Gravel riding is more than a test of endurance. It is a journey that strips away distractions and leaves you with nothing but the crunch of tyres on dirt, your breath and the people riding beside you. South Africa got to experience this spirit first-hand at the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn, powered by Kindred by Gravel.
The event has already made its mark as the country’s first gravel race of its kind. It brings together riders who value connection as much as competition.
A Race Built on Camaraderie
Nedbank introduced its Kindred by Gravel philosophy to give the race a deeper purpose. The idea is simple. Every ride is shaped by the people you share it with. The stories unfold between climbs and the grit that builds when the journey gets tough.
“Gravel riding is more than a test of endurance. It is about the connections and shared experiences along the way,” says Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank. “Through Kindred by Gravel, we are proud to support South Africa’s first Nedbank Gravel Burn. This enables riders to push their limits while celebrating the people and places that make every ride meaningful.”
READ MORE: Tried & Tested: Trek Madone SL 5 Gen 8 The Fastest Road Bike Yet
The Garden Route Sets the Scene
The race unfolded along the breathtaking Garden Route and took riders on an 800 km journey. It blends endurance with raw exploration. The route moved through untamed roads, natural beauty, and wide open landscapes that pushed riders both mentally and physically.
South Africa’s terrain delivered exactly what gravel riding is known for. Grit. Glory. Silence. And scenery that rewards every tough kilometre with something unforgettable.
READ MORE: Here’s How Taking Up Cycling Helped This Journalist Lose 38kgs
More Than a Race
Kindred by Gravel shaped the energy of the event. Riders were reminded that even in moments of solitude, no one truly rides alone. Each pedal stroke became part of a shared story of resilience and discovery.
For Nedbank, this philosophy reflects what the bank aims to do in the real world. Be the bridge between people, passion, and possibility. Just as riders rely on each other to reach the next horizon, Nedbank aims to support the ambitions and communities that move the country forward.
For more information about the Nedbank Gravel Burn, visit gravel-burn.com.
