Freddie’s Journey at The Munga Challenge: A Ride for a Cause
This year’s Munga Challenge was more than just a race for me. It was a journey—a journey that began with loss, transformed by resilience, and was ultimately driven by a cause greater than any finish line. As many of you know, I took part in the Munga Challenge to support the They Ride Along foundation, which was born from a place of deep personal tragedy. This is my story of the ride, the challenges, the camaraderie, and the powerful force that pushed me to keep going.
The Heart Behind the Ride
The Munga Challenge was never about the race for me—it was about honoring my daughter, Cailin, and our family friend, Armandt, both of whom we lost in a tragic accident in December 2022. It was about carrying their memories with me, making them proud, and doing something bigger than myself.
They Ride Along was founded after my good friend, Jannie Du Plessis, and I both lost our children in devastating accidents. Jannie’s son, Jan-Nataniel, was only 10 months old when he passed, and Cailin was just 19. As fathers, we were both thrust into a reality we never imagined—a reality where grief was a constant companion, and the weight of loss was too much to bear.
They Ride Along was born out of our need to honor our children and support each other. We started with just the two of us, but the movement quickly grew into something much bigger. The initiative is all about bringing together parents, family, and friends who have lost loved ones—especially children—to ride together, share their stories, and support each other as we continue to live and honor those who are no longer with us.
We ride together because we know the pain of loss, and we understand the healing power of support. We ride because, no matter how heavy the grief, we can make our loved ones proud by continuing to live our lives with purpose and positivity.
The Munga Challenge: A Race Like No Other
In 2023, I had to withdraw from the Munga Challenge at about 350km due to illness. It was heartbreaking, but it also gave me time to reflect on the greater meaning behind this journey. This year, I was determined to finish. With some planning, a lot of blessings, and the unwavering support of my friends and teammates, I lined up at the start line excited and ready for the challenge.
However, as anyone who has participated in the Munga Challenge will tell you, it’s not just a race—it’s a journey. And like life, it has its ups and downs. A knee injury and strong headwinds made it difficult to stick to my plan for a sub-80-hour finish. But life has a way of showing us that sometimes the best plans are the ones we don’t make.
I waited for my friend and training partner at RV2 in Britstown, and from there, we set off together. Between Waterpoint 5 and 6, we picked up another They Ride Along team member, and the three of us continued the journey together. And it was in that moment that I realized that my journey had changed in a way I couldn’t have planned.
Munga isn’t just about racing to the finish line. It’s about the people you meet along the way, the unexpected moments of kindness, and the bond you create when you’re all facing the same battle. The pain and the struggle are shared, and in that camaraderie, you find joy. I look back now and realize that God had better plans for me. What I thought would be a race turned into something far more fulfilling. The journey, the teamwork, the support—it was the true reward.
They Ride Along: A Journey of Healing and Honor
By the time I crossed the finish line, it wasn’t about the clock or the timing. It was about the pride I felt in knowing that we had made our children proud. We had honored them by continuing to live and make a difference, no matter the obstacles in our way.
The Munga Challenge changed me. It showed me that life’s most difficult moments can be transformed into something meaningful. It taught me that no matter the hardship, the pain, or the loss, there is always room for healing, for love, and for growth.
I want to thank the They Ride Along team for carrying me through the tough moments. We were all facing our own battles, yet we came together as one team, supporting each other and riding in memory of those we’ve lost.
I am proud of what we achieved, and I know that our children would be too. We made them proud, and we will continue to ride, live, and honor them in every way we can.
Get Started with Mountain Biking
If my journey has inspired you to get started with mountain biking, I want to share something special with you. At Renewed Group, we understand that taking up mountain biking can be a big commitment, both emotionally and financially. That’s why we offer flexible bicycle financing options to help you get started. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance mountain bike to take on the trails or a more casual bike for weekend rides, we’ve got you covered.
Biking is more than just a sport—it’s a way of healing, a way of connecting, and a way of honoring the memories of those who’ve passed. If you want to get started on your own biking journey, let us help make it possible.
With flexible terms, including our 48-month finance plan for bicycles, you can get the bike you need without breaking the bank. Let’s ride for a cause, for healing, and for the memories that will always ride along with us.
Find out more about our bicycle financing options at Renewed Group.
Together, we ride. We ride to make them proud.g options that make it easy for you to get on the trails!For more information about the Munga Challenge, visit themunga.com, and to explore bicycle financing options with Renewed Group, check out renewedgroup.com. See you on the trails!