Set a race pace on three days of flowing trails with a challenging endurance test on day 1. Enter in teams of two or solo.
Price per team of 2
R16000
or Solo
R8000
31 May - 2 June
Exhilarating & Freeflowing
3 days
214km
Thursday
NEW: Registration for the Descent will take place at Em’seni – The Race Village – on Thursday, 30 May 2024.
For the race start on Friday, 31 May you have TWO options:
If you select the “Bus to Start” option, your bike will be transported to the start on Thursday.
You will get breakfast at Em’seni.
Shuttle bookings will open in January 2024.
What a great way to start this day high up in the Drakensberg mountains. The sun would have risen as we cycle along the top of the escarpment with sweeping views over KwaZulu Natal. The purpose-built single track built by Sollie Prinsloo traverses through legendry places like Sollie’s Folly, Kirstenbosch wild proteas and yellow wood forests. The Descent into KwaZulu Natal begins at an altitude of 1800 metres above sea level and drops to 900 metres. We begin the descent down an old 4×4 pass called Bezuidenhout’s pass used by local farmers to move their cattle up into the Free State for the summer months and then back down again in the winter. We then veer off on tracks down Qwaggshoek Game farm a beautiful game farm covering both mountains and forest valleys before we end up at the farm entrance. Some fast farm roads then bring us to maize and soya bean fields before arriving at our final big climb of the day passing the historic Easby house. Flowing single tracks under beautiful Acacia trees and the final drop down to The Tugela River ends one of the great days of riding your mountain bike.
Leaving the race village, we soon start climbing out of the Tugela valley past the historic Spioenkop lodge before a long descent through Mount Alice Farm. We will have great views of the Drakensberg mountains as we climb back up via Shongololo single track. Another long descent down Big Red, a 4 x4 track, takes us into St Anton’s – an exhilarating purpose-built track down a ravine riding through large herds of game. Riding along some quiet farm roads we eventually come to the challenge of the day Mike’s Pass. This short sharp cheeky climb challenges most riders before summiting out onto the most incredible views of the Tugela River far below. We then descend down the most fun sections of the day being Puffadder pass and Mazambane. Following single track riding along the banks of the Tugela River we eventually arrive home having had such a fun day out.
Early morning will take the riders to the base of Spioenkop on the southern side of the mountain where we ascend the Zig Zigs. Here riders follow a mellow gradient up and around 13 corners to where the real fun begins. We traverse the side of the mountain for a while before descending down the Fanagalo single track, a section of route which was used in The World Single Speed Champs a few years ago. Riding along the banks of the Tugela River, we pass through Tugela River Lodge before the next climb of the day, which is up and over Brakfontein Hill. Boer fortifications can be seen where they waited for the British to cross the river in 1899. Riders then descend down into The Kloof, a fun flowing section through beautiful African bushveld. At the bottom of The Kloof we ride along the dry river bed, passing Blue Cliffs before climbing out the other side on a section built by well-known trail builder, Glen Harrison. A fast descent, and along sections following cattle tracks, we eventually arrive at Spioenkop mountain climb. This 1.5km climb tests everyone’s fitness before summiting. The 13km descent back to the race village remains a highlight for many mountain bikers.
Refunds processed up to 30 April 2024 will be refunded at 90% of entry fee.
However you can also sell your entry to another rider and do an online substitution.
The same refund policy applies to the cost of a tent, if it cannot be sold to another rider.
No refunds will be made on partial payments. You need to be fully paid up to qualify for refund policy above.
I undertake to participate entirely at my own risk. I agree that I shall have no claims whatsoever against the organizing body, any individuals, organiser or official, marshal, assistant, helper or agent, the sponsors, any local authority or land owners, in respect of any loss or damage whatsoever I may suffer arising from any injury to my person or loss or damage to property as a result of, or arising out of, whether directly or indirectly, my participation in this event, including my arrival and departure there from and attendance of any ceremony and function thereof, however such loss or damage may arise and regardless of whether or not same shall have been caused directly or indirectly by negligence, of one or more or all of the aforementioned parties. In the event of my approval of this form as a guardian of a minor, I hereby consent to such minor being bound by the foregoing and further I indemnify the aforementioned parties to the extent, if any, to which such minor is not capable of waiving his rights as stipulated within. I agree to participate subject to rules including any drug tests and penalties provided for therein. By entering, I agree to email and SMS communications from EntryNinja and possibly LiveTime depending on the timing provider, regarding event details. I have read the above indemnity and the rules understand them and shall abide by them.
Cancellation due to Force Majeure and Severe Weather. If Berg and Bush is forced to cancel a stage (or stages) due to severe weather conditions or fires that puts riders’ safety at risk, the riders will not have any claim against the organisers or any of their sponsors of whatsoever nature in these circumstances. Berg and Bush reserves the right to change the route for inter alia, safety and security reasons without notice. If Berg and Bush is cancelled in total as a last resort due to events beyond our control (force majeure) – relating to, inter alia, political turmoil, natural disasters, strikes, protest action or any other major disturbance beyond our control, riders will have no claim whatsoever including but not limited to a refund against the organisers or any of their sponsors. This will include entry fees and or flights and other expenses. Berg and Bush will do everything in our power to reroute and to run the event in a safe and secure manner should any event of force majeure arise.
For bookings email: jani@bergandbush.co.za
Take the N3 South towards Durban. Go straight through the Tugela Toll Plaza. After 10kms you will find the Bergville offramp. Go up the left ramp and then LEFT towards LADYSMITH on the N11. After 4.6kms turn right onto the R600 towards Spioenkop Dam. After about 15km Em’seni is on your left hand below Spionkop dam wall.
Take the N3 North. After Estcourt, pass Ultra City, then take the first offramp Left to BERGVILLE/CENTRAL DRAKENSBERG (R74). Proceed left towards Winterton. Go STRAIGHT through Winterton. After 1km take the R600 right to Spioenkop Dam. Proceed straight for 18km. Em’seni is on the right.
Thursday, 30 May 2024
Friday, 31 May 2024
Saturday, 1 June 2014
Sunday, 2 June 2024
To book Sports Massage, Chiro or Physio, please contact Gill for the booking form: bergandbushmassage@gmail.com
Sports Massage can help maintain the body in better condition, prevent injuries and loss of mobility, restore mobility to inured muscles and tissues, boost performance and extend the overall life of your sporting career.
Recovery Zone – Foam Rollers, stretching mats, calf & foot stretchers, resistance bands and Ice Bath Bins.
SPORTS EVENT THERAPISTS are a team of qualified and experienced Sports Massage Therapists, Chiropractors & Physiotherapists who have a passion and love for what we do.
Whilst maintaining a professional approach to our work we like to get to know our clients and share a few jokes inside the Massage Tent to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
PRIZEMONEY:
Solo Men:
1st: R20 000
2nd: R15 000
3rd: R10 000
Solo Women:
1st: R20 000
2nd: R15 000
3rd: R10 000
Race up Spioenkop:
Equal Prizemoney – Men & Women:
1st: R15 000
2nd: R10 000
3rd: R5 000
TEAMS:
VETS (40 – 49) TEAMS:
MASTERS (50 – 59) TEAMS:
GRANDMASTERS (60+) TEAMS:
BIG BUGGERS (teams over 200kg) TEAMS: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
We are excited to announce that we have again partnered with Science to Sport’s A/Prof Mike Posthumus to bring you a scientifically developed training programme for the Berg & Bush. The training programme is available to anyone who enters the 2023 Berg & Bush before 16 February of this year. The programme will begin on 20 February. Details will be sent via Newsletter to all entered riders.
Train smart, not hard, and enjoy your best Berg & Bush yet
TAKE NOTE:
USING AN ILLEGITIMATE ID NUMBER WILL RESULT IN YOU LOSING YOUR ENTRY AND FORFEITING YOUR PAYMENT. FURTHERMORE, AN EMAIL ADDRESS CANNOT BE USED MORE THAN ONCE – ONE EMAIL ADDRESS MUST BE USED COMBINED WITH ONE ID NUMBER
Download your packing list here
Delicious meals from Friday Evening to Lunch on Sunday at Em’seni Race Village.
Well-stocked watertables along the Route
24-hour Snack Station
We have vegetarian and gluten-free options available – please choose your option on the entry form.
Website: www.thebikemech.co.za
073 891 0375
010 007 0660/ Whatsapp 068 169 5728
If there’s anything else you’d like to know or you’re unsure of, reach out to us and we’ll be sure to fill you in.
Not convinced to enter just yet? Take a look at some of our favourite memories from past events to whett your appetite!
Two or three-day options or sweeping, fast flowing singletrack
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