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District roads, sweeping single track, stunning views, and a race village that wouldn’t look out of place in Disneyland make the Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush a must-do for many mountain bike enthusiasts.

In the Descent, the event where South Africa’s elite mountain bikers line-up, the men’s title was claimed in 2017 by Phil Buys and Matthys Beukes, with Amy Beth McDougall and Sam Sanders romping home in fine style to claim the women’s crown.

The 2016 champions in the women’s race, Candice Lill and Vera Adrian finished second last year but left the event R20 000 richer after winning the Volvo Spionkop Summit, a mad 2km dash for cash up the famous hill.

Fun, fun, fun

Matthys Beukes calls the Descent “an amazing weekend of riding” while labelling the final 10km of the three days as “incredible”. Perennial Berg & Bush participant and winner of the women’s event at the Descent, Amy Beth McDougall, simply sums up the riding as “fun, fun, fun.”

Riders from all parts of South Africa make their way to KwaZulu-Natal to enjoy the event’s combination of family-run fun, world-class and ever-evolving trails, unique riding experience, and the best race village in the land. To experience the ethos and vibe of this unique MTB ride, you need to see (and ride it) to believe it.

Entries open 1 March at 8am: www.bergandbush.co.za.

On 1 March, entries will open for the 2018 Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush. Riders can enter any one of the three events; the Descent, Great Trek and original 2 Day. Last year all three events saw record numbers bombing down the best trails that KwaZulu-Natal can offer.

The best of the best are in awe of the great trails on offer. “I think my favourite day was day two, single track all the way, says Beukes.”

At last year’s event, participants were also treated to a high-quality rider jersey from Enjoy, made in collaboration with local artists, Ardmore Ceramic Art. “Our family grew up with the founding family of Ardmore in Winterton, so the brand is very close to our hearts and is also proudly from KwaZulu-Natal,” says the Berg & Bush’s Roxanne Green.

After a thrilling day on the trails, riders are able to relax in the Centriq Chill Zone, an artfully crafted area that features bean bags, beer and wine, as well as deck that stretches out and over the Tugela River.

An essential event

One of the many (if not all) happy 2017 participants was South African braai master, Jan Braai, who calls the event essential for everyone who likes having a good time on a bike.

“I have been to the area before but never to ride,” says Braai. “For me, the experience was incredible. I enjoyed myself so much. The scenery is amazing, the trails are world class and the people inside and outside the race village go out of their way to make sure you have a good time. This is an iconic South African event that everyone with a mountain bike should do.”

Entry fees
Descent & Great Trek Team R12,000
Descent & Great Trek Solo R6,250
2 Day team R8,700

Event dates
Descent 5-7 October 2018
Great Trek 9-11 October 2018
2 Day 13-14 October 2018

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