T whether a gravel bike is the one bike we all need or a third bike only hipsters really want has raged since curly barred trail bikes first emerged in Minnesota in 2012 . It ’ s clearly not just a fad . The USA , which typically leads cycling trends , has restrictive mountain bike trail policies which makes back country roads a natural playground for those who prefer to stay off the tar . Here in SA , the recognised global HQ of mountain biking , we have an abundance of proper technical MTB trails , many custom built by passionate riders .
So why ride a gravel bike some ask ? Well , outside of organised events our tar roads are a lottery with traffic and we do have a massive network of sand roads , many of which traverse wide open , magnificent countryside . The Great Karoo and KZN Midlands are just two examples of magical farmlands that compete with any spaces on the planet for clean air , sunshine , low traffic and oilpainting-like landscapes .
Like most of us cycling fans , I adore mixed surface bike races like the Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix . These visual feasts with long sections on sand roads and pavé stones are the epitome of traditional bike racing . The bike skills , tactical nous and dusty , sometimes bloody , or at least muddy , Belgian waffle faces are what shape road cycling folklore . I guess this image , the name Gran Fondo and the lure of the Karoo is what drew me to our much respected and hyped Swartberg 100 Gran Fondo .
The town of Prince Albert , founded in 1762 , is steeped in history and charm , and is a magic place to spend a race weekend . What ’ s particularly compelling is a magnificent road that leads out of town , zig-zagging its way along a river , through steep red rock cliffs , up and over the massive mountains that form a Karoolight-reflecting backdrop to the tiny hamlet . It ’ s the infamous
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