Oct 28
Merino to Merino
A shorter Merino loop encourages tactical racing and an earlier return to camp.
1,894m
61km
55Om+
55Om-
eastern-cape
Nieu-Bethesda is a remote Karoo village tucked beneath the Compassberg. Known for its artistic soul and timeless stillness, it’s home to the famed Owl House — a surreal sculpture garden created by outsider artist Helen Martins. Riders pass through Nieu-Bethesda on Stage 4 at 79km, where stone walls, dusty roads, and big skies make it feel like time stands still. Quietly magnetic, it’s a place that lingers in the mind long after the ride rolls on.
Blaauwater, Eastern Cape
Blaauwater Farms represents a series of firsts of the event. The Kingwill's eighth generation farm was the site of the first ever prototype camp, the scene of our stayover at the first Trial Burn test ride, the first venue to sink a borehole and build a reservoir and will be the only Burn Camp to host the race for two nights (with the Night Burn taking place on the first night).
Eastern Cape
A 14,000ha reserve in the Sneeuberg Mountains near Graaff-Reinet. High-altitude terrain with free-roaming wildlife, Nguni cattle and wide, classic Karoo landscapes.
Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape
Helen Martins’ surreal sculpture garden is a national treasure. Riders pass nearby, where concrete camels and glass owls whisper their secrets to the passing wind.
Like what you see? Join us for Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026.
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