In this episode of the Freedom Trail Podcast, Steve Burnett sits down with 2026 Freedom Challenge winner Tim Deane to unpack the highs and lows, his preparation and experience on the trail.

Tim takes us behind the scenes of his winning race, sharing the countless decisions that ultimately led him to the finish line first. From race strategy and night time navigation to managing fatigue, and weather.

"It really is such a special experience and such a wonderful personal challenge. It's shared with such a strong community as well. There's a brotherhood and a sisterhood here that appreciate how hard it is for everybody to do this. It's special, but it's also damn hard. And whether or not you make it through to the finish, whether you have to pull out, amazing to see John Bowen after his seventh attempt being successful. Everybody's rooting for him. Everybody's sad for somebody who has to pull out for whatever reason. And we know they've gutted it out to that point. And eventually sometimes it's just too much. But we all appreciate what a beautiful but challenging endeavor this is, and that's why there's such a strong sense of community around it." Tim Deane

Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough

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With the launch of Race Across South Africa earlier this year, many people are asking how does it compare to the Freedom Challenge? Which one should I choose?

There is only one rider who has completed both the Freedom Challenge and Race Across South Africa. This year, Greg Fisher completed both epic events less than two months apart.

In this episode of the Freedom Trail Podcast, Greg reflects on the similarities and differences between these two extraordinary journeys. From the contrasting terrain and navigation challenges to pacing, strategy, sleep, mindset and the unique emotions each event evokes, he offers an honest perspective on what makes each race special.

Is one harder than the other? Which demands more mentally? How does the experience of riding the Freedom Challenge compare with that of Race Across South Africa?

Whether you're deciding which event is right for you, dreaming of taking on both, or simply fascinated by ultra-endurance racing, Greg's insights provide a rare and balanced comparison from someone who has lived both experiences.

Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough

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There may be less dots out there on Freedom Challenge 2026, four after today, but what a year it's been.

With Tim Deane surging out of Vuvu to do Lahana's pass at night and keeping his lead, and then needing to chase down Franco Olivier's time to Diemersfontein.

As always, Freedom reminds us that this race has never only been about who gets home first. Sometimes the most powerful finish line stories are from the other end of the field. In this case, not measured in days and hours, but in years of showing up, digging deep, and refusing to let go of a dream.

This year, John Bowen captivated us all. Eleven years of belief, seven attempts, setbacks, freezing nights, lessons, and unfinished business. And finally, a permanent number 366.

John's Freedom journey became something bigger than one rider chasing a personal goal. The entire Freedom family got behind him, and in those last nights on the trail, Riana's timestamps indicating John's safe arrival at support stations were daunting.

Donations pouring into the scholarship fund, turning everyone's support of John into something lasting. R60,000. One student's entire high school career has been sponsored It is a beautiful reminder of what this community really is. Yes, we race hard, but we care deeply too.

Tonight, we celebrate the winner, the finishers, those that didn't make the full route, and all who make part of this remarkable 2026 freedom story.

I'm Julia Fisher, and this is the Freedom Trail Podcast, proudly delivered to you by Igmi's Express.

Riders featured:

• Tim Deane
• Brett Rightford
• Schalk Burger
• Craig Bosenberg
• Ron Rutland
• Tara Baum
• Andrew Walker
• Claude Unge
• Gill Graaf
• John Graaf
• Philip Erasmus
• Tilla Uys
• John Bowen

Special Guest: David Waddilove

Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough

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In this episode Steve Burnett and Mike Roy talk to Gill and John Graaf after they made the hardest choice.

THE HARDEST CHOICE

How do you make the decision to stop, to call it, to accept that you are going no further. The trail is there in front of you. The pull to get on your bike and ride is like an uncontrollable force in your soul. Physically you are strong and fit. You still have the time to get there before the cut-off.

We’re just ordinary riders, taking on a challenge way beyond anything we have done before. We are not new to the trail. We’ve ridden almost the entire route since we signed up for the very first Freedom Circuit. We have helped run a support station and done some Buffalo Herding. We’re confident with navigation and riding in the dark and potential bad weather. We have been dot-watchers for years. We knew it was going to be hard on an extreme level. We knew that it was realistically going to take us around 24 days.

Every day is hard or even harder and long. There’s quite a lot of muttering about life choices at some point every day. There’s another monstrous climb or rocky portage. It’s cold and dark and there’s an icy wind blowing when the day starts that doesn’t really go away. You’ve been wearing dirty, damp, smelly clothes for 3 days. Your feet are constantly cold and wet.

You will make it to the next support station. It’s welcoming and dry and warm and comforting. Things don’t seem so bad, you had a good day, saw beautiful landscapes, remote untouched valleys, rivers and streams, encountered beautiful people and you can go another day. Routines are easier, bike admin, body admin, eat, sleep, ride. The weather has been really kind. It is cold, the odd short rain shower, no snow, mostly sunny.

The sunrises and sunsets are glorious. It’s magnificently beautiful out there at the moment. The Karoo is so green. The aloes are blooming, millions of wildflowers everywhere. You can hear the bees and birds and the fynbos is a fragrant sensory overload. An aardwolf crossed the road in front of you. There was a dawn chorus of lions roaring at the safari camp.

Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough

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In this episode of the Freedom Trail Podcast, Steve Burnett, one of the great storytellers and long-time students of the Freedom Challenge, unpacks this year’s race and explore how the event has evolved over the years.

Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough

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Franco Olivier arrived at the Freedom Challenge ready to take on the trail alongside his adventure partner, Clare walker but unfortunately her race was cut short due to injury.

Suddenly riding solo, Franco was set loose on the Freedom Trail and made the most of the opportunity.

His strong portaging and impressive efficiency meant that when he was on the move, he moved exceptionally well. Riding strong, steady and smart, he reeled in an impressive 15 day, 8 hour finish, leaving him in the clubhouse leader position for now.

In this episode, Freedom Fundi Steve Burnett chats to Franco about his race.

Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough

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We all know how important the mental game is when it comes to endurance challenges.

Greg Fisher, who completed both Race Across South Africa and the full Freedom Challenge this year, shares five mental tips and tricks he used to help make it such a successful year on the Freedom Trail for him. They helped in get through the tougher stuff and were very useful in helping ensure things didn't get beyond his capacity.

From channeling Batman, or Mike Woolnough to "constantly navigating", Greg gives us a fascinating insight into the mental tools that kept him moving forward when things got tough.

In preparation for anything difficult, the mental game is always a big part of it, hopefully this can help you navigate and keep moving forwards through the highs, lows, doubts and dark patches of ultra-endurance racing, or life in general.

Listen in to get the full scope.

Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough

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Steven Burnett (Race No. 35) sits down with Rooi Buffel Mike Roy to unpack the tactics, strategy, and unfolding race dynamics of the 2026 Freedom Challenge.

Can Tim overhaul Franco Olivier's benchmark time from the second batch while chasing from the racing batch? What will it take?

And how is John Bowen positioning himself as he closes in on Diemersfontein?

Join the conversation as they break down the key battles, pivotal decisions, and what to watch for as the race unfolds.

Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough

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