Gravel Adventures May-July 2024

There has always been a chit chat about when I am going to get a gravel bike. Especially from Dave a Gearchange. I have never been sure and also looking for a bike option for the long travel events. Everything I looked at was too close to my Trek MTB and not worth the difference.

I then did some riding with some Gravelists while on my MTB and although I just kept up, I quickly realized that I had no chance on the climbs and long open dirt roads. Decision time and went cap-in-hand to Dave and Andrew at Gear Change looking for options.

Gravel bikes are an area where technology is changing so fast with new options every year. I decided to then invest in the latest Trek Checkpoint. Then to go riding!

Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 AXS. Frame Size 56 cm. Cassette SRAM XG-1271(10×44). Chainring 40t. Crank Length 172.5mm. Wheelset Aeolus Pro 3V TLR with Bontrager GR1 700×40 tires.

The Gallows 18 May 2024 – Lords Wines McGregor 119 km, 2300m

My first gravel race and very nervous. Spent the evening in McGregor with burger and beer for supper. An early coffee and start on the dirt and dust. I couldn’t believe the speed where we were averaging over 30 km/hr for the first 50 km. Roadies on their gravel bikes were in their element. Climbing was so much easier and I easily outclimbed the bunch. There were some technical single track type sections where I did well with my MTB skills. Looped back to Lords Wines to be sent on a 9km 700m climb to the mast. The first dirt section went well but the steep tar was a killer! I was definitely looking for smaller gears but managed to get to the top with a few small walks.

Great fun. First race in the bag. As I said, couldn’t believe the speeds. Bike performed beautifully. Pleased.

Rhonda Riebeek 100 miler 1 June – Riebeek Casteel

First gravel 100 miler and again nervous, especially not knowing what to wear for the cold. Coffee and early cold start. As per gravel rules, flat out from the beginning! From the Hermon turn-off found a nice group and 5 of us rode well for most of the way. Did a lot of work but was fun and felt good. Dirt roads ideal for gravel with temp warming up. My average speed of close to 26km/hr was quick compared to MTB so was surprised how fast it went. Bike was perfect on such open gravel roads and country. Burger and beer at the finish and fun day out.

Road to Desolation 13 July – Graaf Reinet 178 km 2760m

This race was booked when looking for things to do with Stu and Amri. Amri chose a tough one. I called it my 8 hour weekend. 8 hour drive up which was stunning with the karoo green after the rains. 8/9 hour ride which was amazing – see comments at the end and 8 hours home.

Ride Comments

Ride Weather: I was really worried about the weather as the Western Cape had storms and snow. It was warmer than expected starting at around 10 deg. In the valleys around 50 km it went down to 4 deg. Thereafter climbed to around 20 deg but cold at the top of the last climb. Into the wind from around 70 km but was comfortable tapping away.

I rode in a group for the first 40 km which is all climbing. I then got left behind by two fast riders and I left the rest of the group behind. I rode the whole ride basically alone, passing some riders on the way. Felt comfortable and good with memories of Desert Dash. It is a beautiful part of the Eastern Cape that I have never seen before. After 100 km they send you into the mountains and here there were definite sections where I would have preferred a mountain bike. Corrugations were hectic and across the whole road so got shaken to bits and little chance of picking up speed. At 170 km they send you on a 7 km mast climb which was hard. I ran out of gears and had to push on a number of occasions. Other than this climb I could work with the gearing.

Winning time was 6h04. I did 9h14 finishing 52 out of 64 finishers (approx 20 DNF).

Loved the ride and the local organizers where there was a definite community feel. stops on the way were perfect and happy support crews. After a beer at the top, putting on warm clothes for a chilly 10 km ride back to Graaf Reinet. After a shower went to the hall for beers, supper and to watch the rugby – which we lost.

Round the Pot – Swellendam 100 Miler 27 July

Concerns about the weather with lots of rain and storms in the Cape. Stayed in Swellendam and registered on the Friday. Morning was clear, chilly and windy but thank goodness no rain. First sections were extremely fast with wind behind us and roads clear other than occasional mud baths from the rain. After Roosterkoek near Malgas at 94 km then headed north directly into strong winds. Was again a lone rider overtaking many stragglers but feeling good. Wanted to get back before the predicted rain around 15h00. Great stunning ride out and felt strong the whole way.

Official time 6h15, 55th out of 146 finishers. So well pleased with burger and beers before riding back to B&B in the rain.

Comments about my Gravel Adventures at this stage

I am loving the gravel experiences, seeing new places, races and adventures. There seems to be a different community feel of riding addicts.

I am enjoying my MTB more – I really am enjoying getting out on my MTB – there seems to be a balance.

The gravel races are very fast, and the lighter bike is perfect. There are times where the lack of suspension is hard on the body such as sections of Road to Desolation.

I am loving my bike and very pleased. I can’t believe the hammering they take. I don’t think the gravel bike is a solution for extreme rides where I think some suspension is required.

I am still learning every day, but it is a lot of fun.

Very lucky.