{"id":71946,"date":"2025-03-31T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=71946"},"modified":"2025-04-09T14:20:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T12:20:21","slug":"gravel-was-cool-before-it-was-cool-crater-cruise-returns-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/gravel-was-cool-before-it-was-cool-crater-cruise-returns-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Gravel Was Cool Before It Was Cool \u2013 Crater Cruise Returns in 2025!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Gravel riding may be booming now, but back in 2004, it was already a thing in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the re-launch of the legendary&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cratercycling.com\/cratercruise?utm_source=bikehub&amp;utm_medium=article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Crater Cruise<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;in 2025 (Sun 8 June), we\u2019re taking a ride down memory lane to remind everyone that long-distance gravel adventures on South Africa\u2019s secondary and tertiary roads were already attracting bunches of riders more than 20 years ago!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Crater Cruise Gravel Cycle Race - 6 June 2025\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0QH8FY5XM_A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd132e84c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd132e84c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"994\" height=\"1400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"71948\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_18_1743230574674-994x1400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71948\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_18_1743230574674-994x1400.jpg 994w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_18_1743230574674-213x300.jpg 213w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_18_1743230574674-768x1082.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_18_1743230574674.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 994px) 100vw, 994px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd132ebbc&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd132ebbc\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"934\" height=\"1400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"71947\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_15_1743230289586-934x1400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_15_1743230289586-934x1400.jpg 934w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_15_1743230289586-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_15_1743230289586-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_15_1743230289586-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_15_1743230289586.jpg 1047w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 934px) 100vw, 934px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s impossible to forget that first event in 2004, when mountain bike legend&nbsp;<strong>Mannie Heymans<\/strong>&nbsp;soloed to victory on the 101 km route in a lightning-fast 2 hours and 57 minutes\u2014riding a 26-inch Focus mountain bike with tubes! Even back then, he knew that a narrower handlebar setup was the way to go on the long flats&nbsp; \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd132f002&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd132f002\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"678\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_10_1743229858057.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71956\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_10_1743229858057.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_10_1743229858057-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_10_1743229858057-768x482.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd132f34a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd132f34a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1050\" height=\"1400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"71953\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_21_1743231164605-1050x1400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_21_1743231164605-1050x1400.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_21_1743231164605-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_21_1743231164605-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_21_1743231164605.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd132f65e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd132f65e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1350\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"71951\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_17_1743230473512.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_17_1743230473512.jpg 900w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_17_1743230473512-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_17_1743230473512-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd132f952&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd132f952\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"932\" height=\"1400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"71952\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_9_1743229830964-932x1400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_9_1743229830964-932x1400.jpg 932w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_9_1743229830964-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_9_1743229830964-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_9_1743229830964-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_9_1743229830964.jpg 1045w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 932px) 100vw, 932px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It didn\u2019t take long before the road racers noticed the potential of this unique format. Soon, top pros were lining up for the Crater Cruise, including&nbsp;<strong>Anke Erlank<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Robert Hunter<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>John-Lee Augustyn<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Burry Stander<\/strong>, and even&nbsp;<strong>Chris Froome<\/strong>, the future Tour de France champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd132fd98&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd132fd98\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1363\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"71954\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_8_1743229761164-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71954\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_8_1743229761164-1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_8_1743229761164-1-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_8_1743229761164-1-768x969.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd1330069&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd1330069\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1017\" height=\"1400\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"71955\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_5_1743229680688-1017x1400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71955\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_5_1743229680688-1017x1400.jpg 1017w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_5_1743229680688-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_5_1743229680688-768x1057.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_5_1743229680688.jpg 1079w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1017px) 100vw, 1017px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To honour this rich legacy of racing greatness, the 2025 edition of the Crater Cruise launches with a&nbsp;<strong>R75,000 prize purse<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And who could forget&nbsp;<strong>Gerrie Beukes<\/strong>, who ground out a top-10 finish\u2014<strong>8th overall<\/strong>\u2014on a single-speed bike! These stories have become part of South African gravel racing folklore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The 2025 Gravel Crater Cruise: Fast, Scenic, and Unforgettable<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s route is designed to be&nbsp;<strong>fast, flowing, and scenic<\/strong>. Of the 145 km long route, 90 km is smooth, well-packed gravel that meanders alongside the&nbsp;<strong>Vaal River<\/strong>. Another 20 km is tar, while the remaining stretch offers coarser gravel and rolling hills to keep things interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd13304ce&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd13304ce\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1055\" height=\"685\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_14_1743230225448.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71949\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_14_1743230225448.jpg 1055w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_14_1743230225448-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_14_1743230225448-768x499.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1055px) 100vw, 1055px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All three distances\u2014<strong>145 km<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>92 km<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>50 km<\/strong>\u2014will include the iconic&nbsp;<strong>Grootkloof Mountain Pass<\/strong>, also known as the&nbsp;<strong>Suikerbossie climb<\/strong>, a nod to Cape Town&#8217;s famous hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expect cool, dry conditions thanks to the&nbsp;<strong>June winter weather<\/strong>, with an 8:30 AM start to allow for a relaxed morning. While rain is unlikely, wind could be a factor\u2014but the route is well sheltered by the dense bush along the riverbanks. With very little traffic and a remote setting, the ride feels truly wild and rural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd133080f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd133080f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1079\" height=\"745\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_13_1743230158511.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71957\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_13_1743230158511.jpg 1079w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_13_1743230158511-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_13_1743230158511-768x530.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1079px) 100vw, 1079px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Nature Lovers and Explorers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This event doesn\u2019t just promise a fast ride\u2014it offers a&nbsp;<strong>visual and cultural feast<\/strong>. Riders will cross&nbsp;<strong>two low-water bridges over the Vaal River<\/strong>&nbsp;and pass through the historical town of&nbsp;<strong>Venterskroon<\/strong>. Much of the route lies within the boundaries of the&nbsp;<strong>UNESCO Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site<\/strong>\u2014a mountainous region formed by a massive meteorite impact over two billion years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Family Fun at Koedoeslaagte Trail Park<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The start and finish at&nbsp;<strong>Koedoeslaagte Trail Park<\/strong>&nbsp;make this more than just a race\u2014it\u2019s a full family experience. Facilities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Porcelain toilets<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>hot showers<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Picnic tables<\/strong>&nbsp;for relaxing post-race<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The&nbsp;<strong>Uitspan Kiosk<\/strong>&nbsp;for food and refreshments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Onsite bike support from&nbsp;<strong>UR Cycling Shop<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bike displays from&nbsp;<strong>Titan Racing<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Merida Bikes<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freshly brewed coffee by&nbsp;<strong>Acorn Coffee<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Street food served up by&nbsp;<strong>The Stash<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A&nbsp;<strong>kids\u2019 MTB skills track<\/strong>&nbsp;for young adventurers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f7fd1330c9b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f7fd1330c9b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_19_1743230711630.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71958\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_19_1743230711630.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_19_1743230711630-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/03\/img_19_1743230711630-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Come and Test Our Gravel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re chasing the podium or soaking up the scenery, this is your chance to ride a route that blends history, heritage, and high-speed gravel. Come and experience the legend for yourself.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cratercycling.com\/cratercruise?utm_source=bikehub&amp;utm_medium=article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>FIND OUR MORE HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It won\u2019t just be epic\u2014it\u2019ll be GRAVELICIOUS!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Crater Cruise is part of the&nbsp;<strong>Gauteng Gravel Series<\/strong>; an official&nbsp;<strong>Northwest Calendar Race<\/strong>; and official&nbsp;<strong>Free State Calendar&nbsp;Race<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Info and more accommodation:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cratercycling.com\/cratercruise?utm_source=bikehub&amp;utm_medium=article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.cratercycling.com\/cratercruise<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organiser &#8211; please Whatsapp 082 335 3358&nbsp; &#8211;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:attie.koekies@gmail.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">attie.koekies@gmail.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gravel riding may be booming now, but back in 2004, it was already a thing in South Africa. With the re-launch of the legendary&nbsp;Crater Cruise&nbsp;in 2025 (Sun 8 June), we\u2019re taking a ride down memory lane to remind everyone that long-distance gravel adventures on South Africa\u2019s secondary and tertiary roads were already attracting bunches of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":71948,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[4777],"featured_location":[338],"class_list":["post-71946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","tag-crater-cruise","featured_location-bottom-row"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71946","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71946"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71946\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72085,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71946\/revisions\/72085"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71948"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71946"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71946"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71946"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=71946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}