Bryce Carter faced life-changing injuries in a 2023 cycling accident. Now, he’s back on the start line, redefining what’s possible and powering his way across the Karoo in South Africa at Nedbank Gravel Burn.

The 22-year-old South African was injured in a cycling accident in Stellenbosch in December 2023. Through grit and good humour, Bryce found his way back to the sport – this time on a high-tech, pedal-assisted handcycle. He’s brought his trademark love of speed and skill from gravity riding to his new three-wheeled steed.

After particularly inclement conditions on the opening stage from Knysna to Avontuur, Bryce was all smiles under mud-spattered sunglasses. “That was horrific!” he laughed. “I’m buggered, but that was a good ride – just a bit cold. The highlight for me was those downhills… I cruise down and it’s just the best part.”

Bryce’s finesse and bike-handling instincts have clearly made a seamless jump from two wheels to three. When we caught up with him again after a dusty Stage 3 finish at Blaauwater Burn Camp, he cut straight to the point – the descents. “I just let go of the brakes and fly down, fly past everyone. It feels amazing. Gravity is gravity, it takes you with it. It’s just my happy place.”

Gravel, he admits, is new territory. “It only really started picking up after my accident. It’s been good to learn a new skill.”

For Bryce, though, the Nedbank Gravel Burn isn’t only about mastering a new surface. It’s about sharing the adventure with his father, Matt Carter. The two are among several family pairs – parents and children, husbands and wives – tackling the seven-day route and soaking up the camp camaraderie along the way.

It’s also about testing limits and chasing a fresh start. “Gravel is a new beginning for me,” he said. “My accident was only two years ago now, and this race has really been an outlet. Finishing is a goal to aim for. It’s gotten me out of bed many days, got me in the gym, working hard. It’s been incredible.”

He hopes his ride sparks something in others, too. “I also want to be a trailblazer for those who don’t really know that this is an option. There are so many people out there – probably one percent of the population is in some sort of wheelchair – and if they see that this is possible, then maybe it’ll help get them out, get them achieving stuff, get them living life to the fullest.”

Out on course, Bryce feeds off the energy around him. “It’s such a great community,” he said. “Everyone who comes up behind me – my name’s on my race number – and they say, ‘Bryce, you’re amazing, you’re inspiring me.’ It just feels so great to know that people are inspired by what I’m doing. It gets me going an extra two km per hour, which is awesome.”

With equal parts grit, humour and heart, Bryce Carter embodies the spirit of the Nedbank Gravel Burn – a rider proving that courage, not circumstance, defines an athlete.