix until something more permanent could be made - fibre glass etc.

[Dusty]

-10 in Barkly this morning. The competitors are going to be chilly!

Edited June 20, 2014 by Dusty

[Ryanpmb]

The Freedom Challenge (RASA, R2R) vs Epic vs Munga......

 

Going to wade into this one as I am surprised it hasn't come up, but I like the fact that there is not too much debate about this among the guys following this thread, that the guys here don't bash other races

 

I think the reason is that FC riders do as many of the other races on offer as they can, its not ever a case of "oh this ones better than that", most guys here just love riding and that's what the FC is about - simply riding a bike wherever possible.

 

I love the fact that Tim James was competing at the Epic this year with Robbie Mac, that he still rides age group races at national level - marathon and XC.

 

I seem to think I have seen some national bands on one of either Con or Coen ( I could be mistaken, but it would be nice to know).

 

Gawie was an SA champ many many moons ago - he still has the skills to show it.

 

Jeannie Dreyer (dont think she needs much intro) was tweeting today about her ride this year being at the marathon worlds in a week or so.

 

Then the adventure racers are represented at the FC this year by two of the top two teams about at the moment.

 

The point is, the FC, R2R and RASA are not for fringe loonies, (although Mike Woolnough may fall into that category in the nicest way!) and while there is some negative debate elsewhere about the Munga, I think like the R2R, the Munga is a good addition and I hope Alex pulls it off.

 

Even more so, I hope one of the silent assassins from this looney crew out there tonight are in at the death racing themselves to a big paycheck, hell if I had the spare cash I would take a punt on a Tim/ Glenn combo.....

 

Just my thoughts.

 

Interesting read Tubed. While they are all very different rides I think they are definately comparable. They're all MTB races where the participants deal with extreme conditions. What I liked about R2R/ RASA was that it attracted an array of different athletes (where as the other two races tend to attract "specialists") - from Duzi legends to crazy Mike to the Tim James and Jeannies of MTB to Con (no bands but a top contender in his age group) to 'serious' weekend warriors such as myself. I haven't done an Epic yet but comparing the Freedom Challenge to other stage races I've ridden, the stand out difference ,aside from the nav etc) is the camaraderie amongst fellow riders (and competitors).

[tubed]

Deanbean, when you local guys complain of the cold......., Marnitz threatening to do something with his pee this morn as it is the only substance still in liquid form, everything else frozen solid. See pic.

 

There are quite a few riders leaving Slaapkrantz this morning over the portages, everything there will frozen solid.

 

I see Gawie is out a bit late of Slaapkrantz, he knows the portage route so well he will be on top there in the rising sun before the rest - he's enjoyed another hour of Andre's warm kitchen and coffee......the small things.

 

Marnitz's bed last night - he is sleeping out, that looks like a dry concrete floor.

( to give an indication of the cold, at Slaapkrantz while we were tucked under electric blankets in the children's beds Dave's camelback froze during the night next to his bed in the bedroom. You can begin imagine how cold it is outside.

[dirtrider]

Ok so reading some of the latest comments this is not a race for the weekend warrior ?

[tubed]

Interesting read Tubed. While they are all very different rides I think they are definately comparable. They're all MTB races where the participants deal with extreme conditions. What I liked about R2R/ RASA was that it attracted an array of different athletes (where as the other two races tend to attract "specialists") - from Duzi legends to crazy Mike to the Tim James and Jeannies of MTB to Con (no bands but a top contender in his age group) to 'serious' weekend warriors such as myself. I haven't done an Epic yet but comparing the Freedom Challenge to other stage races I've ridden, the stand out difference ,aside from the nav etc) is the camaraderie amongst fellow riders (and competitors).

 

Yes the need to share/ support and not compete is a major standout feature of the FC.

 

I would also say that other than the wind of this year, the FC has been tame for some time. We seem to have forgotten what a series of cold fronts can do to the race - but I am told I must not tempt that beast, but we still have time this year.....those rain pants you packed.... then we see the grown men cry, literally.

[tubed]

Ok so reading some of the latest comments this is not a race for the weekend warrior ?

 

Depends what sort of weekend warrior you are? Seriously though, it takes a lot of preparation and depends more of your desire and resolve than fitness, with those in place you will finish sooner than a race snake. So it really depends on if it appeals to you - the hardship, if so then its worth the effort.

 

Look at the guys finishing from last years thread, fathers and sons, moms and sons, older guys.

[NotSoBigBen]

Ok so reading some of the latest comments this is not a race for the weekend warrior ?

 

I would have to say that I have done a few crazy things (at least in my mind) in my time and considered some but I doubt this is something I would try, besides how tough it is ..... In the middle of WINTER? Jou kop moet bietjie raas ????

 

Seriously tough guys that start and complete this IMHO ????