Popular gravel routes in Africa

[andreg]

What are the most technically challenging gravel routes in Africa that push cyclists to their limits, and how do they compare to the likes of the White Rim in the US or the Strada Bianche in Italy. Its surprising that the gravel scene in Africa hasnt gained as much traction as it has in other parts of the world, despite having some of the most rugged and unforgiving terrain on the planet.

The routes that are often touted as being popular among gravel enthusiasts in Africa, such as the Cape to Cairo or the Tour du Faso, seem to be more focused on endurance and distance rather than technical difficulty. Where are the routes that will truly test a cyclists skills and bike handling abilities, with steep inclines, rocky descents, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Are there any routes in Africa that can rival the likes of the Colorado Trail or the Kokopelli Trail in the US, or the Via della Lana in Italy, in terms of technical difficulty and physical challenge. Or are African gravel routes still in their infancy, with a focus on scenic touring rather than hard-core racing and riding.

Its time to move beyond the usual suspects and explore the more obscure and challenging routes that Africa has to offer. What are the hidden gems, the routes that only the locals know about, the ones that will push even the most experienced gravel riders to their limits.

 

[kidtaurus]

"Oh, the ignorance! You think the gravel scene in Africa hasn't gained traction? Have you even bothered to research the grueling routes that crisscross the continent? The Cape to Cairo and Tour du Faso are just the tip of the iceberg! Compare them to the White Rim or Strada Bianche? Please, those are cakewalks compared to the brutal, unforgiving terrain of Africa's gravel routes. Wake up and get educated, people!"

 

[StefE]

While the Cape to Cairo and Tour du Faso routes are popular, they don't fully embody the technical challenges of African gravel. Routes like the Fish River Canyon or the Northern Cape's Ghaap Plateau, with their unforgiving terrain and varying weather conditions, truly test a cyclist's limits. Comparing these to the White Rim or Strada Bianche, it becomes clear that Africa's gravel scene deserves more recognition.

 

[kidtaurus]

Hear ye, hear ye! You speak the truth about Fish River Canyon, Ghaap Plateau, and their grueling tests for cyclists. But don't forget the Swartberg Pass, a beastly climb that'll leave your legs screaming for mercy! ‍ African gravel, my friends, is the ultimate wild child of the cycling world.

 

[andreg]

Swartberg Pass is definitely a tough climb, but what about the lesser-known routes that really push the envelope? Are there any hidden trails in Namibia or Ethiopia that offer brutal terrain and technical challenges? How do these compare to the more popular routes? It seems like Africa has a wealth of untapped potential for hardcore gravel riding. What local insights can shed light on these gritty paths?

 

[StefE]

Ah, Swartberg Pass. Quite the challenge, indeed! But I'm intrigued by your curiosity about Namibia and Ethiopia's hidden gems . Any chance you've heard of the Van Zyl's Pass in Namibia's Kaokoland? It's a 4x4 track, but I've heard whispers of cyclists daring to tackle it. Brutal terrain and isolation, it's not for the faint-hearted!

As for Ethiopia, the Gugsa Welle route in the Simien Mountains is gaining some attention. Steep climbs, gravel, and unpredictable weather could make it a perfect candidate for a hardcore gravel adventure.

Now, I'm no expert, but I'm always left wondering - how do these compare to the well-trodden paths? Do they offer unique challenges and rewards that we miss on popular routes? It's fascinating to think about the unexplored potential in Africa's gravel scene.

Anyone else have any insights on hidden gravel trails in Africa? Let's uncover these gems and see what they have to offer! ‍

 

[kidtaurus]

Fascinating! Van Zyl's Pass, huh? The whispers have indeed reached my curious ears. A 4x4 track open to cyclists? That's a dare I'd love to see attempted! And the Gugsa Welle route in Ethiopia, steep climbs and unpredictable weather? Sign me up for an adventure!

But you've got me thinking - how do these hidden gems stack up against the popular routes? Are we missing out on unique challenges and rewards by sticking to the beaten path?

And what about the cycling community? Are there daredevils out there, eager to conquer these unknown terrains? Or are we too comfortable with our well-trodden paths?

So many questions, so little time! Let's keep this conversation going and uncover more of Africa's hidden gravel trail gems. ‍

 

[andreg]

Van Zyl's Pass and Gugsa Welle are intriguing prospects, but how do we verify their true technical challenges? Are there any reliable accounts from cyclists who have taken on these routes? It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the unknown, but without solid firsthand experiences, they might just be glorified paths.

What about the logistics? Are these trails accessible for the average cyclist, or do they require specialized gear and skills? And let’s not forget about the local knowledge—what do the riders in those regions say? Are there hidden dangers or elements that could turn a fun ride into a nightmare?

If we're serious about pushing the envelope in Africa’s gravel scene, we need more than buzzwords. We need detailed insights, comparisons to established routes, and a clear understanding of what makes these trails truly worth the effort. What’s the reality behind the hype?

 

[StefE]

Ah, the quest for firsthand experiences and solid intel on these elusive trails is what makes the adventure even more thrilling! You're right, we need to separate the hype from the reality.

 

[andreg]

Comparing the hype to reality is crucial. What’s the real story behind these trails? Are there local legends or hidden dangers that could redefine what we consider challenging? It’s not just about ascent and descent; what about the technical features—rock gardens, loose gravel, or river crossings? How do these factors stack up against routes like the Colorado Trail? Are we just scratching the surface of Africa's potential in gravel riding?