For almost two decades, the Standard Bank Berg & Bush mountain bike events near Winterton in KwaZulu-Natal – the 2-Day and the Descent – have been thrilling mountain bikers from around South Africa (and an increasing number of international riders who can’t resist South African hospitality!). The 2025 edition proved no different.
With Standard Bank’s continued support, the three-day and two-day rides show no sign of slowing down (although riders definitely do so at the well-stocked refreshment tables) and go from strength to strength, showcasing the natural wonders of the Central Drakensberg area and the impressive trail-building skills of the local trail builders.
More than just another mountain bike stage race, the Berg & Bush is a family-run event that draws on the endurance experience of nature-loving founder Gary Green. A Comrades runner, Dusi Canoe Marathon participant, ultra-trail running devotee and Freedom Ride finisher, Green has taken his love for the outdoors and passion for exploring South Africa on foot or by bike and turned Berg & Bush into a ride that offers something for riders finding their way in the world of mountain biking to hard-riding trail blazers. His trails offer thrills without the spills, while the ethos of the event focuses on rider satisfaction and fun.
“We looked around at events a few years ago and cycling in general and realised the fun had gone out of the sport,” says Green. “As a team, we decided there and then that our main goal was to put the fun back into mountain biking. I think we have achieved that, and certainly our participants left here a few weeks ago with huge smiles on their faces!”
Now dedicated to perfecting the seemingly never-ending network of bushveld, farm-field and riverside trails alongside his ace trail builder Mbhekiseni Kunene, Green has passed the planning and prep work for Berg & Bush on to his daughter, Roxanne and event general manager Jani Maritz.
In a handful of years at the helm of the event, the pair, aided and abetted by members of the Green family and a tight-knit team of Winterton locals, have transformed Berg & Bush into a ride with flair, fun and free-flowing trails (not to mention some country glitz and glam – wine tasting on the banks of the Tugela River, anyone?). A particular area of focus has been the upgrading of tents and the food provided in the race village and at the refreshment tables. Even the most basic tents now come with beds, while the food is an annual Berg & Bush highlight.
More importantly, Berg & Bush also pump money into the local economy. This means that while riders are having a great time on the trails or in the race village, they are passively contributing to upliftment efforts in the region. These factors, along with the incredible Central Drakensberg scenery that you simply can’t avoid on your ride, have led to the enduring popularity of the event (both the 2-Day and the Descent were sold out this year).
“The Standard Bank Berg & Bush was exceptional this year, all thanks to the group of riders who joined us,” says Maritz. “Everyone was fun, relaxed and full of gees! We, as race organisers, are incredibly grateful to not only our participants, but also every single person who takes pride in working on the event and the commitment they show to hosting our riders – after two superb weekends of mountain biking, we are feeling blessed and grateful.”
Making a difference
Thanks to a rare community spirit, the Berg & Bush can create a race environment that is not only stress-free but also incredibly warm and welcoming. Key to this are the refreshment tables – funded by Berg & Bush to the tune of R260 000 in total – manned by schools, church groups and local charitable organisations. The nature of the Descent also means car shuttles are required; this year, Harrismith Primary School and Winterton NG Kerk were able to raise an amount of R120 000 thanks to assisting with this task. Other beneficiaries from the event in 2025 included Monument Primary, Winterton Pre-Primary, Round Table, Bergvile Primary, Winterton Primary Grade 7s, Winterton Primary School and Winterton / Bergville Methodist Churches.
But it’s the refreshment tables where the real magic happens, and riders who are sensible enough to stop and enjoy the treats will usually leave Berg & Bush slightly heavier than when they arrived. The likes of Winterton Primary School, Monument Primary, Bergville Primary, and Round Table (among others) all benefit from their involvement with Berg & Bush while contributing hugely to the success of the event.
Thanks to the enthusiasm of all involved, the refreshment tables at this year’s events featured freshly made pancakes, boerewors rolls (ready-to-go or braaied while you wait and discuss current affairs over the flames), date balls, brownies, and braaibroodjies. Cold drinks, sweets, and chocolates are also plentiful, as is a convivial atmosphere that really does ‘hurt’ any rider hoping to achieve a PB.
With funds raised from hosting the two rides, Berg & Bush is also able to employ members of the community to operate as route staff and race village operators (erecting and dismantling tents); most pleasingly, the event also helps maintain a local creche, pays a teacher and recently funded the installation of a kitchen that feeds 28 kids daily.
“This year we had wonderful weather, wonderful riders and five days in total of pure mountain biking bliss for our riders,” says Roxanne Pearce, organiser of the Berg & Bush. “It thrills us that so many people choose to ride with us, but also that through their participation, we can put on an event that not only showcases our stunning region but also contributes significantly to the community. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
The 2026 Standard Berg & Bush will take place on 29-31 May (2-Day) and 4-7 June (Descent).
