Riding Slow, Soaking It In: What Made This Year’s Gravel Giro So Special
As a self-proclaimed gravelholic, there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending weekends exploring wide, winding farm roads.
Whether I’m riding the gravel loops outside Cornubia, north of Durban, or tackling the forested climbs of the Karkloof in the Midlands, there’s something about the crunch of tyres on dirt – and the peace of the countryside – that keeps me coming back.
Over the years, I’ve taken on the GoGravel Midlands and the Berg100, always enjoying the thrill of pushing my limits on my modern gravel bike. But the Gravel Giro is the event I return to, year after year, for something altogether different.
For the uninitiated, the Gravel Giro is a non-competitive, fully supported ride where cycling enthusiasts from around South Africa come together to celebrate the golden age of cycling.
It’s South Africa’s longest-running locally grown classic cycling event – an inclusive, nostalgia-filled gathering of riders of all fitness levels, united by a shared love of the sport.
This year marked my sixth Gravel Giro. And for the first time, I decided not to chase the front group (because even “social rides” have their unofficial pelotons). Instead, I took things slower and rode most of the way with Colleen, my better half. That change of pace completely transformed my ride.
Starting and finishing at the picturesque Bellwood Cottages estate in Nottingham Road – for the first time in the event’s history – the long “Sherwood” route covered 55km with 956m of elevation on a mix of tar and what can only be described as pristine gravel farm roads.
Without the distraction of chasing wheels, I had time to appreciate what made this year’s ride so special: the vibrant autumn colours, dairy herds grazing lazily in the pastures, and the rich history of the area brought to life during our first refreshment stop at Fort Nottingham.
That pause at the fort reminded me of what sets the Gravel Giro apart. It’s more than a ride. It’s a celebration of cycling’s early years, of steel bikes with stories to tell, and of the Midlands itself, which seems made for slow, steady adventures.
With 13km behind us and spirits high after the museum stop, we began the long ascent to the second water table. The gentle uphill with views of Giant’s Castle in the distance eventually gave way to a punchy 2km climb, gaining over 100m of elevation. It was a proper test.
But the reward was sweet.
The second water table was less of a pit stop and more of a picnic. No one was in a rush. And true to tradition, the refreshment stations were legendary. From homemade cakes to peanut butter and Bovril sarmies, there was something to satisfy every craving. We refuelled like royalty, laughed in the sunshine, and caught our breath for the final stretch.
The last 20 km kicked off with a fast and flowing tar descent – one of the best I’ve ever ridden. It was pure fun. But it ended, as these things do, with a long, steady climb back into town that required a little grit before the welcome return to Bellwood.
Rider feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Some called it tough. Others said it was their favourite route yet. But everyone agreed: it felt like a real accomplishment to cross the finish line.
And then came the evening festivities, a highlight in their own right.
We gathered in the Boma for dinner and prize-giving, sharing stories (and wine) into the night. The standout moment? The beautifully hand-sewn rosettes that were awarded to the winners of the Best International Classic Bike and Best South African-Made Classic Bike categories, following the traditional Concourse d’Elegance.
Riders proudly displayed their bikes for all to admire – and my early-90s Peugeot even earned an honourable mention in the local category. I’ll take it!
At the end of the day, the Gravel Giro isn’t about PBs or leaderboards. It’s about community, camaraderie, and celebrating everything that makes cycling special, whether you’re on a vintage steel frame or a carbon gravel rig.
If you’ve never experienced the Gravel Giro, make a plan.
Bring your vintage spirit (and maybe a bike to match), and get ready for a ride that’s as soulful as it is scenic.
Until next year.
[By Greg Rule ] [Photos By Mickey Burnett]
