RASA 2026

[Shebeen]

don't see any discussion on this one - it's currently underway and a massive unfolding story.

 

What is RASA? It's the "bikepacking version" of the Freedom Challenge. So it goes from maritzburg to wellington, it cuts out a lot of the scratchy bits and you can use your GPS.

Dotwatching is here

https://rasa26.maprogress.com/

Drikus is smashing it man alone out front, saw a video interview with him where he said it is easily the most scenic route he's ever done. While he's staring at the road and his wheel, he's taking mental snapshots all the way for his memory bank.

 

There is some incredible content generated already. Daily video updates

 

 

instaface too

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXJJGqMjOju/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

 

 

and even a podcast update on spotify - this one with special guest Benky

 

 

 

 

[Barklyboy]

Yes, check it out. Some fantastic coverage on socials to follow. Proper hard core riding each day. 

[Mamil]

One day when I'm big

[dave303e]

looks like a lekker event, I have considerable fomo I must say

 

[Shebeen]

1 hour ago, dave303e said:

looks like a lekker event, I have considerable fomo I must say

 

ja me too. surprised it didn;t get a bigger international following - maybe next year

[dave303e]

I think that is 2 parts to why it was not bigger 

1: first year event, I know events like gravel burn did well, but they threw bucket loads of cash at marketing and getting big names there. But people are often nervous of the first edition. I would have been there if I did not have a 3 week old baby. But I have the green light for next year already...

2: I think the internationals are a bit nervous of our crime rates for these types of events being out alone in isolated areas all times of the night. Granted when you get rural enough in South Africa I certainly believe it is far safer than in urban and peri urban areas. But, having farm murders all over the news doesn't help events where you are essentially cycling through farm land areas most of the time.
But that is a different argument. I hope this event builds a good following, the media on the ground has been good. Hopefully next year will be a big field with some international names.

[Shebeen]

1 hour ago, dave303e said:

I think that is 2 parts to why it was not bigger 

1: first year event, I know events like gravel burn did well, but they threw bucket loads of cash at marketing and getting big names there. But people are often nervous of the first edition. I would have been there if I did not have a 3 week old baby. But I have the green light for next year already...

sweeeeet!

 

 

1 hour ago, dave303e said:

2: I think the internationals are a bit nervous of our crime rates for these types of events being out alone in isolated areas all times of the night. Granted when you get rural enough in South Africa I certainly believe it is far safer than in urban and peri urban areas. But, having farm murders all over the news doesn't help events where you are essentially cycling through farm land areas most of the time.
But that is a different argument. I hope this event builds a good following, the media on the ground has been good. Hopefully next year will be a big field with some international names.

ja....but.

look at a snapshot on the Race around Rwanda field. hopefully this kicks off big time. I suspect quite a few of this years riders will be munga alumni so let's see what they say as the better event (granted this is quite a bit longer)

 

 

[betaboy]

How come no media exposure on something in our backyard? Such an international field and I’ve never heard of this?

[dave303e]

Race around Rwanda is also aimed at international riders and not at local riders. Local riders do get a cheap entry for development reasons but there are other hints at international field target

Euro based entry fee

The headline sponsor is PEdALED which while it originates in Japan, it is made in Italy and very much a European brand

Then if you look at things included which are specifically targeted to international riders:

• Luggage storage during the race
• Discounts at partnering hotels in Kigali
• Race goodies (incl. T-shirt, race cap, Rwandan gifts)
• Local SIM card

[Shebeen]

On 4/17/2026 at 9:57 AM, dave303e said:

Race around Rwanda is also aimed at international riders and not at local riders. Local riders do get a cheap entry for development reasons but there are other hints at international field target

Euro based entry fee

The headline sponsor is PEdALED which while it originates in Japan, it is made in Italy and very much a European brand

Then if you look at things included which are specifically targeted to international riders:

• Luggage storage during the race
• Discounts at partnering hotels in Kigali
• Race goodies (incl. T-shirt, race cap, Rwandan gifts)
• Local SIM card

I assume SAfricans are considered international (discounts for east africans only). It's EUR270. so hardly a barrier. anyway enough said about that!

[Shebeen]

Drikus is on his way to finish RASA now.

has had some fun in the rain, very grateful for my non leaking Cape town roof this past weekend.

Being 250km+ in the lead, he has been able to chill a but. was doing 14-16 hour days moving time only.

Going to paraphrase a message from Mike Woolnough, who has done it all. good perspective to follow.

Quote

 

I’ve done Sani2C. The Freedom events are no more technical apart from being able to get your bike over locked gates and fences as well as the occasional 10 foot high game gate. Also helps if you can climb the odd mountain carrying your bike across your shoulders.  That’s what’s needed for FC. For RASA you only need to get your bike over a couple of locked gates. 
And there’s lots of walking and sloshing through mud and wading through rivers. so you’ll need appropriate cycling shoes that are very robust and good for walking in. So carbon soles are not that great. 

Below is a comparison of the 2 big Freedom events. 

RASA vs Freedom Challenge

The new GPS-guided Freedom event—Race Across South Africa (RASA)—is an exciting addition to the Freedom Challenge series of events.

Having completed a few dozen Freedom Challenge events over the years, I can say with confidence that the GPS version is not soft. While it excludes most of the technical portage sections of the Freedom Trail, the pressure is applied through demanding cut-offs.

Without the navigational challenges of map and compass, riders are able to head out in the dark of night. Not only can they ride at night, they often need to do so to cover at least 130 km per day to stay within the cut-offs. By comparison, the Freedom Challenge (FC), the winter event formerly known as the Race Across South Africa, requires only 82 km per day. In practice, most riders manage around 100 km per day.

On RASA there are only three checkpoints where food and accommodation are prearranged. Beyond that, riders need to make their own plans. On the longer FC there are over 20 checkpoints, spaced roughly 100 km apart, with additional emergency stations along the route. Riders can also send 2-litre resupply boxes ahead to these checkpoints.

There are usually only a handful of riders who choose to race the FC, with most of the field content to immerse themselves in the experience by riding from one checkpoint to the next each day. In doing so, the average rider finishes in around 21 days. The cut-off for the FC is 26 days.

RASA, by contrast, requires everyone to race. There is no luxury of sleeping in or taking a half day. Riders need to consistently cover 130 to 150 km per day to meet the 15-day cut-off. That might not sound especially demanding, but weather conditions play a significant role, with rain and wind ever-present challenges. The road surfaces are rough in places and gradually wear on both hands and saddle comfort. Riders also need to source food and accommodation on the fly, with no guaranteed ‘lifeboat’ 100 km up the road, as in the longer event.

The two events have a different feel, even though they share a common DNA. The FC is a multidisciplinary challenge. Your legs, head, and heart all need to be in the game. Navigation is demanding, and winter conditions can be relentless, but that is where the challenge and satisfaction lie. RASA, on the other hand, being GPS-guided, is largely about the ability to keep turning the pedals day after day.

The RASA route is well designed in that it leaves out the more demanding Freedom Trail portage sections that are not suited to fully laden bikepacking setups. There are a few stretches that will have gravel riders grumbling, but these are dictated by land access and the need to link together the best riding. The route also passes through towns that are typically bypassed, giving riders more opportunities to resupply and find accommodation.

RASA and FC offer similar yet distinct riding experiences. FC can be as hard as you choose to make it—race hard or roll to the finish in 20-plus days. RASA offers no soft option; everyone has to race to make the finish.

The only change I would suggest is adding an extra day to the finish cut-off. The final checkpoint, CP3, has a 10-day cut-off, and to squeak in there and still make the finish requires riders to cover more than 170 km per day. Adding an extra day would bring that down to under 150 km per day.

 

 

[Prince Albert Cycles]

2 minutes ago, Shebeen said:

Drikus is on his way to finish RASA now.

has had some fun in the rain, very grateful for my non leaking Cape town roof this past weekend.

Being 250km+ in the lead, he has been able to chill a but. was doing 14-16 hour days moving time only.

Going to paraphrase a message from Mike Woolnough, who has done it all. good perspective to follow.

 

Saw Drikus outside Prince Albert on Saturday.

Was flying looking fresh and strong