Gravel burn 2025

[dave303e]

I think a lot of major events are dropping off because people just can't afford the exorbitant entry fees. I literally went overseas to do a race partly because it was cheaper than doing local events.

 

I do think we have a great opportunity for gravel here, we certainly have plenty of gravel roads in varying conditions.
 

I am glad they have put in the effort and I hope it gains the notoriety of Epic, I just hope it doesn't go down the road where it is out of reach for the average salary mtb rider...

[Headshot]

10 minutes ago, dave303e said:

I think a lot of major events are dropping off because people just can't afford the exorbitant entry fees. I literally went overseas to do a race partly because it was cheaper than doing local events.

 

I do think we have a great opportunity for gravel here, we certainly have plenty of gravel roads in varying conditions.
 

I am glad they have put in the effort and I hope it gains the notoriety of Epic, I just hope it doesn't go down the road where it is out of reach for the average salary mtb rider...

At R54k isn't it already?

[Rowl]

41 minutes ago, Shebeen said:

scanning through the punters list there some big names down there. including Doug Ryder (assume he's the one from ned) and his boss Ivan Glasenberg. Must have played a part in Pidcock coming to play.

 

Back of the matchbox shows me the bulk of the entries are between 40-55, follow the money. I next want to know what bike all these riders are on...

[HdB]

33 minutes ago, Headshot said:

At R54k isn't it already?

Not much less than the cost of my brand new bike... what filter would one select in the "MTB Rider Salary" Excel sheet, for the average to be able to spend over R50k on the entry fee for one multiday event?

Sigh, I need to win the lottery or something 😂

Side note - I see the Dr Evil Experience has also been cancelled for this year, due to low numbers.
 

[Headshot]

4 minutes ago, HdB said:

Not much less than the cost of my brand new bike... what filter would one select in the "MTB Rider Salary" Excel sheet, for the average to be able to spend over R50k on the entry fee for one multiday event?

Sigh, I need to win the lottery or something 😂

Side note - I see the Dr Evil Experience has also been cancelled for this year, due to low numbers.
 

I'm in your boat. My wife and I are going to do our first event for years - Eselfontein at R3600 for both of us. Its not comparable to the GB but at least there are a few events like this that are still affordable.

[DieselnDust]

1 hour ago, dave303e said:

I think a lot of major events are dropping off because people just can't afford the exorbitant entry fees. I literally went overseas to do a race partly because it was cheaper than doing local events.

 

I do think we have a great opportunity for gravel here, we certainly have plenty of gravel roads in varying conditions.
 

I am glad they have put in the effort and I hope it gains the notoriety of Epic, I just hope it doesn't go down the road where it is out of reach for the average salary mtb rider...

too late mate, it started out beyond the averge MTB'er. I see the usual media and influencers in the field so expect lots of instagram feed

[dave303e]

at least Freedom challenge has released an awesome tough gravel bike packing version of Freedom challenge at a really competitive price for next year...

[Headshot]

20 hours ago, dave303e said:

at least Freedom challenge has released an awesome tough gravel bike packing version of Freedom challenge at a really competitive price for next year...

Okay, so now the FC thinks you need to pay them to go bike packing? What do they provide?

[Dusty]

9 minutes ago, Headshot said:

Okay, so now the FC thinks you need to pay them to go bike packing? What do they provide?

 

Entry Fee covers

•Live satellite tracking during competition including tracker and batteries •Pre-race dinner •Pre-race breakfast •Food and basic accommodation at 3 interim checkpoints •Race office support whilst in competition •Organization of emergency evacuation •Event T-shirt and Cap •Access to all professional event photos and videos •Finishers trophy

 

Pretty standard for all the international bikepacking races I have done and at a similar cost.

Edited October 10, 2025 by Dusty
Addition

[PhilipV]

On 10/8/2025 at 11:25 PM, Stephan said:

Mountain biking has never been more popular. There are now more events than ever before. M

You must have missed racing in the early 2000s. 

On 10/9/2025 at 8:23 AM, Shebeen said:

100% mtb racing has got harder to organise legally, land owners are not so keen. 

 

Gravel, on the other hand must be the only race category on the up. Growth of options year on year. Kind of fits between the two for road access too, uses low volume district road. 

True. Also, I think gravel races are cannabalising road and mtb entries. 
most of the MTB races in the heyday were gravel races anyway. 

[the_roadie]

I see there is an entry up for sale if anyone is still looking: https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/event-entries/855433/gravel-burn-2025-entry-for-sale

[droo]

On 10/10/2025 at 12:35 PM, PhilipV said:

most of the MTB races in the heyday were gravel races anyway. 

Shots fired!

(Not even remotely inaccurate though)

[Baracuda]

On 10/10/2025 at 12:35 PM, PhilipV said:

most of the MTB races in the heyday were gravel races anyway. 

Yip. SA mtb races with stages over 100km, but most competitors can't handle a 1m drop-off. It struck me the first time I rode overseas in New Zealand where the focus is on skills on single track, ramps etc. 12 year old girls with more bike handling skills than 90% of the guys that finish the Epic. 

Edited October 14, 2025 by Baracuda

[betaboy]

On 10/10/2025 at 12:35 PM, PhilipV said:

You must have missed racing in the early 2000s. 

True. Also, I think gravel races are cannabalising road and mtb entries. 
most of the MTB races in the heyday were gravel races anyway. 

Yet… gravel isn’t officially even recognised on the SA cycling website a  bunch of clowns! We can get a worlds jersey without them. True fact.✔️💪🏻

[betaboy]

I think the first edition should have given locals riders a fair price… after all it was “us” who built the Epic Empire! 
Then I hear the route designer saying .. this event is for everyone! LOL. Yeah bra’ you keep smoking that peace pipe!

Edited October 14, 2025 by betaboy
Spelling police pulled

[Bub Marley]

1 hour ago, betaboy said:

I think the first edition should have given locals riders a fair price… after all it was “us” who built the Epic Empire! 
Then I hear the route designer saying .. this event is for everyone! LOL. Yeah bra’ you keep smoking that peace pipe!

I would need to get it sponsored. Honestly cant justify spending over 50k from my own pocket for a cycling race. 

 

Honestly, wouldnt surprise me if most of the entries are gobbled up by corporates in the next few years