GRAVEL BURN: 7 DAYS OF PURE AFRICAN GRAVEL
10 years ago our African adventure started with a strong ASSOSxOPEN Team that was participating in the legendary Cape Epic Mountain Bike race. Now the founder of the Cape Epic is back, with Gravel Burn! And we are there right along with him.
When Assos called us up 10 years ago and asked us if we want to join forces for the toughest mountain bike race - the Cape Epic, it was a non brainer. Daniele Nardello and Luca Zanasca, two ex-pros working for Assos, were screaming for a super light weapon to win that race. Back then we had our first generation OPEN 1.0 hardtail frame, the lightest frame in the world, yet super comfortable and with integrated cables (hard to believe that was unheard of back then!). It was a tough race with a mix of hot and cold, dry and wet and in the end the team came third if I remember right.
We had another team winning the mixed category. It was an event I will never forget. As the name says it was epic!!!
Now you can suffer again in South Africa - but on your gravel bike
Kevin Vermaak, the founder of the Cape Epic, is the man behind the new 7-day stage race in South Africa called the Gravel Burn. And as a "founding friend", OPEN is right there along with him.
Gravel Burn is 850km full-service stage race through South Africa's diverse landscapes. Starting in coastal forests, the route heads into the breathtaking Great Karoo - a famously vast, semi-desert region. Riders rest each night in remote camps under star-filled skies and, on the final day, are greeted by Africa's iconic Big 5 wildlife.
Registration starts December 3rd. It might be sold out on the same day. More info here.
That looks like a 'new' classic event - It is on my list - Hopefully, I'll be there in 2025! One day we will see an event like this in Australia!
Hope to see you there! If i can find the time. Long way to go to ride a long way
I've always wanted to do the Cape Epic but it just never happened (life gets in the way). But this looks awesome, 2025 will be the year!!!! Hoping to see many other OPEN riders there!