New Format for 2022: Narrative | Guided Rides | Not timed
There is nothing quite like thrill of competition and a big mission to make you feel alive. This probably accounts for the proliferation of races on the mountain bike calendar.
While the anticipation of a big event and the attendant motivation to train hard and race harder can be really exhilarating, sometimes what we actually need is a chance to take our foot off the gas and quiet that driving need to be “better”. Taking time to acknowledge ourselves for where we are now, deepens our sense of appreciation. Living with a sense of appreciation enables us to exist in an atmosphere of abundance rather than want.
Ridetheberg 2022 is a reset – a change in format from a race weekend to a restorative weekend away with great riding, beautiful nature and plenty of time for rest and reflection. Non riding friends and family are welcome
Venue
The ride will be hosted at Montusi Mountain Lodge, an exclusive 4 star lodge in the Northern Drakensberg of KZN. The Lodge offers glorious accommodation in beautifully appointed suites set in open gardens, each offering breathtaking views of the Drakensberg’s Amphitheatre. Montusi is renowned for sumptuous local cuisine, and all meals are included in the getaway. Montusi is spectacularly situated in the heart of the Drakensberg Trails network, with access to the trails directly from the Lodge.
Itinerary
The pace of the weekend will be relaxed and social, with welcome drinks at the dam at sunset on Friday night. Dinner will be served in the dining room and can be enjoyed at leisure. Saturday will start bright and early with a Sunrise Yoga session, followed by delicious Montusi breakfast and a brilliant full morning ride.
The ride will depart at 9:30am, and cover a distance of +- 40kms of mountainous single track. Routes will be guided, and a narrative will be available for those who prefer to take life at their own pace. Our guides are keen mountain bikers who can’t wait to share their love of riding in this beautiful area with you. Provision will be made to split the groups so different levels can be accommodated. There will be a mid morning stop for cappuccinos and scones, with the ride returning to Montusi in the early afternoon. A light lunch will be served and the afternoon will be free for a dip in the pool or an afternoon snooze. A second yoga session will be offered in the late afternoon to loosen up any stiff muscles and joints. Dinner Saturday night will be followed by moonlit stroll to the dam for a bonfire and a chance to share the experiences of the day.
Breakfast on Sunday will be from 7am, with the ride leaving at 8:30. Once again this will be a guided ride, with provision to split the group, and the narrative for the lone rangers. Sunday’s route will be shorter, around 30km, to get us back for a quick lunch and early afternoon departure, enabling a leisurely drive home.
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.