Tour of Ara | Inside One of the Toughest Gravel Cycling Races on Earth

Experience one of the world’s toughest and most unique endurance cycling events in Tour of Ara (2017) — a beautifully crafted 34-minute black & white adventure documentary directed by Rick Wall. The Tour of Ara is an 800km, six-day gravel stage race through the vast semi-desert landscape of South Africa’s Karoo. But this film goes beyond the race itself. It follows 40 passionate cyclists riding vintage steel-framed bikes, pushing their limits across unforgiving terrain while discovering camaraderie, resilience, and the deeper meaning of adventure. Named after the southern star constellation Ara, the race symbolizes a personal pilgrimage — a journey of endurance, exploration, and self-discovery. Through the slow, atmospheric cinematography of Adriaan Louw and the evocative music of cult composer Nils Frahm, the film captures not only the brutal beauty of the Karoo but also the bonds formed between riders and the communities they encounter along the way. More than just a cycling race, Tour of Ara is a tribute to the human spirit — a reminder that adventure begins the moment you step outside your comfort zone. ?‍♂️ Directed by: Rick Wall ? Cinematography: Adriaan Louw ? Music: Nils Frahm ? Location: Karoo, South Africa ? Year: 2017 ⏱ Runtime: 34 Minutes Watch more adventure sports documentaries on Adventure Sports TV — your destination for climbing, cycling, endurance racing, and outdoor exploration. #TourOfAra #CyclingDocumentary #GravelCycling #EnduranceCycling #AdventureCycling #Bikepacking #Karoo #SouthAfricaCycling #AdventureSportsTV #CyclingFilm #BikeRace #EnduranceRace #VintageBikes #OutdoorAdventure #AdventureDocumentary #fyp #foryou Love what you just watched? Head over to https://www.adventure-sports.tv and explore hundreds more inspiring adventure films — subscribe for premium access and fuel your next adventure!