Description
Join fellow vintage cycling enthusiasts on 16th to 18th May 2025 as you embark on a nostalgic journey surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Nottingham Road in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or an aficionado of classic steel frames, the Gravel Giro offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of vintage cycling and embrace the spirit of a bygone era. The camaraderie among fellow cyclists and the challenge of the gravel paths and winding farm roads make the Gravel Giro a must-attend event for cycling enthusiasts seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Even though Gravel Giro’s main focus is the celebration of classic bikes, modern bikes are also more than welcome!
The ride takes place on Saturday 17th May 2025. However the the festival and social events start on Friday 16th May.
If you don’t have a classic bike (although we’re not too strict, anything before 1999 counts!) you’re still welcome to join us on your modern bike for either distance.
Registration & Cost
Participants must register and pay prior to the event. Late rider registrations on the day will attract and additional R50 fee.
Early Registration before 15th April: R575 per participant.
Registration after 15th April: R650 per participant.
Includes:
Ride food tables & refreshments
Commemorative poster and goodies
Commemorative event T-Shirt
Programme of events
Friday Evening 16th May
Registration and collection of numbers and goodie bags.
Friday Bring & Braai
A social get together and braai, for those that wish to attend, will be held at the The Boma , Bellwood Cottages.
Come along to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow cyclists, sharing stories, laughs, and the spirit of the Gravel Giro—all off the saddle.
Bring your own meat, drinks and a salad to share.
We will supply the charcoal and and braais.
Saturday 17th May
Morning
Late registration and collection of numbers and goodie bags.
8:30: The main event gravel ride happens and will start and end at The Boma , Bellwood Cottages.
Afternoon
A classic bicycle display and concourse competition will be held at The Boma venue.
Early Evening
Sundowners by the Lake
Ease into the evening with a relaxed sundowner session at the picturesque lake. Connect with fellow riders, reflect on the day’s ride, and enjoy the tranquil setting as the sun goes down.
Please bring your own drinks and snacks—there are no bar facilities available.
Saturday evening- 17th May
Festival Dinner & Prize Giving at The Boma
Celebrate the day’s ride with a relaxed buffet-style dinner at The Boma, right by the lake. Enjoy good food, great company, and the chance to share stories from the trail. We’ll also be handing out some fun prizes and awards!
If you’d like to join, please purchase your Festival Dinner Tickets HERE.
NB: Tickets must be booked in advance to assist with catering—no dinner bookings will be taken at the event.
All crockery and utensils will be provided. Please remember to bring your own drinks, as there will be no bar facilities.
Sunday 18th May – 8:30am
A social ride will take place and anyone can ride along. This will be a short ride at a relaxed pace on some tar and gravel, and will start and end at The Boma , Bellwood Cottages.
Afternoon
Goodbyes and travel home safely at your leisure.
The Routes
The Route Options
Ride your old steel road bikes on gravel roads like the heroes of the past did. All classic and vintage bikes are welcome. Participants are encouraged to ride a South African made classic or vintage steel bicycle. So dust off your old bike and get it ready!
Even though Gravel Giro’s main focus is the celebration of classic bikes, modern bikes are also more than welcome!
If you don’t have a classic bike (although we’re not too strict, anything before 1999 counts!) you’re still welcome to join us on your modern bike for either distance.
There are two distances, +-57km or +-25km.
This is not a race but a fairly tough ride to appreciate and pay homage to what our cycling heroes faced when participating cycle racing in the past.
