Your partner can make or break your ride experience.
The key to a good time at the Berg & Bush is riding with the right person.
Mountain biking events like the Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush are best enjoyed in pairs. Riding with someone allows you to share a unique experience and adds to the overall adventure of your time on (and off) the bike. Choose the wrong partner, though, and you could be in for a less than pleasant ride experience.
1: Set Your Goals
If you want to race, you need a partner that’s race ready. If you want a leisurely ride, don’t ask a competitive cyclist to join you. Having mismatched goals for your ride will only lead to frustration.
2: Set Your Standards
Riding with a partner of similar technical ability will ensure you end the day with a smile. (Unless you don’t mind waiting at the end of every technical section).
3: Set Your Agenda
Do you want to stop at every viewpoint and take photographs? Do you like to take your time at the water points, enjoying the atmosphere and treats on offer? Do you like to start at the back of the bunch because you can’t resist the lure of a third cortado at breakfast? If yes, then make sure your partner goes into the event on the same wavelength.
4: Set Your Expectations
Do you want to stop at every viewpoint and take photographs? Do you like to take your time at the water points, enjoying the atmosphere and treats on offer? Do you like to start at the back of the bunch because you can’t resist the lure of a third cortado at breakfast? If yes, then make sure your partner goes into the event on the same wavelength.
5: Set Your Mindset
The number one rule of the Berg & Bush is to have fun. Keep that in mind when choosing your partner. Even if you live under the same roof as your riding partner, it’s highly unlikely that you can both follow the same training schedule. Just keep reminding yourself that mountain biking is fun; if you do that, you’ll have the right partner no matter who you choose to ride with.
6: Take a Test Ride
It’s always advisable to enjoy a few practice rides with your partner before any big event. Much like a few dates before committing to a relationship, riding with your would-be event partner will give you much-needed insight into each other’s riding personalities.
7: Choose a Partner that Makes You Laugh
This is sound relationship advice, but it works in mountain biking too. If your partner can make you laugh, then no matter how fast, slow, good, bad or ugly your day is, you’ll always be able to enjoy a laugh along the way.
