Overberg Gravel Bike Tours

Since the hype called 29er and 650B the world has never been the same. We then got hit with the e-Bike hype and there is no end in sight. Then came the new boy on the block, “Gravel Bike”. Similar to the cycle cross scene in Europe and other parts of the world, but still different. The gravel bike scene in South Africa is picking up speed in great leaps and bounds. We have several mixed bike races in the country. The Karoo Gravel Grinder and Around the Pot 100 miler in Swellendam, in the Overberg area. The main sponsor Chass Everet has recently announced the adding of the only 200Miler race in the country. Another favourite race, and called the Ultimate Race, is the 36One in Oudtshoorn. Although the full distance of 361 kilometres can only be ridden on a mountain bike, the participants may ride the half distance using a gravel bike, starting at the halfway mark. Another great ultra distance, from Bloemfontein to Wellington in the Cape is The Munga. This runs over 5 days and open to all medium of bike. The main criteria are, you have 120 hours to finish!

Until now, the different races have had a mixed field of bicycle types, except races like The Munga and the new Around the Pot 200Miler I think will pull a greater interest from gravel riders. Time will tell as Steve the owner of Cycle Africa is interested in taking part on his newly acquired gravel steed.

With the increase of gravel bike interest, the company has decided to offer several Gravel Bike Tours. These range from a weekend getaway from Cape Town to a 14 day guided  Garden Route Tour, to a 5 day Overberg Meander, the latter starts in Cape Town and ends again in the mother city. All the tours run with a support vehicle who’s drivers and guides are qualified in their field with mechanical skills for those road sided repairs. Should you be interested, please do not hesitate to head on over to the Gravel Bike Tours page and see the options available.

The other new addition on the gravel bike scene in Cape Town is the brand new, out the box Gravel Bike Rentals. Cycle Africa works closely with a reputable bicycle shop in Melkbosstrand. Melkbos Cycles is the number one shop for any purchases, advise and not to mention their highly qualified bike technician.