WHAT WE’ RE BUILDING
A key mission at Nedbank Gravel Burn is to build lasting infrastructure and bring newfound opportunities to remote rural communities. the land and their collective vision for the future of the region. Nedbank Gravel Burn soon transformed from a new idea into a shared endeavour; a race“ owned” by every individual whose paths and hearts it will touch.
AS PART OF ITS SEVEN-DAY 800-KILOMETRE JOURNEY across remote roads, Nedbank Gravel Burn presents a unique opportunity to spotlight often-overlooked regions of South Africa; landscapes of raw, untamed beauty and communities defined by their warmth and hospitality.
A key goal is to ensure that the race’ s impact extends far beyond a single week in October. This means investing deeply, not only in route planning and race logistics, but in building real infrastructure and leaving something enduring behind. At the helm of this mission is Nedbank Gravel Burn Logistics Director Richard McMartin, whose work on the ground reflects the spirit of exploration, trust-building and genuine collaboration.
INTO THE UNKNOWN
Richard remembers his initial journeys into the recce a year ago has been transformed into a lush, expansive lesser known reaches of the Eastern Cape, when field, ready to welcome riders after a demanding opening stage. the Nedbank Gravel Burn was just a dream a When the race heads north into the Great Karoo, a productive long way up an unpaved road. In the beginning, there was a sense of excitement mixed pasture will be left behind for livestock.
with uncertainty.“ We weren’ t entirely sure School spirit In Willowmore, riders will be greeted with infectious how the local farmers and communities enthusiasm by local school children, turning the finish line into a would react to strangers arriving with festive event. The finish line meal is a community feast, a collective bold ideas of a gravel race. We were effort that brings together the best local flavours, carefully sourced stepping into uncharted territory.” from across the town. From Willowmore, riders transfer by bus to Graaff
Those uncertainties quickly dis-
Reinet, where Richard has formed a partnership with the legendary Union
solved into warm welcomes and a sense of calm about the future of the race. The enthusiastic response from the farming communities was deeply rooted in their pride for perform their school war cries.
BUILT TO LAST
Each location along the Nedbank Gravel Burn route tells a unique story about community, engagement and making meaningful change, the core ethos of the week-long race. At each venue, the race has aimed to revive or invigorate the surroundings.
Avontuur endeavours Stage 1 culminates with a climb up the historic Prince Alfred Pass, followed by a descent into Avontuur – home to the Zondaghs, a 10th-generation farming family. Matthew and his family generously offered a piece of land, an old apple orchard that has long struggled below the frost line, for the site of the first-ever Burn Camp. Through a collaborative effort, the bare ground that greeted Richard and the team on their first
High School. The aim is two-fold: to contribute towards legacy school builds that will benefit the school for years to come, and to provide an opportunity for the children to interact with riders from around the world. On leaving Graaff Reinet, riders’ resolve will be lifted by an unforgettable sendoff as around 1 200 learners from Union and neighbouring Volkskool proudly
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