Any gravel events in FS, KZN, Lim or Mpuma?

[Chris NewbyFraser]

Not everyone wants to only ride technical and demanding mtb single track. Sometimes, a change is a good way to refresh enthusiasm in cycling. Gravel is a suitable alternative that mtb bikes can be equally at home on and provide lots of enjoyment, especially to weekend warriors of dubious fitness.

 

Given the superb network of roads, district and forestry in our country, are any event organisers working on anything for later in the year?

There are some very suitable gravel roads directly north of Villiers (only 100km from Jozi) which can provide varying race distances. KZN has sublime material in the Meander and the Drakensberg foothills,  the Free State almost only has gravel roads (ooops! sorrie Vrystaat) and the Mpumalanga and Limpopo forestry plantations are pure gravel bike heaven and they would not have a lot of Provincial traffic authorities breathing down their necks.

 

At the moment, it seems only the W. Cape have embraced gravel riding but they have gone straight to the extreme, demanding riders ride excess distances.

 

Some events that come to mind, which could include gravel categories would be Seweweeks, Karoo2Coast, Sani2C, Barberton, Mabalingwe, The Hell. The Garden Route surely has prime gravel road options. How about it Dr Evil. Soften your Evil Classic route and include G-bikes.

[milky4130]

100milers but then again on MTB it seems long on a gravel Bike it will seem quick. Make the outing worthwhile since you will ride sections that are private land. K2C is short enough but not a Specific category for it. There is one other PPA event around Cape Town that is short as well 100kms I think Yzerfontein Mtb race.