![\"ccs-62657-0-83291200-1467888582.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-83291200-1467888582.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Photo credit: Em Gatland.<\/span><\/p>\nBut what is it that makes this event \u2013 which offers two three-day and a two-day version for competitors \u2013 special?<\/p>\n
Knowledgeable mountain bikers say there are eight reasons that mark the Berg & Bush as a truly unique MTB experience.<\/p>\n
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- The view across Great Wall My China: the escarpment separating the Free State from KwaZulu-Natal offers elevated views from the former across the latter. Independent Newspapers group sports editor Tim Whitfield, the journalist who described the Berg & Bush as the country\u2019s premier event, says: \u201cI am not a big one for great views on a ride. I tend to appreciate them and move on, but this is truly spectacular \u2013 probably the only view I have come across that is worth stopping for a selfie.\u201d\n<\/li>\n
- Then there is the descent down Solly\u2019s Folly and the Drakensberg Drop that takes riders down into KZN from the Free State: \u201cA great section of riding that every mountain biker needs to do at least once (a year),\u201d says Whitfield, himself an accomplished an experienced mountain biker.\n<\/li>\n
- The Spioenkop Sprint, a one-off race up Spioenkop for anyone who would like to compete for the prize money. After Stage 1 of The Descent the top pros and any other challengers take on the 2km climb as an extra contest \u2013 for a hefty prize purse. The other riders and supporters get to watch from alongside the course, giving rise to a vibe a bit like some of the great climbs on the Tour de France.\n<\/li>\n
- The descent on Stage 3. It starts at the top of Spioenkop Mountain \u2013 the site of a famous Boer war battle \u2013 and ends a breathtaking 13km later. If you don\u2019t have a huge grin on your face after that then you are not a mountain biker. Or you have managed to crash on the way down.\n<\/li>\n
- The singletrack, which race founder and organiser Gary Green, also known as \u201cFarmer Gary\u201d, says has been designed to have flow and be fun without being too technical. Whitfield adds: \u201cIt is well prepared but keeps the natural feel, so you have to ride it rather than simply make sure you wheels are pointing in the right direction.\u201d\n<\/li>\n
- The overnight stops. \u201cSlick and well organised but not clinical,\u201d Whitfield says. \u201cThey are more friendly than most other races, but not to the point where you are ever worried about what you are eating.\u201d This year a lot of work has gone into the Centriq Chill Zone at the Em\u2019seni race village on the Tugela River bank and it is going to be spectacular.\n<\/li>\n
- The logistics. In the past this might have been a challenge, but this year they have been made as easy as, well, booking a flight, a tent at the start and a shuttle. There is going to be a shuttle from OR Tambo airport to the start and then another one from the finish back to the airport. The overnight stops on Day 1 and Day 2 are both in the same place, so there is obviously not an issue there.\n<\/li>\n
- Winterton is nearby with B&Bs, supermarkets and a rich history. There is also a special \u201cDrakensberg Experience\u201d on offer with nearby hotels. Champagne Sports Resort (Central Drakensberg), Montusi Mountain Lodge (Northern Drakensberg) and Cathedral Peak Hotel are offering a 30 percent discount to all 2016 Berg & Bush participants during the month of October.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The Berg & Bush offers three events: the three-day Descent (October 7 to 9 this year) and Great Trek (October 11 to 13) and the 2-Day (October 15 and 16 \u2013 SOLD OUT).<\/p>\n