![\"ccs-58780-0-72300700-1485432616.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-72300700-1485432616.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>With a unique bushveld setting and a trail-building crew determined to provide something new every year, the singletrack at the Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush is a cut above the rest. Photo credit: Emma Gatland<\/span><\/p>\nFamed for its unique, free-flowing bushveld trails, the Berg & Bush offers something for everyone; from the serious racer to the weekend warrior, every day is a treat. Stunning singletrack – including the famed Solly\u2019s Folly – boisterous and well-stocked water tables, and a beer garden like no other, make the Berg & Bush a must-do event (even if it is just to sit on the deck over the Tugela River to watch the sun set while sipping a cold beer).<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year we really tried to create the best possible racing and post-race environment,\u201d says founder Gary Green. \u201cBased on all the positive feedback we\u2019ve had, I\u2019d say that the route and the Centriq Chill Zone were both great successes. Our aim is to build on that to make the Berg & Bush an exceptional mountain biking experience, and also a great social occasion for riders of all types.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an event packed with highlights, the Berg & Bush is worth doing simply to enjoy the mind-boggling 13km descent that closes out each of the final days. From the top of Spioenkop, riders fly to the finish line on the ultimate singletrack send-off, ending the race with wide grins and whoops of delight. It\u2019s a fitting finale that will leave you wishing for a fourth day of riding.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year was my first year taking part in the Berg & Bush,\u201d says cross-country guru and 2016 Berg & Bush champion, Erik Kleinhans, \u201cand even though it is a little off the beaten track and might make logistics a little bit harder, I did find missioning into the bush gave the event some extra character.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kleinhans was a huge fan of the trails, and not just because he and partner Matt Beers were winners on debut. \u201cI really enjoyed the terrain and trails. They were natural, technical and flowy. I also enjoyed the landscape of an area I don\u2019t often get the chance to visit. The organisers do a great job to give the event a lovely laid back feeling, where not much is rushed and it\u2019s as if you are chilling at a Sunday market after a bike ride!\u201d<\/p>\n