• cycling

Nauams Gravel Grind: Namibia’s Must-Ride Gravel Cycling Challenge

• 14 Hours Ago

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Namibia’s Great Escarpment, the Nauams Gravel Grind is fast establishing itself as one of the country’s premier gravel cycling events. Organised by Cycletec, the event aims to become a fixture on Namibia’s adventure cycling calendar.

Hosted on Farm Nauams in the Khomas Hochland, approximately halfway between Windhoek and the gateway to Sossusvlei, the event offers riders a unique opportunity to explore Namibia’s vast landscapes from the saddle of a gravel bike. The route winds through the highlands, descends the spectacular Remhoogte Pass, skirts the edge of the desert near Solitaire, and culminates with the legendary Spreetshoogte Pass.

Covering 160 km, the route presents a true endurance challenge. Riders can take part individually or as part of a team, with teams splitting the distance to allow more participants to experience the course.

Spreetshoogte Pass, rising sharply from the desert plains to the Khomas Highlands, is one of Namibia’s most iconic mountain passes. Constructed in the early 1960s, it climbs from about 1,000 metres above sea level to over 1,700 metres in just a few kilometres, with gradients reaching 1:4 in sections. The pass offers panoramic views across the Namib Desert and the Great Escarpment, making it both a spectacular and formidable challenge for cyclists.

The 2025 edition welcomed over 100 riders from across Namibia and beyond, who tackled a demanding but rewarding route while enjoying the warm hospitality of the Nauams region. Event founder Frank Coetzee emphasises the long-term vision:

"Our goal is to build the Nauams Gravel Grind into a must-ride event annually, attracting both local and international riders. The Great Escarpment offers world-class terrain, and we want to showcase it while creating opportunities for the local community."

The event’s success relies heavily on committed partners, including headline sponsors Pupkewitz Motor Group, Pupkewitz Megatech, Build It, and Checkers. Additional support came from Hollard, Specialized, Two Beards Coffee, Zebra Insurance, Ai Aiba Lodge, Agra, and Sandsea. Local farms, lodges, and community members also played a key role in hosting riders, managing logistics, and operating waterpoints along the route.

Events like the Nauams Gravel Grind provide a boost to local economies and rural tourism. Visiting riders generate demand for accommodation, food, local products, guiding services, and transport, while also promoting Namibia internationally through social media, travel writing, and global cycling networks.

Namibia’s vast landscapes, quiet gravel roads, dramatic escarpments, and reputation as one of Africa’s safest destinations make it ideally suited for adventure tourism. Cycling, trail running, and hiking events showcase the country’s potential on a global stage.

Looking ahead, the Nauams Gravel Grind aims to expand participation, attract international riders, and further establish the Khomas Hochland as a premier gravel riding destination. The event also forms part of a broader vision to develop the Nauams area into a hub for adventure tourism, with additional cycling and hiking routes and partnerships that benefit the wider region.

Frank Bombosch, Cycletec owner and co-founder of the event, adds:

"Namibia offers some of the best conditions in the world for adventure tourism. Its untouched landscapes and endless gravel roads give riders a sense of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. The Nauams Gravel Grind helps put Namibia on the global adventure map."

For more information on the Nauams Gravel Grind, visit: www.nauamsgravelgrind.com