Karoo Stories of Resilience

Excitement was high as we clipped in for the first ride of the Karoo Gravel Grinder. With 60 km ahead of us, we eased into the day, rolling out of Prince Albert and being dropped off into the heart of the Karoo. The landscape stretched endlessly in every direction—golden grasses, rugged mountains, and a silence so profound it almost had a presence of its own.

The first leg of the ride was deceptively gentle, lulling us into a false sense of security before the Karoo reminded us exactly where we were. The terrain gradually turned more technical, with loose gravel and a few sharp climbs that demanded both focus and fresh legs. Conversations started strong but gradually faded as the gradient took its toll.

A well-timed refreshment stop gave us a chance to refuel, shake out tired legs, and take in the beauty of our surroundings. The Karoo has a way of forcing you to be present—there’s no signal, no distractions, just open space and good company.

The true test of the day came with the climb up the Swartberg Pass. The ascent was brutal, with steep switchbacks that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. Each turn revealed another incline, daring us to keep pushing. But at Die Top, all the suffering faded into the background as we took in the breathtaking panoramic views—a vast, untouched wilderness stretching as far as the eye could see.

Then came the descent. If the climb had been gruelling, the way down was equally unforgettable—but for entirely different reasons. The loose gravel, sharp bends, and sheer drop-offs made for a nerve-wracking ride, demanding absolute focus. It was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, a true test of skill and nerve. Let’s just say there wasn’t much talking—just a lot of focus, a few nervous laughs, and some serious grip on the brakes.

By the time we rolled back into Prince Albert, covered in dust and grinning from ear to ear, we knew we had experienced something special. The Karoo had made us work for every moment, but the reward—stunning landscapes, shared struggle, and the sheer joy of the ride—was worth every pedal stroke.

The evening concluded with prize giving with various categories including King/Queen of the Mountains including some joke prizes like colourful tassels for riders on Day 2!

Day 2's cycle began with a glimmer of hope that the terrain would be kinder than on Day 1. We were soon rewarded with a pleasant downhill ride, which was just what we needed to regain any confidence lost during the gruelling ascent up the Swartberg Pass.

At the bottom of the descent, we arrived at the charming Weltevrede Fig Farm, where we indulged in an abundance of dried figs, locally produced cheese, and fresh bread. It was a treat, but what goes down must come up! As we began our climb back up, we couldn't help but wonder if the extra weight from the cheese was worth it.

The cyclists on conventional bikes had a bit of a laugh as our e-bike rider colleagues struggled with punctures. Each of them took their turn on a sturdy conventional hardtail bike up the hill. Fortunately, Jaco van der Sandt from PPS came to the rescue with new tubes, saving them from further trauma.

By lunchtime, we all made it back safely, just in time for a feast prepared by the Onserus Guesthouse staff. Which quickly turned into dinner. Dennis Miano from East Africa Re eagerly removed the pink tinsel from his pink bike, only to discover that his reward was a bike bell.

As the night wore on, the last of the clients quietly slipped into their rooms by midnight, bringing an end to a memorable day.

I am riding in the van with Marshall. In front of me I can see 7 of my colleagues cycling through the dusty roads of the Groot Karoo, little dust clouds spinning off the back wheels. The blue sky burning above. Ben is on the bike, “peddle, peddle, cruise, pedal, pedal cruise” not quite mastering the rhythm of the revolution. “Ben pedal, pedal, pedal, pedal, don’t cruise, find the rhythm.” Ben is 32 years old, he climbed on a bicycle 2 days ago for the very first time, nought to 70km a day, of grinding revolutions on the dusty roads of the Groot Karoo. This is Day 3. The tenacity of Ben’s spirit bigger than the tenacity of the bike.

The ride in the van is quiet. Every now and again the silence in the van is punctuated by me teaching Marshall about reinsurance. I explain the principles through the story of the Knysna fires. He is as fascinated by my lesson, as I am about him saving lives every day (he's the ER24 man).

Ahead, the peloton grinds to a holt, a flat tyre, the clatter of bicycle tools, the desperate glugging of cold coke in the cool of a giant rock. Peddle, pedal, pedal, pedal another 32km under the burning blue sky!