100kms of mostly single track – in the Drakensberg. There’s really no need to say much more….
Except that there is so much more! Ridetheberg really is about more than just the ride – it’s a chance to get out and connect with yourself and your people in a beautiful place, with a team of organizers who can’t wait to share all the best parts of it with you.
The time of year, the venue, the tracks, love for your supporters – all carefully considered to make an outstanding weekend away.
Time of year
Ridetheberg 2020 is taking place on 23 & 24 May – the perfect month for a visit to the Berg– clear days, mild temperatures and very little chance of rain.
Venue
We also have really exciting news about our new venue: This year all past and future RidetheBerg adventurers are in for a treat – Ridetheberg will be based at Montusi Mountain Lodge.
After puzzling for a long time about how to make Ridethebergers feel even more like part of the family, something magical happened – Our connections at Montusi Mountain Lodge have made the whole place available to us as our 2020 race village.
This means that this spectacular lodge, famous for its awesome hospitality, is now exclusively available to the RidetheBerg Gang – riders, friends, family and fans.
This 4 star lodge is in one of the most ideal locations in the Drakensberg for a mountain bike race. It is centrally located to the whole trail network and offers amazing views of the Amphitheatre and surrounding mountains. Breath-taking sunrises energize you for the awesome day of riding ahead and soul filling sunsets restore tired bodies, as you enjoy Sundowners at the Montusi dam with fellow riders, family and friends.
The Lodge has a limited number of luxury suites, that are offered at specially discounted rates for riders and supporters who are quickest off the draw. As in the past, riders are also free to stay at any of the great accommodation venues in the area, and come and make use of the race village facilities.
The Tracks
Ok so we love the tracks – We have absolute confidence in our trails and team to blow your mind. We can guarantee well sculpted single track that never seems to end in the most beautiful setting to keep spirits high and smiles wide. The communities we ride through are friendly and encouraging. The routes provide a good enough challenge so that you can be proud at the end of the day. If you want to race, go for it, if you’re not the competitive type, then take it easy. We love everything about mountain biking and so we accommodate for the whatever type of cyclist you are. At the end of the day we want to make a space for you to do your thing and connect with the people around you.
Love for your supporters
Montusi is a most beautiful place to spend the day – comfortable terrace furniture, spectacular views of the mountains, a beautiful rock swimming pool to relax beside…or a pile of activities if you feel like something a bit more active: horse riding, hiking to beautiful rivers and caves, tennis or swimming in the dam.
A shuttle will run all day to take Adventurers to All Out Adventures. All the usual awesome activities will be offered – from the Bungee Bounce and Kid’s Zone for the littlies to the King Swing and Cable Tour for the intrepid. Giant Cappuccino and home-made scones will keep the wolf from the door while spectators wait for the riders to return.
If you keen for something on the more relaxed end of the spectrum, the Forest Retreat Spa is located at the Cavern Berg Resort – 10 minutes from Montusi – and is definitely worth a visit.
Montusi will be doing the catering for the weekend, and supporters catering packages are available. The terrace menu will also be available during the day.
Hi there,
I wanted to know if it’s okay if we (MtbApp) publish your race on both our website and App?
And please give your details so people who want to know more about the race can contact you guys.
Many Thanks
Hi. Can i have more info reg cost
Hi Collen, I did reply directly to you. If you want to drop me a line, just email me on wking AT talarran.co.za. Thanks,
Warren
Wow!!! Where do we get more info regarding the trails, accommodation? Entry? Is there a start to finish?
🙂 Entries will open via this website from 1 November! (and there will be an Early Bird Entry Special – watch the site for details). We have listed accommodation options on the site under Accommodation with details, links, and the distance to the Race Village at All Out Adventures. Accommodation is separate to the Race Entry and is each entrant’s own responsibility. FYI both days will Start and Finish at the Race Village. Hope this helps. Warren
I’m sorry, you actually asking about the Race?, you not part of the ridetheberg team/ staff?
Hey Collen,
Yes – that reply from me is from the Ridetheberg Team.
Regards,
Warren
Hi please mail me the entry fees.
Howzit Zane, check out the entry fees page on the website 🙂 In a nutshell, Standard Entry Fee – R1800; Early Bird Entry Fee (for entries up to end Feb 2016) R1620.
Regards,
Warren
More information please – how much single track, how much climbing, accommodation, start and finish, cost.
With thanks.
Hi Fiona,
Thanks for the enquiry. In a nutshell, Standard Entry Fee – R1800; Early Bird Entry Fee (for entries up to end Feb 2016) R1620. We’ve listed many of the accommodation options available in the area on the site under a separate Accommodation Page, with some details, links and distances from the Race Village. The Race Village and Starts & Finishes will be centered around All out Adventures Adventure Centre. We’re still waiting for final profiles which will include all the climbing stats, but count on about 85%-90% single-track. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Warren
Many thanks Warren.
Looks like an interesting ride and could be a welcome break from riding in the Western Cape.
Will keep in touch.
Regards,
Fiona
hey Fiona,
Cool 🙂 If I’d known you were from the W Cape I’d have gushed even more! We love getting you guys to come and experience the awesome Berg – not enough of you do. Very cool to see some Capetonians coming up for our sister trail run event this year (Runtheberg) and LOVING it! Let me know if there’s anything we can do 😀
Regards,
Warren
Hi Warren
It looks like an awesome event – can you elaborate a bit on what is included in the entry fee? Thanks T
Hey Theo,
Thanks for the inquiry. In addition to the 100km of groomed MTB trails (90% single-track) and a fully supported race with well-stocked Hydration & Nutrition stations strategically placed along the routes, the entry fee also includes full emergency and medical services, as well as a comprehensively equipped Race Village – each rider will be entitled to a free gourmet boerewors roll after each day’s riding courtesy of local legend The Phatt Chef. All entrants also receive a free specialist Race Beanie to help with the cold winter air, and all finishers will receive medals.
Don’t hesitate to give us a shout with any more questions!
Regards,
Warren
Hi There
Looks like a nice event, is there any prize money and if so can you post details on the site?
Thank you.
Hey Paul, thanks:-) It should be a great event. We expect to quickly establish Ridetheberg as an integral calendar feature race. To answer your question, yes there will be prizes and prize money. We are busy finalising and hope to be able to announce it shortly so watch the space!
Regards,
Warren
Sorry for the late reply, I didn’t receive a notification that you had replied.
I agree, great part of the country to ride in, bit chilly that time of the year but that adds character.
Hahahaha yep it could be a bit chilly, but it gives people a rare chance to properly use all their cool winter kit 🙂 Plus on the other hand, the trails are dry, packed hard and clear, so riders can really ride!
Hi,
Does the race track actually go through and into the Drakensberg World Heritage Site? Ie, into and ride through KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife property?
Secondly, do you have an erosion prevention plan in place? It seems the track goes through some amazing, unspoilt areas, are you going to keep them that way after the race?
Hey Murray thanks for the interesting questions. First, the trails are all on private land in the Little ‘Berg area. It’s a stone’s throw away from the WHS, and many people will actually be staying at the RNNP for the event, but the trails are negotiated and agreed with private landowners in the area. Second, regarding erosion plans and general conservation, the Race Course Director lives in the area, runs a permanent business in the area which has a large focus on sustainable tourism activities and natural resource protection, and is also part of the families of some of the private landowners mentioned above with a vested interest in protecting the long-term natural integrity of the area. He is also an expert at building and maintaining trails to ensure that people can come from around the country and enjoy the natural splendor of this national treasure while at the same time preserving the pristine environment. So to answer your question in a nutshell, yes. Before, during and after.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Warren
Hi Warren
I have been trying to make contact with the organisers (sorry if its not you) for the last few days and I haven’t had any luck. Are you able to give me a number of some sort to phone them.
Kind regards
Michael
Sorted directly…
Hi there. This looks like a fun event.Will you guys have branded cycling shirts /t shirts that we can purchase at the event. I like to collect shirts from the different stage races.
Kind regards
Adrian
hey Adrian absolutely! There are some very cool race-branded kit options from partner Anatomic available for online purchase through the Entry process. Right now we’re kind of offline doing some trail work but you should be able to find it. Give us a shout if you have any difficulties.
Regards,
Warren
That’s great. Thank you Warren.
Hi Warren.
I have just entered my wife and I into the race. Really looking forward to it! Will it be possible to buy merchandise at the race village, or is it only available through the online entry?
Hey Adrian, Cool man 🙂 You guys are going to LOOOOVE the mountain single-track!
Unfortunately no merchandise for sale at the Race Village, so only online through the entry.
See you in the Berg!
Regards,
Warren
Hi Warren. No problem. We are all sorted for the 25th. Looking forward to it!
Hi Warren,
I have added to the cart the Cycling Jersey and the Bike Wash but I can’t seem to be able to checkout and do the payment.