KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna came alive this past weekend as the Nedbank Gravel Burn race arrived, drawing more than 500 riders and their families to the town before they embarked on a seven-stage scenic yet challenging journey.
The seven day, 800km gravel bike race takes riders from the lush coastal forests of Knysna, through the Great Karoo, ending at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Now in its inaugural edition, the multi-stage event is expected to become one of the region’s most anticipated events, benefiting local businesses that benefit from the influx of visitors.
The race combines endurance, adventure, and community spirit, with riders traversing gravel backroads that showcase the raw beauty of the Garden Route and its inland landscapes.
Image supplied.
A welcome economic lift
Accommodation across Knysna started filling up in the lead-up to the weekend, with guesthouses, restaurants, and retailers all reporting a noticeable increase in activity.
The Moorings, the event’s host venue, was fully booked and prepared to welcome dozens of riders and their families.
“We’ve had guests flying in from across the globe, many extending their stay beyond the race to explore Knysna and the Garden Route,” said Darron Moore, Operations director at The Moorings. “Niche events like the Nedbank Gravel Burn are incredibly valuable for our local economy as they bring in visitors outside of the traditional holiday season and keep the town vibrant year-round.”
Photo: RainedUpon Media/Retrospective
Connecting towns, creating opportunity
The race route winds through a series of small towns, including Uniondale, Willowmore, Graaff Reinet and Gwanishi before finishing in Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. These often-overlooked communities are expected to see a welcome spike in visitors, offering a chance for local entrepreneurs to showcase regional hospitality and products.
“Riders might come for the challenge, but they leave with stories about the places they pass through,” said Nedbank Gravel Burn Rider Manager, Nathalie Diacon. “Each stop brings its own flavour, from Karoo hospitality to Eastern Cape charm, and that connection is what keeps riders coming back year after year.”
Behind the scenes: logistics that move the economy
While riders take centre stage, behind-the-scenes logistics are equally vital to the event’s success. Local tech-enabled transport platform Wise Move is assisting with the transportation of participant vehicles from Knysna to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, helping ensure a seamless finish at the end where many international participants will continue to explore.
“Events like the Nedbank Gravel Burn show just how much opportunity there is when sport and tourism work hand in hand,” said Chante Venter, local to the area and CEO of Wise Move. “These types of events bring new business for transporters, hospitality venues, and local suppliers across multiple provinces. It’s a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved- from the riders to the people keeping them moving.”
Sports tourism on the rise
Knysna has long been a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, from trail runners to mountain bikers. With its diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery, it’s increasingly positioning itself as a hub for endurance sports and eco-tourism.
While local businesses say the immediate boost is already visible; the measure of its impact will be whether first-time visitors return to the Garden Route in the months ahead.
2026 entries will open on 3 February 2026 - have a look on the organiser’s website here for more details.
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