Riding Minimalism: Kevin Davie’s Story of Biking Across South Africa in Freedom Rider

by Amy on Feb 5th, 2013

This is riding minimalism, the rider carrying all his requirements without any back-up vehicle.

Freedom Rider is not only an adventure story about an epic bike ride in extreme conditions but a foray into the histories and cultures that have made South Africa what it is today.

When journalist Kevin Davie started riding his mountain bike in remote, wide-open South African spaces he found himself on a 10 000km journey that tested his courage and determination through blizzards, lightning and hail storms as well as forty degree heat. Each successive expedition seemed to lead to yet another hidden corner of the country that beckoned to Kevin and his bike.

On his journey, Kevin completed the Freedom Challenge, the Spine (the Drakensberg from end to end), the Ride to Rhodes and the Ganna (Beitbridge to Cape Town). Two of the longest rides, 5 000km in all, are ridden solo.

This is his story – why athletes push themselves to rise to the challenge of extreme sport – as well as an account of the country and the incredible warmth and support from locals who reach out to help in so many ways.

About the Author

Kevin Davie has a passion for endurance sport and in addition to his exploits on the bike has earned his green number (10 finishes) at the Comrades and has completed 23 Dusi canoe marathons, including four each with his wife Lucille and son Dillon. As a journalist he was a Nieman Fellow in 1995/6 at Harvard University and divides his working time between the Mail & Guardian where he edits the business section and Wits Journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand where he teaches financial journalism.

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