Is a gravel road stage race viable?

[Chris NewbyFraser]

Looking at the events calendar one sees an increase in the number of events offering gravel road events, not pure mtb. So....... perhaps it's time for a multi-day event which would have categories for mtb bikes as well as the new range of cyclo-cross machines that are becoming more popular. The route would consist of gravel roads and good farm tracks. Any thoughts?

[NotSoBigBen]

I would be keen for sure!

[jcza]

I heard a rumour its coming...

[Skubarra]

I can see the potential for that. Swellendam 100 this past weekend a good example on a small scale

[DJR]

Definitely a growing trend with  cyclocross type bikes becoming more popular by the day. 

[porqui]

"Plaaspad Klassiek"

[Underachiever]

Yes, please!!!!

[Skinnyone]

I think there is definitely potential for events like this...

 

However I still miss what got me into racing and riding, an event where you rock up, pay your R50 and race...short track xc/cyclocross in a vlei...no big branding, no online entries, no BS just pure racing.

 

The winner takes home half of the kitty from the entries, so the more entries the better - all word of mouth...

[Shebeen]

I think there is definitely potential for events like this...

 

However I still miss what got me into racing and riding, an event where you rock up, pay your R50 and race...short track xc/cyclocross in a vlei...no big branding, no online entries, no BS just pure racing.

 

The winner takes home half of the kitty from the entries, so the more entries the better - all word of mouth...

we do this every second sunday in a secret spot in the boland. I'd give you the youtube channel, but too many hotshots might rock up. plus the winecellar backing it are quite keen to keep it their baby for now.

[Fat Boab]

we do this every second sunday in a secret spot in the boland. I'd give you the youtube channel, but too many hotshots might rock up. plus the winecellar backing it are quite keen to keep it their baby for now.

 

I find it really encouraging that such things take place. People having fun on their bikes....sounds great! Chapeau!

[eddy]

Looking at the events calendar one sees an increase in the number of events offering gravel road events, not pure mtb.

 

. The route would consist of gravel roads and good farm tracks. Any thoughts?

 

 

This is what the original Crater Cruise was. Literally a cruise around the Vredefort Dome crater.

 

The first one was great. Dirt roads all the way, seeing the countryside. a lekker park-off at the halfway mark along the river with a swim encouraged. I seem to recall that they even advertised that you could do it on a road bike.

 

Then the need for it to have single track otherwise it was not a real MTB race started intruding, and because the terrain does not lend itself to it, it just became a k@k MTB slog fest. It lost all of its charm and uniqueness and ultimately it was cancelled this year because of land-access issues.

 

I recon take it back to its roots. A good Gravel cruise without any "hey wow, we found a sandy footpath so we can call it single track" affectation.

 

I'd love it.

[More Wood]

Tour of Ara is already doing it with great success.

[Skubarra]

 A good Gravel cruise without any "hey wow, we found a sandy footpath so we can call it single track" affectation.

 

 

This is so true.

 

Have never done the gravel cruise but I can name a few other dirtroadie races that plugged in some unnecessary sandy footpaths just to add "new single track!" to the posters, spoiled perfectly nice races imho

[pista]

The route would consist of gravel roads and good farm tracks. Any thoughts?

Isn't that what the Cape Epic is all about?

[GLuvsMtb]

Hell and back is very doable on a gravel grinder, so is K2C.

[eddy]

Tour of Ara is already doing it with great success.

 

 

Quite niche though. And my Alpina I built for it got stolen  

 

Swartberg 100 Grand Fondo next April has already got my entry fee in their bank account....