The process of building the Nedbank Gravel Burn sparked a new idea — a shorter, more accessible gravel experience. This led to the creation of an all new event. Here’s how it came to life.
In less than two months, the Nedbank Gravel Burn will finally roll out of Knysna. The thought of seeing five hundred riders set off into the Karoo still gives me goosebumps. Rider experience has always been the measure of success for this race, and our focus now is on delivering an inaugural edition that will be truly memorable.
Every step we have taken so far has been about building that experience. From the Burn Camps on remote farms, to the route design with our landowner partners, to the support of our founding family of sponsors, the pieces are coming together. The finish line at Shamwari is waiting, the infrastructure is in place, and the atmosphere is building.
Along the way, we have run test events to make sure our ideas could stand up in the real world. One of them, which we named The Kindling, was staged in Graaff Reinet earlier this year. It was meant to be a showcase for sponsors, a way to stress-test our Burn Camp concept, and to capture media footage. What happened was far more than a technical exercise. The riding was superb, the nights under the Karoo stars were unforgettable, and the whole experience was enormous fun.
It was also easier. Because the route started and finished in Graaff Reinet, people could drive up, spend a long weekend in the Karoo, and be home by Monday. It struck us that this format was perfect for riders with less time, for those looking for something less racy, and for e-Bike riders who wanted to join the adventure. It felt obvious that The Kindling should become more than a test.
Reflecting on this journey, I’m reminded of when I started the Cape Epic 20 years ago. It was the first major two-person team mountain bike stage race in South Africa, and it truly triggered the explosion of mountain biking’s popularity in the country. Shortly after, 3-day races emerged, offering easier logistics and a manageable weekend commitment. We see a similar trend unfolding with gravel biking, and that’s why we’re proud to launch what we believe is the first dedicated three-day pure gravel stage race, upholding the same high standards we’re striving for with the Nedbank Gravel Burn.
In the future, we will host a three-day gravel stage race in the Great Karoo over three hundred kilometres. Riders will start in Graaff Reinet, ride out into seldom-ridden valleys and volcanic ridges, spend two nights at Blaauwater Farm Burn Camp, and return through a landscape that is vast, raw, ancient, unspoiled and unforgettable.
It’s for everyone. For locked-in racers who want to push hard across three days. For weekend riders who want the good kind of hard without the commitment of a full week. For e-Bike riders who have been waiting for their invitation. For anyone who wants to share fires, food, and friendship in the Karoo.
It will be shorter, more relaxed, and simpler to manage, but with the same standards, atmosphere and attention to detail that the Nedbank Gravel Burn is built on.
The Karoo remains, for me, the best place in the world for gravel. It is a place that draws you back again and again. That is why we are so excited to create new events here. For now, our eyes are firmly on the start line in Knysna this October. The Nedbank Gravel Burn is almost here.