Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026
Hein Wagner is riding one of the toughest cycling courses in the world to raise funds for the Hein Wagner Academy, a specialised tertiary institution for the blind and visually impaired.
About the Nedbank Gravel Burn
Considered one of the toughest cycling courses, the Nedbank Gravel Burn sets off from Robert Sobukwe Town/Graaff Reinet, covering a range of gravel tracks, steep mountain passes, tar road, remote semi-desert landscapes, and rough farm tracks interspersed with paved connectors, crossing rivers, mountains and busy motorways. Riders claim it's not the distance alone that makes it so challenging, but the varied pace and adaptive cycling styles required to shift between the different landscapes and surfaces. Riders will traverse the Karoo, facing scorching sun and piercing winds, as they make their way through the Eastern Cape, with their last stage looping down towards the Indian Ocean and back to their final stop at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
- 7 Days
- 750 Kilometres
- 8 500 Metres of elevation climb
Gravel Burn Stages
-
25 October
Stage 1
Graaff Reinet > Blaauwater
- Distance:
- 90 km
- Ascent:
- 1 450 m
- Descent:
- 700 m
-
26 October
Stage 2
Blaauwater > Blaauwater (loop)
- Distance:
- 111 km
- Ascent:
- 1 450 m
- Descent:
- 1 450 m
-
27 October
Stage 3
Blaauwater > Merino
- Distance:
- 137 km
- Ascent:
- 1 580 m
- Descent:
- 1 470 m
-
28 October
Stage 4
Merino > Merino (loop)
- Distance:
- 61 km
- Ascent:
- 550 m
- Descent:
- 550 m
-
29 October
Stage 5
Merino > Gwanishi
- Distance:
- 135 km
- Ascent:
- 1 100 m
- Descent:
- 1 900 m
-
30 October
Stage 6
Gwanishi > Shamwari
- Distance:
- 112 km
- Ascent:
- 1 250 m
- Descent:
- 1 500 m
-
31 October
Stage 7
Shamwari > Shamwari (loop)
- Distance:
- 92 km
- Ascent:
- 1 160 m
- Descent:
- 1 160 m
Biking for Blindness
Hein's participation in the Nedbank Gravel Burn is not merely for accolades. While this achievement is partially rooted in showcasing the talent and skill of the visually impaired, his participation is mainly aimed at raising funds for the Hein Wagner Academy, a specialised tertiary institution catering to the needs of the blind and visually impaired.
The Hein Wagner Academy offers the only three-year cybersecurity programme, with both national and international accreditations, in the world. The Academy also offers upskilling courses as well as TVET NQF4–6 Management qualifications. The Academy is the first of its kind in other respects: it offers full-service residential facilities with 24/7 support and an accessible campus with recreational areas, mobility tools and digital devices. Students are encouraged to participate in sport, cultural pursuits and social activities.
In a country where only 3% of the visually impaired are employed, the 70% successful placement rate for cybersecurity graduates speaks for itself. But such specialisation means higher operational costs than one would expect from a conventional campus which doesn't need to cater to special needs. We would like to offer learners a fully accessible campus in all respects, so our next project will focus on a fully accessible communal kitchen which incorporates tools, devices, technologies and utensils which are all geared towards the blind.
We need your help to make this dream a reality!
Santam: proud sponsor of the Hein Wagner Academy
Santam, as South Africa's largest short-term insurer, is proud to sponsor the Hein Wagner Academy. Our company has a rich history of involvement in initiatives that uplift and support South Africans from all walks of life. This initiative provides dignity and opportunity to underserved communities, and we are proud to assist the Academy and to be sponsoring its activities.
Visit Santam (opens in a new tab)Make a contribution
If you want to make a financial donation or want to learn about other ways to contribute, get in touch with us.