In the world of gravel cycling, where grit meets camaraderie, there’s a names that personifies the spirit of Nedbank Gravel Burn — the “World Famous Salty Balls”. Stephen Salt and Andrew Hodgson — 70 and 65 years old respectively — are friends, adventurers and self-proclaimed weekend warriors. They are taking on the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn, adding another chapter to their storied cycling journey.
How the Name Stuck
It all started with an inside joke. With Salt’s surname leading the way and a well-timed ‘salty balls’ advertisement for chocolate on TV, the duo found themselves with an irreverent moniker that took on a life of its own. But it was in 2008, at the Cape Epic, that announcer Paul Kaye cemented their legacy, booming over the mic as they rode past: “Here come the world famous Salty Balls!” From then on, when introduced simply as *Team Salty Balls*, they would jokingly correct: “Actually, it’s the ‘world famous’ Salty Balls.
From charity rides to stage racing
Stephen and Andrew first met in the 1990s, working for a mining company in England. Their shared love of adventure led them to charity cycling events, raising funds for Mencap (a UK charity that supports people with a learning disability, their families and carers) with rides in India and China. But their appetite for endurance challenges soon pushed them beyond that.
Their first real test came in 2003 with the TransRockies — an ambitious choice for two men who, by their own admission, were woefully underprepared. “We finished, but it was brutal,” they recall. By 2006, they had tackled the TransAlp, slowly building their experience. But it was after their first Cape Epic in 2008 that the South African mountain bike stage race became their primary focus. “It was the last edition that started in Knysna — kind of ironic, because that was more of a gravel race than mountain biking in many ways. ” They went on to complete seven editions of the Epic, drawn to its exceptional organisation and world-class experience.
A New Challenge: Nedbank Gravel Burn
Nedbank Gravel Burn is set pave the way for the next generation of stage races, yet there’s an element of nostalgia to the inaugural edition. “The first event starts in Knysna — it’s a full circle in some ways.” While mountain bike stage races are commonly two-person team events, Gravel Burn is a solo race. But Stephen and Andrew are inseparable in adventure. *“We’ll travel together, share the experience, laugh together and suffer together, as we’ve always done.”
Nedbank Gravel Burn is about immersion — traversing untouched regions of South Africa, from the lush forests of Knysna to the rugged, remote landscapes of the Great Karoo and onto the African Bushveld where riders will meet the Big 5. Riders will stay in purpose-built Burn Camps, where 20 or so tents are arranged in intimate semi-circles around a communal fire, fostering friendships over hearty meals and local storytelling.
For Stephen, this is part of what makes the race special. “The Burn Camps sounds great—whether you’re racing for a podium or just soaking up the atmosphere, we’ll all be together, sharing a joke and a drink at the end of the day.”
Training and Preparation
Even with decades of experience, the World Famous Salty Balls know that preparation is key. “For the Epic, we were training in ski gloves through winter,” Andrew laughs. “At least this time, we get to train in the summer.”
Their excitement is palpable. The race will take them to places few get to see — deep into the Eastern Cape and the Karoo’s hidden corners. “We love South Africa. This is an opportunity to ride through landscapes we’d never otherwise experience.”
From their first ill-prepared foray into stage racing to becoming part of the fabric of the sport, Stephen Salt and Andrew Hodgson have done it all with humour, heart and an unbreakable bond. The World Famous Salty Balls are ready again to share their next great adventure.