{"id":72774,"date":"2025-06-12T16:07:19","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T14:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=72774"},"modified":"2025-06-17T18:18:52","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T16:18:52","slug":"the-berg-bush-descent-sunshine-singletrack-and-stage-race-magic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/the-berg-bush-descent-sunshine-singletrack-and-stage-race-magic\/","title":{"rendered":"The Berg & Bush Descent: Sunshine, Singletrack, and Stage Race Magic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Standard Bank Berg & Bush<\/a> is one of my favourite<\/a> mountain bike stage races on the calendar, and when the opportunity arose to join the Descent this year, I didn\u2019t think twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This year, the route for Stage One had to be changed due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the farms in the area. The usual drop off the escarpment is a real highlight of the event, and losing it could have been a blow to the overall experience. However, in the space of just two weeks the team managed to pull together an alternate route that was an impressive alternative and a true representation of the terrain and beauty of the Drakensberg region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I won\u2019t take you through a breakdown of each stage and what we covered. You can view that here<\/a>. What you need to know is that the scenery is incredible, the trails are smooth, fast, and ideal for all levels of riders, and the distances are manageable: even if you work a badass job and don\u2019t have time to train like a pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several features that keep me coming back for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve said it before, but the bushveld sunshine in June is, quite frankly, medicinal if you\u2019re coming from the Cape winter. The nights can be chilly, but this year we were incredibly fortunate with the weather. The nights and mornings were mild. It\u2019s a beautiful feeling basking in the sun and sipping a Chenin next to the Tugela River, wearing shorts in June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The vibe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is not a deeply serious event aimed at pro riders: it\u2019s for those who love riding bikes and experiencing new parts of the country while enjoying truly heartfelt hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A highlight for me is the exceptional race village. The whole event feels like you\u2019re being hosted by an incredibly welcoming family member who has run out of house space but has made a plan to host you in the best possible way. Every small detail has been taken care of; right down to the festive flags and d\u00e9cor that make the race village feel cosy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even the most basic tents are equipped with proper beds and mattresses, which just makes the ‘camping’ experience a whole lot easier. The bathrooms and showers are permanent structures, equipped with small touches like a full-length mirror and convenient shelves to stow your gear while you shower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The catering has to be some of the best in the game. We were served everything from juicy steaks to delicious and abundant fresh salads. My personal favourite was the slow-cooked pulled pork wrap and salads for lunch on the final day. There is a 24-hour tea and coffee bar, overflowing with delicious homemade snacks and fresh fruit. I ended up consuming outrageous quantities of the chocolate chip cookies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The merch store is problematically full of a diverse range of gems; from beautifully designed apparel to branded Stanley flasks, gorgeous towels, and even solar string lights (somehow I ended up on the plane home with these. I\u2019m still not sure how it happened but no regrets!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lastly, a personal highlight every year is the talk given by historian Ray Heron on the Battle of Spioenkop. His passion is contagious. The hill was the site of a brutal and futile battle during the Second Boer War, and I find it fascinating to imagine fighting a war on foot in the countryside we ride through. This year, the talk took place on the shady banks of the Tugela River, complete with fresh popcorn and ice-cold Chenin Blanc, courtesy of Standard Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Unplug<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A personal highlight is the limited reception in the race village. If you really need to, you can connect to Wi-Fi, but the setup forces you to really think about it. I noticed fewer people on their phones, which in turn encouraged me to leave mine at the charging station and embrace the unplugged experience. It was a real treat to enjoy two full afternoon naps without compulsively checking emails and messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The riding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The route feels like it has been designed to make you enjoy riding your bike. Think winding cattle trails, perfectly carved berms, and fast flats (when there isn\u2019t a headwind). For the most part, the climbs are gradual, allowing you to smash it or tap it out\u2014depending on your mood and fitness level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For someone from the Western Cape like me, the bushveld scenery is a novel treat. Everything from the warm light to the red dirt and the majestic, ancient thorn trees feels exotic and exciting. The views are breathtaking (and not just because you\u2019ve climbed a hill at altitude to get there).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I have to confess that I didn\u2019t stop at the waterpoints. I still get caught up in racing too much to justify more than a quick refuel and chain lube (which was prompt, and I couldn\u2019t have asked for more enthusiasm). The photos and rider feedback in the dinner tent have convinced me that the waterpoints are more than well-stocked, and well worth attending to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I missed out on the waterpoint snacks, but made up for it in the chill zone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The final climb up Spioenkop is particularly special. It consists of 50 switchbacks which wind their way through thick bush to the top. It\u2019s incredible to think of the soldiers making their way up there on foot in the dark. Similarly, the graves at the top are a sombre reminder of the history of the region. The descent off the top is the perfect finale to the event: over twenty minutes of glorious, swooping trails back down towards the Tugela River. It ensures every rider ends on a high and is ready to come back for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What you need to know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re travelling from Cape Town or flying in from anywhere else, here are a few pointers to make your life easier:<\/p>\n\n\n\n