Our GravelGrinder's are three day cycling, social and culinary adventures. It's a formula that has been refined to a tried and tested format with the hundreds of cyclists and non-cyclist companions we have hosted over the last four years.

In short, you arrive on the published date in the afternoon and check in to your B&B or hotel room which you stay in for 3 to 4 nights. You then meet us for dinner at a top notch restaurant where you will be introduced to the team, itinerary, fantastic cuisine and great wines that are all part of your package. Every day involves breakfast, lunch and dinners and wines at local restaurants and coffee shops.The three days of riding are each between 60 to 70km in length through the most spectacular terrain in the area. We have buses and trailers that take you and your bike to these ride areas, supported by water-point teams, sweep vehicles and ER24 medics.

Through meticulous planning we ensure that you and your companion have an immersive experience of the area, it's cuisine, history, culture, geology, flora and fauna. The cycling is challenging but still allows time to explore the town and attractions after the morning ride. E-bikes are welcome and have become very popular on tour. 

Please read our reviews on TripAdvisor
A 3-day, cycling, social and culinary adventure based in Prince Albert, Graaff Reinet or Knysna
​Non-Rider companion tour provided. 

Spectacular routes

  • The routes are designed to be a challenge but are manageable.
  • 3 x 60 km per day.​

Excellent dining

You dine at local restaurants with our local chefs preparing wonderful meals.

Comfortable accommodation

We use a selection of top class B&B's and Hotels You remain in the same accommodation for the duration of your tour. 

A great social

You will meet people from all walks of life who enjoy similar interests. We bus you out to remote Karoo locations each day and you venture back to wonderful meals and comfortable accommodation. The group camaraderie is great, everyone experiences the adventure into the unknown together. You always have a competent ride captain nearby and the sweep vehicle and medic are not far behind. 
Mark Cotterrell  recommends Karoo GravelGrinder.
October 16 at 3:50 PM · "What a great weekend in such a beautiful small town with friends, cycling, great food and wine. John Swanepoel has created a magnificent cycling weekend and every item has been considered and catered for, from pickups at the airport to accommodation, food, tours of the town, picnics on the cycle etc. I cannot recommend this highly enough for anyone who wants to get away from the city for a brilliant break in charming town which has much to offer. Many highlights over the weekend including cycling over the truly spectacular Prince Albert pass. Thanks and congratulations to John and his team for such a very special occasion. Our entire group were blown away by the experience."
Caro Jardine  recommends Karoo GravelGrinder.
May 4 at 6:55 PM · "Beautiful setting , brilliantly organized, amazing food, fantastic cycling. Perfect program for non riding partners. Just a great three days away."
Toni Suddes  recommends Karoo GravelGrinder.
December 24, 2018 at 8:21 AM · "The Karoo GravelGrinder is a superb mountainbiking and culinary adventure. John and his team have put so much thought into the experience - from the daily cycling routes that expose you to different Karoo landscapes to the culinary delights of different restaurants and chefs, all based in Prince Albert. The size of the group was perfect, we started as strangers and left three days later as friends."
David-John Hough  recommends Karoo GravelGrinder.
September 25, 2018 · "Great experience, great riding, great views, great people and all in the Great Karoo .... with a little Klein Karoo on the side (or just over the Pass as we've learned)"
Ashley Truscott  recommends Karoo GravelGrinder.
December 26, 2018 at 12:56 PM · "This is an amazing cycling experience. Breathtaking scenery, efficiently organised, friendly and encouraging support team. The food was outstanding and John has made an effort to support the Prince Albert businesses so we visited a few different establishments for our various meals. My favourite meal of the day was the refreshment stop, where we had a choice of Bar Ones, dry wors, muffins, chocolate brownies, crunchies, crisps, Coke and water. This is definitely a ride for you if you prefer something non-technical. But beware of a few monster uphills! Thanks Karoo Gravel Grinder team!"

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