Interview with Martin Dreyer

Martin Dreyer is a South African adventure athlete who has won the renowned Dusi Canoe Marathon seven times. He is considered one of the greatest Dusi paddlers of all time and is also known for his achievements in other sports such as mountain biking and adventure racing. Dreyer is a humble and respected figure in the South African sporting community and an inspiration to many young athletes – not least of all the students in his Change a Life Academy.

Let’s find out more…

Who is Martin Dreyer?

Born in Barberton, 7 years of junior school at Uplands Prep in White River. Grew up on a farm close to the Kruger National Park until I was 13 years old, then in 1981 the old National Governing Party expropriated our farm and so we moved to Plettenberg Bay. High School at Woodridge College near Jeffreys Bay. B. Comm degree at UCT, then 6 years as a professional fisherman off the west coast of Canada, and 10 years as a professional sportsman, competing around the world.

Currently a family man, loves adventure and taking on challenges in the great outdoors. Very focused on managing my Change a Life Academy, identifying sporting talent in rural KZN, and giving that talent a support structure to be great.

Where is home?

Sleepy Hollow

When did you fall in love with adventure racing?

25 years ago, the seed was planted when I took on the Challenge of the Millenium Big 5 [paddling the Dusi canoe marathon, swimming the Midmar Mile, cycling the Cape Town Cycle Tour, running the Comrades ultra marathon & climbing Kilimanjaro]. Until then I only paddled; this exposure to other sports made me curious to explore. Only when I completed my first proper adventure race, the 500 km World Champs in Newfoundland, Canada, with Team Mazda [legend Collin brothers & machine Michele Lombardi], was I hooked.

What is it that attracts you to the sport?

No course is the same. You get to explore the best topography of a region so you can imagine how exciting that is when you race in Sweden or Patagonia or Ecuador as we did last year in the 558 km World Champs. The people [racers & volunteers] that participate in this hardcore ‘no frills’ sport are unique, kind, and humble.

Favorite food?

My wife, Jeannie, cooks up the most scrummy food; my most recent meal is my favorite until the next. But I do love a gourmet omelette, fresh fish & baklava.

Strangest food you were thinking of while racing?

One craving dominates all—ice cream.

Lucky charm?

Nothing particular….

What do you always take on a trip?

Headtorch

Career highlights/achievements?

The Land Rover G4 Challenge, racing for a month across 4 countries—Thailand, Laos, Brazil & Bolivia—against 18 countries with a winner-takes-all, a million bucks at stake. Thanks for coming. Handshake if your 2nd. Another highlight would be winning the Dusi with Thulani Mbanjwa in 2008—that experience set me on the 16-year journey I am currently doing with my Change a Life Sports Academy. I also have to mention the recent bikepacking adventures with Jeannie in Kyrgyzstan & the Trans Balkan countries.

Achievements: Winning the G4 Challenge & crossing the finish line first in 7 x Dusi, 7 x Non-Stop Dusi & 4 x 2150 km Freedom Challenge MTB events.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your sporting career?

Sport was my life, so deciding when to call it a day was a big deal mentally. Physically, my biggest challenge faced was when I tore my abductor during week 3 of the G4 Challenge, dealing with that injury whilst competing for another 8 days in the mountains of Bolivia, pushing my body to the limit was insane.

Jeannie and you competed in the same team at ARWC Ecuador recently. How was this new experience?

We have done many adventure races together so were comfortable dealing with all the discomforts & challenges such a race throws at you, but it was very exciting having the Andes mountains & Amazon jungle as the race playground. It is very special to race on the same team as you get to share the experience at the coal face which would be difficult to articulate to one’s partner back home.

Your goals for 2025?

Family Orange River Rafting trip & a bikepacking adventure overseas

What was your experience with Squirt Cycling Products during events, and how did it benefit you?

Participating in ultra-endurance, non-stop, unsupported events on my MTB, you cannot compromise using inferior products. For chain lube, Squirt is my go-to product, and I will tell you why. I love it because the wax allows the chain to self-clean. Dirt/dust sticks to the wax and the wax flicks off with the vibration of pedalling & uneven surfaces. After riding 2150 km in the Freedom Challenge, not washing my bike at all, and crossing the finish line, my chain was shiny clean. I have found oil-based lubes collect sand & micro debris and eventually you have a cement-like toothpaste on your chain and jockey wheels which wears your drivetrain more. Bonus: it is also biodegradable, so harmless to the environment. Another one of my favourite Squirt products is the Barrier Balm; yes, it’s fantastic for preventing saddle chafe but I love it more for using on my feet. During adventure races, on the long trekking legs, one’s feet become a liability especially when they get wet, and the skin softens and eventually can peel away. Liberally applying Squirt Barrier Balm on the soles of your feet and between your toes will have your feet loving you all the way to the finish. The balm repels moisture and reduces friction against your skin. Actually, we go one step further. Two weeks before the race, we file away any multiple layers of hard skin, like on your heels or the side of your big toes and then every night for those 2 weeks, we apply the Barrier Balm all over the soles of our feet, put on socks then jump into bed. That way your skin on your feet is soft and healthy and resilient to blisters and hot spots.

Best tip for Adventure Racers new to the sport.

Choose your teammates wisely. Teammates are everything—they must have the best interests of each other at heart. Also, especially in longer races, taking care of your feet must be a priority.

Please complete the following.

I like my coffee….hot
I would love to go ride with…. my Birdie.
The secret to happiness…is not chasing after the gold at the end of the rainbow. Happiness is a feeling you get from within….
My greatest exhilaration… is family adventures.
I fear… there is not enough time.
Passion… is a necessity for long-term sustained enjoyment.
When I wake up… I choose to be happy.
I wish… I had my kids at a younger age.
I rage…for litterbugs.