# Gravel Burn 2026: who’s in, where are you traveling from, tips and tricks? **URL:** \ **Category:** Riding\ **Tags:** gravel, events\ **Created:** [June 21, 2026, 7:14am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621 "2026-06-21T07:14:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2026, 7:14am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/1 "2026-06-21T07:14:39Z")
G’day from Down Under. First post here; I have no idea if I’ll get this right, or get replies, or even get interaction. Gravel Burn 2025 looked great. I’m entered for the 2026 second running of the event. I’d like to hear from people traveling to the event from overseas, hear from people that rode ‘25 for do’s and don’ts, maybe hear from locals experienced in the areas the course will take us, travel plans etc. There may be a ‘26 topic posted already, but I can’t find it. Who’s IN? ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 10:04pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/2 "2026-06-29T22:04:59Z")
So, as everyone is absolutely RUSHING\* to contribute here, I’ll prod the fire to see if we can get a convo’ going. Did you race ‘25? Did you go to the fast XC MTB tyres or wish you had? Did you get a VPN or similar for your phone/internets needs or just log in at the event HQ? These and many more questions… \*sarcasm ---
**Author:** ![Andrew\_Neal](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/andrew_neal/32/10054_2.png) [@Andrew\_Neal](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Andrew_Neal)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 6:38am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/3 "2026-06-30T06:38:10Z")
Sorry for the lack of replies. Try these two threads on the biggest South African website for some ideas; Gravel Burn [https://forum.bikehub.co.za/topic/196954-gravel-burn-2025/#comment-3975002](https://forum.bikehub.co.za/topic/196954-gravel-burn-2025/#comment-3975002) Competitor race - Garden Route Giro [https://forum.bikehub.co.za/topic/199516-garden-route-giro-2026/#comments](https://forum.bikehub.co.za/topic/199516-garden-route-giro-2026/#comments) Also look up Kevin Benkenstein on Instagram / FB - he’s one of the most experienced gravel racers who has come back from ultra events including your Race to the Rock, to “shorter” stuff. He obsesses about bikes and setups for races - sure he did a recap on what worked well and what he’d change for Gravel Burn. I think he raced a Stigmata with a suspension fork and 2.1 tires and was generally of the mind that it was the ideal setup. Your biggest challenge on any stage race of that duration is not getting sick and making sure that your gut can handle days of hi carbs. Start practicing borderline psychotic hygiene before you leave home and continue throughout race - washing hands often, conscious of water / where it comes from, mask on the plane, possibly antibacterial throat spray and gel in your nostrils when flying etc etc ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/4 "2026-07-01T20:43:17Z")
There we go: good advice! Thanks mate! ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/5 "2026-07-01T20:44:06Z")
Any Aussies returning/first timing GB2026? ---
**Author:** ![wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/wade_wallace/32/4350_2.png) [@wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/wade_wallace)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 12:16am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/6 "2026-07-02T00:16:52Z")
Hey @Jayson_Clarke , I totally missed this but thrilled you posted it and I found it. I did Gravel Burn last year and it was the best event I’ve ever experienced. I fear that going back again will never compare and there’s always a danger of trying to repeat something like this, but I just couldn’t stay away. If you haven’t seen it, I wrote about it here: > **[Seven days in the Karoo: Inside the inaugural Gravel Burn](https://escapecollective.com/seven-days-in-the-karoo-inside-the-inaugural-gravel-burn/)** > > A reminder of why suffering on a bike still matters Also, on the Geek Warning podcast myself and Kevin Benkenstein (aka Benky) speak about the tech required for the race as well: > **[Geek Warning: A big factory tour and Gravel Burn tech](https://escapecollective.com/geek-warning-a-big-factory-tour-and-gravel-burn-tech/)** > > Ultra-racer Kevin Benkenstein and mechanic Brad Copeland return to the pod. A few tips off the top of my head: - Use 50mm tires (or even 2.2’s if you can fit them). The course can get extremely rough and run them as low as you can go. - Don’t worry about a mullet set-up or anything like that. Standard gearing I found to be fine (I used XPLR Force with 40T chainring, and a 10-46T cassette) - My big regret from last year was not staying around for a safari in Shamwari. We’re gonna stay for an extra day this time around. Logistics look to get complicated and expensive for any longer though. - No VPN or anything needed for internet access. The organiser had good internet on site and you just use your wifi to connect. I also bought an eSIM, but didn’t use it much as the remote places had no coverage. Let me know if you have any specific questions! ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 2:41am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/7 "2026-07-02T02:41:49Z")
Thanks @wade_wallace ! I heard that podcast with Benky; I’ve already implemented some ideas he mentioned! So, you’re doing it again this year? I’ll look forward to saying g’day if you do! I’ve got a new Diverge Pro, so 2.2’s can be fitted. I’ve got 50mm on currently; wasn’t sure if I needed to go bigger, but it sounds like it’s a goer. I was a bit worried 2.2’s would be too slow on the longer road/smooth stuff, but I’ve got FastTraks so they should be fine. ---
**Author:** ![wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/wade_wallace/32/4350_2.png) [@wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/wade_wallace)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 3:04am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/8 "2026-07-02T03:04:26Z")
Yeah, I’d go with 2.2’s if I could but I don’t have the clearance. I haven’t taken a close look at the course yet, but last year there was a stage where 80km of it was on the road (a very welcome relief!) and it was very fast getting sucked along with the bunch, so you’ll be fine. The remaining 50km a was rough as, so you ll be happy with the 2.2’s! ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 9:10pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/9 "2026-07-02T21:10:52Z")
One thing as an Aussie I’ll be looking in to is bike clean up post race to keep the customs and agriculture teams happy. Another question would be vaccine shots required for the area. I can’t find much info on that stuff. Clean water is also a bit of a concern of mine; nothing worse than an upset stomach. Maybe some water purification tablets for anything other than sealed bottles? Cape Epic was always a hive of sickness in the food hall etc, but I’m hoping the small size of GB means we’re slightly less likely to get sick. The earlier post about hand hygiene is a good one! ---
**Author:** ![wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/wade_wallace/32/4350_2.png) [@wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/wade_wallace)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2026, 3:26am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/10 "2026-07-05T03:26:03Z")
In terms of bike clean up, nothing to worry about there. The team does amazing bike washes after every stage and not just a pressure wash job. In terms of illness, yes it can be a thing. The race organisers do a very thorough job at testing food and water samples (same with Cape Epic) and I’m not sure illness can be avoided. They’re also very diligent with making sure everyone has hand sanitizer before meals. I got sick during Cape Epic one year and I didn’t even enter the race village. One more thing i thought of: bring a few spare brake pads, a chain, tyre and any other consumables. Not because they won’t have them. Just more because they may run out and it’s quite costly if there’s a rainy day and 500 people need brake pads all at the same time. ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2026, 5:12am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/11 "2026-07-07T05:12:07Z")
Yep, I’ve already planned on a second chain, prewaxed, and new brake pads. I was debating bringing a spare tyre, but I think I will. Not sure how many plugs and CO2’s people went through last year, but we are only allowed to fly from Oz with three canisters, so I may need to get some more at the SA end. ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2026, 5:13am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/12 "2026-07-07T05:13:40Z")
The race departs from Graaff Reinet, yes? Is there a bike shop there? I haven’t googled it yet, but it would be good to get a local’s input on this… ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/13 "2026-07-27T20:09:43Z")
![IMG_5908](https://community.escapecollective.com/uploads/default/original/2X/5/574b2c04b36e360076f1f4928e287673ae865081.jpeg)This is My chosen ride for Gravel Burn ‘26. Not much left to sort that’s obvious. Some SRAM Blips coming for under the ‘bar tops, but this is essentially the way I’ll be going to S.A. ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2026, 3:30am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/14 "2026-08-10T03:30:07Z")
At this point in time the only athlete I know of that rode last years’ event @wade_wallace is in this discussion. Anyone else care to join in? Weather is one more question for me; last years first stage rainfest has me wondering what rain jacket to pack, and there seemed to be some positively FREEZING morning starts that has me doubting the suggested temp’ range from the organisers. Also: is there a sign on sheet of confirmed racers so we can fanboy out a bit? I hear the GOAT is in attendance this year… ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 4:02am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/15 "2026-09-09T04:02:27Z")
So this thread is basically dead. The GOAT is injured so unlikely attend, but I’m still frothing for this. See ya there if you’re going. ---
**Author:** ![wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/wade_wallace/32/4350_2.png) [@wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/wade_wallace)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 6:59am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/16 "2026-09-09T06:59:18Z")
The Karoo can definitely get cold at night. The one thing I’ll change this year is that I’ll bring a warmer down-filled jacket for mornings and evenings. A warmer sleeping bag as well. I brought a short sleeve ‘gabba’ jersey (Sportful’s version) that was perfect for that first rainy day of racing (and I’ll do so again). It was cold in the mornings which was a bit uncomfortable on the startline, but you warmed up quickly and at most a light wind jacket that you could tuck away was needed. A light rain jacket is also something you’ll want to bring, but I don’t think preparing for Alpine weather is necessary. Who is the GOAT that is injured and not attending? I wasn’t across that one… ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 12:31am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/17 "2026-09-10T00:31:44Z")
@wade_wallace Nino. Apparently he had a big off riding weird little tourist bikes with his kids! Good tips on clothing and gear! Thanks mate’ ---
**Author:** ![wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/wade_wallace/32/4350_2.png) [@wade\_wallace](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/wade_wallace)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 4:19am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/18 "2026-09-10T04:19:26Z")
Ah bugger - it would have been great to have Nino there. The fantastic thing about this race is that it’s easy and natural to mingle with everyone on the same level in the afternoons or dinner over a frothy. ---
**Author:** ![Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jayson_clarke/32/9499_2.png) [@Jayson\_Clarke](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jayson_Clarke)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/19 "2026-09-14T20:32:18Z")
I can’t see Nino making it, but here’s hoping. I don’t know if there’s a sign on list to see yet, but I figure there will be a bunch of great people to chat with post stages, from world level stars to basic people like me. ---
**Author:** ![George\_Mills](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/george_mills/32/13425_2.png) [@George\_Mills](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/George_Mills)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2026, 9:54am UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621/20 "2026-10-05T09:54:05Z")
Came to this post quite late - am travelling over with 3 friends all of us doing Gravel Burn. A mix of abilities from one guy wanting an age group podium to the rest of us just looking to finish. Can’t wait! Thanks for the tips on gear - feels like the “to buy” list is endless! See you there! [Next page](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/gravel-burn-2026-who-s-in-where-are-you-traveling-from-tips-and-tricks/5621.md?page=2)