The inaugural Nedbank GRAVEL BURN wasn’t on my to-do list this year…
But things happen fast. And the opportunity presents itself you have to take it with both arms. So when I saw a half-price entry with all the bells and whistles and hotel upgrades and bike service packages included on Bikehub, I grabbed it. Just 2 days before the start! Which meant I quickly had to get a gravel bike service, as the Diverge has been hanging in the garage ever since the 1200km AUDAX which was 6 months ago. And packing was quick and easy, as we are quite use to this by now. Chris was already entered long before. And when we did karoo2coast earlier this year and he cycled with Kevin Vermaak for a long while discussing the event, I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be on the start line. But it just so happens. And off we went. Knysna here we come!
What is the Nedbank GRAVEL BURN?
A new event by Kevin Vermaak, founder of the EPIC, 20 years on. Also starting in Knysna, but then travelling inland, to eventually finish at Shamwari big five game lodge in the Eastern Cape. Everyone talked about Champagne gravel, but some of the routes should have been classified as STROH RUM gravel. 80% proof. You cover 800kms with 11000 vertical meters over 7 days into the vast open expanse that is the karoo and it is pure bliss.
On everyones lips: how does the Nedbank GRAVEL BURN compare to the ABSA Cape EPIC?
Well other than the obvious: the one has a red title sponsor and the other has a green title sponsor, yes there are more than subtle differences. The EPIC is streamlined with its race villages in that you spend a few days on the same spot. Whereas the Nedbank GRAVEL BURN is a travelling adventure, so much so that you even got transported from Willowmore to the jewel of Graaff-Reinet. And the sheer scale of the organization is something to behold. Rumors are that there are 2 staff members per rider. Let that sink in. Other obvious differences include gravel bikes vs MTB’s and solo vs teams of 2.
Check out the cool marketing video from Specialized after the 1st edition of the Nedbank GRAVEL BURN:
Will I do it again?
Yes off course I haven’t said no a cycling event yet! BUT here comes the trick question… If I had to choose only one of either the EPIC or the GRAVEL BURN, (capital is not an infinite resource), which one will it be? For me, the EPIC. Simply because I love the (A) teamwork, (B) mountain-biking, and (C) scale of the event. The Nedbank GRAVEL BURN is an awesome, must-do bucket-list ride if you haven’t done it before. But now that I have, I still pick Kevin’s first baby. And speaking of baby’s it was awesome to see him walking around and observing and smiling all well during the GRAVEL BURN, because he had a lot smile about. Especially after Nedbank’s commitment during the final prize giving.
Off to the Nedbank GRAVEL BURN?
Let us send your bicycle there. No bicycle gets left behind…
