Roadies and mountain bikers may have been sceptical but it didn’t take long for gravel riding to carve out a unique niche in South African cycling.
Electric bikes (e-bikes) soon followed the off-road trend and are now making inroads into the gravel biking scene, giving more cyclists the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of gravel without the grind of long-distance riding.
Gravel roads provide a scenic, alternative way to experience the countryside around South Africa’s rural towns, and cyclists are using back roads to explore areas in Mpumalanga, the Garden Route, the Karoo and the Northern Cape.
Gravel races have brought versatility to the cycling circuit and the number of e-bikes in gravel events is rapidly growing. The distances and hilly terrain of these events are fine for fit endurance riders but can be daunting for social riders who still want to do the distance. E-bikes have made tougher cycling events accessible, offering the less fit rider a ticket into races and longer routes.
‘People have discovered the fun of gravel riding,’ says John Swanepoel who runs the GravelGrinder Tours around the Karoo areas of Prince Albert and the Camdeboo. ‘It’s more accessible than single track and technical mountain biking trails but doesn’t underestimate gravel. The Swartberg Pass is a gravel road and one of South Africa’s toughest races, the Swartberg 100 Gran Fondo, goes over there.’
E-bikes will always have its haters, but new bicycle technologies have made cycling more accessible, as well as the thrill of exploring uncharted terrain.
E-bikes are giving more riders the opportunity to explore the roads less travelled, and to enjoy the experience of cycling without the sweat. Riders who originally may not have been able to cope with the long gravel distances are now able to join parents, friends or spouses and immerse themselves in the full gravel experience.
Whether you’re a weekend rider, or you’re just not 100% fit, an e-bike gives you an opportunity to ride with friends and family, without feeling the pressure of trying to keep up.
Although a relatively new addition to the cycling scene, its growing popularity seems to suggest that e-bike gravel racing and touring are here to stay. If you have the spirit of exploration and the desire to follow trails off the beaten track, then there’s a gravel adventure waiting for you. If you don’t have the legs for it then an e-bike is your ticket to biking freedom.
E-bike and gravel experiences to Try
GravelGrinder Tours
A series of three-day social cycling adventures on gravel roads around Prince Albert or Graaf Reinet, riding approximately 55-60km per day, with full backup, luxury accommodation and culinary adventures. Non-rider companions are welcome. Visit them here for more information.
Swartberg 100 Gran Fondo
For the more serious rider, the race comprises 171 kilometres and 3000 metres of ascent, including 79 kilometres of gravel in 3 Sectors. Passing through Prince Albert, Klaarstroom, De Rust and Cango Caves, the route circumnavigates the Swartberg mountain range but includes the notoriously difficult Swartberg Pass. Visit them here for more information.
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