FULL-SERVICEALL IMMERSIVE
Absorb the spectacularly diverse scenery. Compete among the world’s best. Savour the local flavours and aromas. Revel in the legendary Great Karoo hospitality and fireside camaraderie at our bespoke Burn Camps. Full-service – because you won’t want to miss a thing.
Entries open: 3 December 2024
- 7 days
- 850km
- 11,000m climbing
- 26 Oct – 1 Nov 2025
- Eastern Cape, South Africa
WHERE WE'RE GOING
ROUTE OVERVIEW
850km of wonder! We begin in the verdant forests of the world-famous Garden Route, Western Cape before crossing into the Eastern Cape to explore the majesty of the Great Karoo. After 7 days in gravel country, inspired by the magnificent and contrasting landscapes, we're welcomed by iconic African wildlife, including the Big 5, at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, one of the best of its kind in the world.
WESTERN CAPE & EASTERN CAPE
KNYSNA LAGOON
KNYSNA FOREST
KNYSNA FOREST
PRINCE ALFRED PASS
DEEP IN THE GREAT KAROO
RELIEF IN THE GREAT KAROO
THE THINGS YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
THE HEAT IS ON
WELCOME SHADE IN THE GREAT KAROO
FAUNA AHEAD
WILD WELCOME
GAME COUNTRY
SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
IT'S ABOUT THE RIDE
WHAT FULL-SERVICE MEANS
Gravel Burn is a full-service gravel stage race. This allows riders to focus on the important things: the endeavour and the experience. We don’t want you to miss a thing. Service stations throughout the marked route provide neutral technical service and a range of fluids and food to help maintain energy levels, including savoury and sweet snacks. Trained medical staff are on hand at the Burn Camps and out on the course in case of emergency. Off the bike, riders have access to event services such as bike wash, laundry service and all relevant transfers. You’ll have your own spacious canvas tent with a stretcher cot and mattress, allowing you to rest and recover for the next day’s challenge.
IMMERSION
UNPLUG AND CONNECT
Karoo days are about challenging terrain and fiercely fought racing. Karoo nights are the antidote. At the end of the day’s endeavours, riders experience a full immersion into the unique hospitality, culture, the local flavours and aromas and the hidden secrets of the land in this special part of the world.
When the sun sets on Burn Camp, something extraordinary ignites. Gravel Burn is a new way of exploring the limits and connecting with the paths, the people and the land we navigate.
BURN CAMP LIFE
LOCAL FLAVOURS
REGIONAL BREW
FIRESIDE CELEBRATIONS
REFUELING FOR ANOTHER KAROO DAY
MORE LOCAL FLAVOURS
BURN CAMP LIFE
BURN CULTURE
SOMETHING SPECIAL AWAITS
PURE GRAVEL
DROP-BAR BIKES ONLY
The Gravel Burn route has been designed specifically for gravel bikes. When we all ride gravel bikes, it levels the playing field, makes it safer in groups plus we are faster on the open roads. Trust us, the route is pure gravel heaven, and you’ll want the perfect tool for the job.
FEES & REGISTRATION
ENTRIES OPEN 3 DECEMBER
Packages in USD (international) and in ZAR (qualifying South African riders). Pricing to be announced via newsletter.
RACE ENTRY PACKAGE INFO
FROM START GUN TO FINISH LINE
An all-inclusive gravel racing experience awaits, where we take care of:
- 7 nights accommodation in our Burn Camps.
- Single occupancy canvas tents equipped with camping stretcher, mattress, bedside table and lamp (from after stage 1 and including the night after stage 7).
- Burn celebration party after stage 7 at Shamwari Private Game Reserve‘s Amanzi Burn Camp.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner of local Karoo cuisine, starting with lunch after stage 1 and ending with breakfast the morning after the burn celebration party.
- Transport of personal luggage daily between Burn Camps.
- Transport of bike box/bag from registration in Knysna, direct to the finish at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
- Marked race route with full race support services.
- Nutrition at service stations on daily race routes.
- Race medical services on route and in Burn Camps.
- Tech service support on route and in Burn Camps.
- Bike wash and bike park in each Burn Camp.
- (Lots) more to follow…
Additional services and upgrades available for purchase include: pre-event accommodation in Knysna, motor home options, massage, luxury post-event lodge accommodation including safaris at Shamwari, pre- and post event transfers, car shuttle options etc.