EXPLORE SA’S ROADS LESS TRAVELLED

WITH AN E-BIKE

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

If you’re a keen cyclist - be it a roadie or a mountain biker - one thing is certain: E-bikes have followed the off-road trend and are making in-roads into the gravel biking scene. And, as avid explorers of the countryside, we are so here for it!

More and more cyclists – especially those doing it recreationally – now have the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of gravel without the grind of long-distance riding.

New bicycle technologies, the thrill of exploring unchartered terrain and a surprising social aspect has caused gravel to gain the perception of being cool.

ENJOY THE RIDE! E-bikes might be new to the cycling scene, but it is undoubtedly here to stay. It’s been constantly growing in popularity and if you have a passion for exploring (especially Gravel roads not only offer exciting adventure, but it also boasts a scenic alternative to experiencing South Africa’s beautiful countryside. That includes areas like Mpumalanga’s majestic vistas, the Garden Route’s greenery, areas off the beaten track) there’s definitely a gravel adventure or two to be had. the Karoo’s vastness, and the Northern Cape’s long open (dirt) roads. With e-bikes, families with a combination of weekend riders, fit riders and novice riders can easily take on the grind of the gravel and ride together without feeling the pressure of trying to keep up. It’s your ticket to biking freedom!

RACING FOR FUN Gravel races have brought versatility to the cycling circuit and interestingly enough, people taking to e-bikes for events like these are on the increase. The challenge of such gravel races is that it can be rather hilly terrain and long distances are often covered. With the help of an e-bike, social riders who still want to do the distance can do that now. Tougher cycling events have therefore become more accessible, offering the less fit rider a ticket into races and longer routes. GRAVELGRINDER TOURS These cycling tours include a series of three-day social gravel road cycling adventures around the beautiful Karoo towns of Prince Albert and Graaff-Reinet. Riders can expect to do about 55-70km per day, with full back-up, luxury accommodation and exciting culinary adventures, including great wines.

Non-rider companions are also welcome on these tours and they have an experienced team that includes buses, trailers, water point teams, sweep vehicles and ER24 medics available throughout the tour.

SWARTBERG 100 GRAN FONDO For those up for a challenge, there is always the Swartberg 100 Gran Fondo race, comprising of 171km. It comes with a 3000m climb, including 79km of gravel in three Sectors. The race passes through Prince Albert, Klaarstroom, De Rust and the Cango Caves, boasting the most beautiful scenery. While it circumnavigates the Swartberg mountain range, it does however include the Swartberg Pass, which is notoriously challenging. Visit: www.swartberg100.com

John Swanepoel, who runs GravelGrinder Tours around the Karoo areas of Prince Albert and the Camdeboo says:

“People have discovered the fun of gravel riding. It’s more accessible than single track and technical mountain biking trails, but don’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.” PANORAMA PEDALS Founded by Lizélle Gubitz, Panorama Pedals offers a combination of gravel and tar road cycling adventures.They take you on journeys through some of South Africa’s most beautiful settings, including a Blyde Canyon Cycling Tour, a Community Cycle Tour in the Welverdiend Village just outside the Kruger National Park, a cycling expedition in the Wolkberg region around Tzaneen, a cycling journey through the subtropical farming area of Letsitele and much more. Visit: www.panoramapedals.com