Freedom Trail Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Julia Fisher
Podcast Overview
<p>The Freedom Trail Podcast is your front-row seat to one of South Africa’s most iconic long-distance adventures. Join us as we dive into everything Freedom Trail; from race build-ups and route insights to trail updates, race news, and behind-the-scenes stories.</p><p>We’ll chat with riders, organisers, supporters, and trail legends, sharing practical advice, hard-earned lessons, and unforgettable moments from the trail. Whether you’re preparing for your first Freedom Challenge or Race Across South Africa, following the races from afar, or simply drawn to stories of endurance, adventure, and open roads, this podcast brings you closer to the heart of the trail.</p><p>This is where preparation meets passion, and where the stories of the Freedom Trail come alive.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/13/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 8, 2026
Tim Deane reflects on his winning ride of Freedom with Steve Burnett
<p>In this episode of the <strong>Freedom Trail Podcast</strong>, Steve Burnett sits down with 2026 <strong>Freedom Challenge</strong> winner <strong>Tim Deane</strong> to unpack the highs and lows, his preparation and experience on the trail.</p><p>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.</p><br><p>"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</p><p><a href="https://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/fc-route-in-21-days" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough</a></p><br><p><a href="https://freedomchallenge2026.maprogress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to dot watch the race</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/freedomchallenge/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow us on Instagram </a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreedomChallengeSA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/FreedomFollowers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join the Freedom dot watchers Facebook group</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
July 6, 2026
FC vs RASA: comparison and contrast by Greg Fisher
<p>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?</p><p>There is only one rider who has completed both the <strong>Freedom Challenge</strong> and <strong>Race Across South Africa</strong>. This year, <strong>Greg Fisher</strong> completed both epic events less than two months apart.</p><p>In this episode of the <strong>Freedom Trail Podcast</strong>, 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.</p><p>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? </p><p>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.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/fc-route-in-21-days" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough</a></p><br><p><a href="https://freedomchallenge2026.maprogress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to dot watch the race</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/freedomchallenge/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow us on Instagram </a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreedomChallengeSA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/FreedomFollowers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join the Freedom dot watchers Facebook group</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
July 5, 2026
John Bowen 366
<p>There may be less dots out there on Freedom Challenge 2026, four after today, but what a year it's been.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>I'm Julia Fisher, and this is the Freedom Trail Podcast, proudly delivered to you by Igmi's Express.</p><br><p>Riders featured:</p><br><p><br></p><ul><li>Tim Deane</li><li>Brett Rightford</li><li>Schalk Burger</li><li>Craig Bosenberg</li><li>Ron Rutland</li><li>Tara Baum</li><li>Andrew Walker</li><li>Claude Unge</li><li>Gill Graaf</li><li>John Graaf</li><li>Philip Erasmus</li><li>Tilla Uys</li><li>John Bowen</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Special Guest: David Waddilove</p><p><a href="https://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/fc-route-in-21-days" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Full Freedom Challenge route description for a 21 day ride by Mike Woolnough</a></p><br><p><a href="https://freedomchallenge2026.maprogress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to dot watch the race</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/freedomchallenge/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow us on Instagram </a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreedomChallengeSA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow us on Facebook</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/FreedomFollowers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join the Freedom dot watchers Facebook group</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
31 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Freedom Trail Podcast?
<p>The Freedom Trail Podcast is your front-row seat to one of South Africa’s most iconic long-distance adventures. Join us as we dive into everything Freedom Trail; from race build-ups and route insights to trail updates, race news, and behind-the-scenes stories.</p><p>We’ll chat with riders, organisers, supporters, and trail legends, sharing practical advice, hard-earned lessons, and unforgettable moments from the trail. Whether you’re preparing for your first Freedom Challenge or Race Across South Africa, following the races from afar, or simply drawn to stories of endurance, adventure, and open roads, this podcast brings you closer to the heart of the trail.</p><p>This is where preparation meets passion, and where the stories of the Freedom Trail come alive.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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