13/03/2026
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PRESS RELEASE
Nauams Gravel Grind – Building a Must-Ride Gravel Event on Namibia’s Great Escarpment
Khomas Hochland, Namibia
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Namibia’s Great Escarpment, the Nauams Gravel Grind, organized by Cycletec, is quickly establishing itself as one of the country’s most exciting gravel cycling events, with ambitions to become a must-ride annual event 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 experience Namibia’s vast landscapes from the saddle of a gravel bike. The route traverses the highlands before descending the spectacular Remhoogte Pass, riding along the edge of the desert near Solitaire, and finally tackling the legendary Spreetshoogte Pass.
The event distance is roughly 100 miles (about 160 km), making it a true endurance challenge for gravel riders. Participants can enter as solo riders or as part of a team category, where teams split the distance between riders, allowing more people to take part in the experience.
Rising sharply from the desert plains up to the Khomas Highlands, Spreetshoogte Pass is widely regarded as one of the most iconic mountain passes in Namibia. Built in the early 1960s, the pass climbs from roughly 1,000 metres above sea level to over 1,700 metres within just a few kilometres, featuring gradients that reach 1:4 in some sections. The road offers breathtaking views across the Namib Desert and the Great Escarpment, making it one of the most photographed and memorable locations in the country — and a formidable challenge for cyclists.
The 2025 edition of the Nauams Gravel Grind welcomed more than 100 riders, who travelled from across Namibia and beyond to participate. Riders experienced a demanding but rewarding route that combines world-class gravel riding with the warm hospitality of the Nauams region.
Event founder Frank Coetzee says the ambition for the event goes far beyond a single race:
"Our vision is to build the Nauams Gravel Grind into a must-ride event every year — something riders across Namibia and internationally look forward to. The terrain along the Great Escarpment is truly world-class for gravel cycling, and we want to showcase this region while creating opportunities for the surrounding community."
The event would not be possible without the support of committed partners. The organizers extend sincere thanks to the headline sponsors who helped make the event possible:
Pupkewitz Motor Group, Pupkewitz Megatech, Build It, and Checkers.
A special thank you also goes to the many partners who supported the event through prizes, rider services, and sponsorship contributions, including: Hollard, Specialized, Two Beards Coffee, Zebra Insurance, Ai Aiba Lodge, Agra, and Sandsea.
Equally important is the incredible support from the broader Nauams region, where neighboring farms, lodges, and community members played an active role in hosting riders, assisting with logistics, and operating waterpoints along the route. This collaborative effort highlights the strong community spirit of rural Namibia and demonstrates how events like the Nauams Gravel Grind can create shared opportunities for tourism and regional development.
Adventure events such as this contribute significantly to local economies and rural tourism development. Visiting riders bring demand for accommodation, food, local products, guiding services, and transport, while also showcasing the region internationally through social media, travel writing, and cycling communities around the world.
Namibia is uniquely positioned to benefit from this growing global adventure tourism market. With its vast open landscapes, quiet gravel roads, dramatic escarpments, stable infrastructure, and reputation as one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Africa, the country offers exceptional potential for cycling, trail running, hiking, and other outdoor experiences.
Looking ahead, the long-term potential for the Nauams Gravel Grind is significant. With continued support from sponsors, regional partners, and the cycling community, the event aims to grow participation, attract international riders, and further position the Khomas Hochland as one of southern Africa’s premier gravel riding destinations.
The event also forms part of a broader vision to develop the Nauams area into a hub for adventure tourism along the Great Escarpment, with expanded cycling routes, hiking trails, and community partnerships that benefit the wider region.
Frank Bombosch, owner of Cycletec and co-founder of the Nauams Gravel Grind, believes Namibia has enormous potential as a global adventure destination:
"Namibia has some of the best conditions in the world for adventure tourism. The landscapes are vast and untouched, the gravel roads are endless, and the sense of freedom riders experience here is something very few places can offer. Events like the Nauams Gravel Grind help showcase Namibia to the global cycling community and demonstrate why this country has such incredible potential for adventure travel."
For more information about the event, visit:
www.nauamsgravelgrind.com
Nauams Namibia Cycletec Build it Crown - Windhoek Pupkewitz Motors Pupkewitz MegaTech Checkers Namibia
