Towards the end of June 2025, I was offered the opportunity to take part in South Africa’s inaugural 7-day gravel biking stage race, the Nedbank Gravel Burn. And while I’d never done gravel biking or even owned a gravel bike, I just knew that this would be an incredible opportunity – not only to immerse myself in parts of our country that most South Africans never see, but to be a part of something new and exciting in the world of cycling.
I also love a new fitness goal (what Women’s Health gal doesn’t?). So, of course, I said yes.
READ MORE: Nedbank Powers South Africa’s First Gravel Burn With Kindred By Gravel
What To Know Before You Ride
The Nedbank Gravel Burn covers 800 km over seven days, with more than 11 000m of climbing. Starting in Knysna and finishing in Shamwari, riders experience South Africa’s coastal forests, Karoo plains and mountain passes. That’s all while camping together each night at “Burn Camps” designed for connection and recovery.
What Is Gravel Biking?
Gravel biking is a fairly new sport in South Africa, having gained recent momentum post-pandemic. The development of the first purpose-built modern gravel bikes in the early 2010s created a new category of bicycle, specifically designed for mixed-terrain riding.
Some of the reasons behind the surge in popularity include accessibility and versatility: gravel bikes can be ridden on and off-road and combine the distance and speed of road cycling with the adventurous spirit of mountain biking.
Inside The Nedbank Gravel Burn Route
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 800km full-service gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse Western and Eastern Cape landscapes. Starting in the coastal forests of Knysna, the route heads inland, into the breathtaking Great Karoo – a vast, semi-desert region known for frigid nights, scorching days and the infamous “Karoo Hairdryer” wind.
Each stage took us through a series of raw, wild, rural landscapes, ending in “Burn Camps” where we slept in canvas tents arranged in semi-circles around fires. Central to this design ethos was the encouragement of connection between riders.
The route took us through remote villages and oft-forgotten small towns, like Avontuur, Uniondale, Willowmore, Nieu Bethesda, Alicedale and Nxuba. But as our moving-circus of a camp filled and inhabited these places, there was a true sense of community upliftment and connection with these frequently overlooked places.
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On the Queen Stage, day 6 (145km with over 1 900m of elevation, according to my Strava), we rode through Somerset East and the Golden Valley near Cookhouse and I have to admit, I had no idea that the Eastern Cape landscape was so mountainous and so beautiful. I was truly in awe of the landscape, which served as a great distraction from the rain and hailstones.
On the final day, day 7, we crossed through rivers, ending up in the glorious Big-5 game reserve of Shamwari. We climbed over 11 000m in elevation and I finished, elated, with a very full heart and very tired legs.
“We suffered together and congratulated each other on our efforts.”
The Power Of Community
What blew my mind about this event was the spirit of community, not only among riders, but the communities we passed through. I had conversations with strangers out in the Karoo desert that truly moved me. We suffered together and congratulated each other on our efforts. We propped each other up throughout.
On the bike, CEOs, founders, execs, sportswomen and first-timers all cycled together side-by-side. This challenging effort equalised everyone and the shared challenge helped build bonds deeper than any networking room ever could.
In one breath, I’d be talking to heroes of mine, like Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Hayley Preen and in another, sharing coffee and stories with the Nedbank development riders.
This sense of connection and community really echoed Nedbank’s “Kindred by Gravel” messaging.
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Nedbank Gravel Burn Race Stats
- Day 1: Knysna → Avontuur – 83km | 2 078m elevation
- Day 2: Avontuur → Willowmore – 106km | 1 425m elevation
- Day 3: Graaff Reinet → Blaauwater – 90km | 1 487m elevation
- Day 4: Blaauwater Loop (including Nieu Bethesda) – 112km | 1 637m elevation
- Day 5: Blaauwater → Merino – 142km | 1 661m elevation
- Day 6: Merino → Gwanishi – 145km | 1 943m elevation
- Day 7: Gwanishi → Shamwari – 113km | 1 364m elevation
*Data according to Amy’s tracking device: Hammerhead Karoo 2 and Strava.
Calories Amy Burned At Nedbank Gravel Burn:
- Day 1: 2 835 calories
- Day 2: 2 369 calories
- Day 3: 2 403 calories
- Day 4: 2 435 calories
- Day 5: 2 836 calories
- Day 6: 2 702 calories
- Day 7: 2 378calories
= 17 958 total calories
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is The Nedbank Gravel Burn?
The Nedbank Gravel Burn is a seven-day gravel stage race covering around 800km of mixed terrain across South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape. Riders climb more than 11 000m in total elevation, tackling a blend of dirt roads, farm tracks and scenic passes designed to test endurance and mindset alike.
Where Does It Start And Finish?
The race starts in Knysna on the Garden Route and travels through a string of small towns – including Avontuur, Willowmore, Graaff-Reinet, Nieu Bethesda and Alicedale – before finishing inside Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Each stage ends in a “Burn Camp”, where riders refuel, shower and share stories around the fire.
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What Kind Of Bike Do You Need?
This is a gravel-bike only event (have a look at the equipment regulations here). Gravel bikes might look similar to road bikes, but they have thicker wheels and a slightly different geometry with vibration dampening frames, which make them ideal for long days on mixed surfaces. Some gravel bikes, like the Specialized Diverge STR Comp, which Amy rode, have a small bit of specially designed suspension in the front and back for added comfort over rough terrain.
The terrain at Gravel Burn ranges from Champagne gravel to technical, rocky, sandy and potentially muddy. It’s recommended to have wheels 45+ for comfort, but of course this is a personal choice and the racing snakes might still opt for skinnier, firmer tyres.
Before You Sign Up
- Expect seven consecutive days of long-distance gravel riding.
- Accommodation is tented and communal, with catering and hot showers provided at each Burn Camp.
- Be ready for mixed terrain, shifting weather and back-to-back endurance stages.
- A solid fitness base and some off-road experience will make the ride far more enjoyable.
- Bring a strong sense of adventure and community – the event is as much about connection as it is about competition.
If you’re looking for a challenge that builds both fitness and friendships, the Nedbank Gravel Burn will leave you stronger – and a little dustier – than you’ve ever been. Find out more at gravel-burn.com.
Words: Amy Hopkins
**WH Partnership
