NEW HORIZONS
GRAVEL ISN’ T A TREND
For the Nedbank Gravel Burn team, gravel goes way beyond the hype. It’ s what’ s next. What’ s coming round the corner A great stage race should surprise the rider. It evolves. and what riders and event organisers can expect to see The terrain tests them. The wind may howl, the sun more of in the future. The bikes are better, the barriers burn, and the cold bite, but by leaning into this, riders find are lower, and the vibe is open. something profound: clarity, presence and peace.
“ It brings more people into cycling and that’ s a win for all of us,” says Kevin.“ We’ re not trying to THE BURN CAMPS copy and paste the past. We are here to build the The riding is only part of the story. What makes the Nedbank next big thing. I wouldn’ t be doing this if I didn’ t Gravel Burn truly different is what happens after the wheels stop believe the Nedbank Gravel Burn could become turning – how the Karoo days transform into Karoo nights, and how something exceptional, not just for me, but for the riders transform from foes on the road to friends around the fire, our team and, of course, riders everywhere.” from fighting for position to sharing the fare and their stories. The race will move perceptions from daytime rivalry to nighttime revelry.
FROM COAST TO KAROO
Each evening, riders will gather in Burn Camps, where the focus shifts Designing the event’ s inaugural route to firelight and friends. This is intended as a time to share stories, not was part science, part instinct. Riders only of the day’ s endeavours but also of the history, geology, archaeology, will move from Knysna’ s rocky coast astronomy and the flora and fauna of the region. deep into the quiet, arid reaches of“ To say we are offering a premium or a luxury experience is selling it short. the Karoo, then into pure, African wildlife country. In the forests and semi-desert, alongside the gravel tracks, lie the ancient remains of
We’ re shooting for the stars and going for unforgettable,” says Kevin. Indeed, the Nedbank Gravel Burn is offering something deeper than luxury. This is a premium adventure. Riders will stay in tents that allow occupants to sleep comfortably and stand up straight. World-class meals will fuel the week ahead. beasts that have been‘ resting’ Ready to assist will be mechanics who understand the demands of gravel on a bike. A for millions of years. Riders crew that understands deeply that this isn’ t just a race, it’ s memories in the making, are travel forward yet back ready to support riders. Every part of the event that the rider touches has been thought through time. through to ensure they’ re connected to the Karoo experience.
16 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN