EQUIPMENT

We are limiting riders to one choice of frame type only. A compliant, un-suspended frame is more than capable of carrying you through 850km without excessive punishment. Gravel suspension will insulate you more effectively from the road buzz, so consider this option as well. One tester converted a full-suspension mountain bike to a drop-bar setup and concluded that the weight and efficiency trade-off wasn’t favourable. 

A tubeless setup with a liberal addition of sealant and rim liner inserts will best mitigate the risks associated with tackling 850km of varied gravel surfaces at high speeds. Our testers’ tyre widths ranged from 38C to 45C and we all agreed: the wider the better. Fit the widest tyre your frame can accommodate – minimum 40C. (If your frame cannot accommodate 40C tyres, consider replacing your frame…)

There’s no sense in resisting the trend of going narrow for an aero position while riding on the hoods, with a flare for more control on descents. Consider double-wrapping or installing gel inserts.

Do not be tempted to install road pedals. The route passes through remote areas over highly varied surfaces, with river crossings and other obstacles. Play it safe and opt for MTB pedals. If you’re obsessed with pedalling efficiency, choose a gravel-specific shoe with a stiff sole.

The main point in question is 2x or 1x. Either works – 1x for simplicity and 2x for closer ratios to find the perfect gear, especially on the fast flats. Either way, ensure you have a long gear for the fast sections and a bail-out gear for the steep climbs (after several days in the legs).

Leaving the shelter of a fast-moving pack to retrieve a bottle that has bounced out of its cage is not ideal. While we’ll do all we can to keep the surfaces smooth, but corrugations happen. Test various cages, apply gripper tape, use elastic bands… Test test test.

Conditions are typically dry and dusty but we’ve seen rain too. Pack options and apply regularly.

As far as packing goes, in the time-honoured tradition of ‘covering all the bases,’ we recommend a little bit of everything. We hope for clear skies, but we pack for extreme conditions. Gravel Burn will have a laundry service, so 7 full sets of kit are unnecessary. Bibshorts, cycling jerseys, gilets, a long-sleeve riding jacket, undershirts, shoes, socks, gloves and eyewear should be among the first items you pack.

As you know by now, after diligently reading through all the information on our site, service stations are positioned at regular intervals along the route. However, the Great Karoo warms up considerably during the day and you’ll need to stay hydrated. Riding with two bottles is essential, ideally refilling both at each service station. You might also consider a hydration pack. They’re so good these days that you’ll hardly notice it. Plus you’ll even see the road pros wearing them!