He has been involved in the Gravel Burn since its inception and has played a pivotal role in shaping the event into what it is today.
The Concept and History of Gravel Burn
The Gravel Burn was first conceived in 2018 by Kevin Vermaak, who had a vision to create a unique and challenging gravel bike event that would push riders to their limits. The event was designed to be a full-service experience, catering to riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced off-road enthusiasts. The inaugural event took place in 2019, and it was an instant success, attracting a diverse range of riders from around the world.
The Route and Terrain
The Gravel Burn route spans an impressive 850km (528mi) across some of the world’s most challenging and inspiring gravel bike terrain. The route takes riders through a variety of landscapes, including rugged mountains, scenic valleys, and picturesque countryside. The terrain is varied, with a mix of smooth gravel roads, technical singletrack, and challenging climbs. Key features of the route include: + Over 20,000 meters of elevation gain + 15,000 meters of descent + 30+ km of singletrack + 100+ km of gravel roads + 5+ km of technical descents
The Event Format
The Gravel Burn is a seven-day event, with riders completing a stage each day.
The event will take place on October 1st and 2nd, 2023, at the Nieuwoudtville Showgrounds in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
The Great Karoo: A Unique Setting for Vermaak’s Gravel Burn
The Great Karoo, a vast and arid region in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, will serve as the backdrop for Vermaak’s Gravel Burn stage race. This unique setting will undoubtedly provide a challenging and thrilling experience for the competitors. The Great Karoo is characterized by its vast expanses of open plains, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation, making it an ideal location for a gravel bike race.
The Benefits of Hosting the Event in the Great Karoo
The Rise of Gravel Gravel Racing
Gravel gravel racing has experienced a significant surge in popularity over the past decade. The sport has evolved from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon, with a growing global community of enthusiasts. This shift can be attributed to the increasing accessibility of gravel bikes and the development of more challenging and varied routes.
Key Factors Contributing to the Growth of Gravel Gravel Racing
Several factors have contributed to the growth of gravel gravel racing:
Riders can expect more event details to be revealed in the second week of February. gravel-burn.com You might also like: