In carrying on the theme of what makes Freedom what it is, we are gonna hear from Mike Woolnough. He is permanent race number 16, and he has done over 20 Freedom Challenge events. He has guided multiple Freedom Challenge meanders, thank you, Mike.
From a distance, the Freedom Challenge appears to be about riding bikes across our country. Distances measured, elevation accumulated. Riders leaving in small groups with the goal and desire of rolling around the dam in Diemersfontein to feel the earned weight of a blanket across their shoulders.
That's the visible part. What's less visible, at least initially, is the community it has spawned over the years. Not just riders, but the wider circle that gathers around the event. The hospitality of communities, accommodation providers, and farmers opening their doors at all hours, day and night. Families, friends, dot watchers, and volunteers, people who may never ride a single kilometer of the route, yet feel deeply connected to the event.
Evidenced by message groups that pulse day and night for weeks at a time when the race is alive. In the normal course of life, communities form around convenience, shared geography, shared profession, shared background, shared interests. This one forms around something less tangible. The community is unique.
Thank you, Mike. We'll hear more from him at the end of this episode. We had Race to Paarl starting this morning and lots of rider updates to share with you. This is Julia Fisher on the Freedom Trail podcast, proudly delivered to you by Igmi's Express.
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