In keeping with their ambition to become the most iconic mountain bike event in South Africa, the Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush has partnered with revered KwaZulu-Natal artists Ardmore Ceramic Art to create a pleasingly elegant cycling jersey for the 2017 event. Riders will receive the jersey in their 2017 Berg & Bush goodie bag. 

The Berg & Bush has long been a favourite event amongst mountain bikers who enjoy quality trails and tranquil race village life. In keeping with the hallmarks that have made them so popular, the event has worked constantly to improve their trails and to always offer something special in the race village - for instance, last year free chocolate milk flowed from a bar overlooking the Tugela River. Now, in an effort, to reinforce the quiet country nature of the Berg & Bush and to also provide something fresh for participants, they have enlisted the help of renowned local artists. 

Ardmore Ceramic Art has been an institution in KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands region since Zimbabwean-born ceramic artist Fée Halsted formed the company on Ardmore farm 1985. In that same year she was joined by Bonakele (Bonnie) Ntshalintshali, who was born on the farm and 18 years old at the time.

Ntshalintshali, who has since passed away, began a ceramics apprenticeship under Halsted and went on to help create the iconic style of the company’s art. “Ardmore became a success because of Bonny’s craftsmanship, skill and meticulous attention to detail,” says Halsted.

Over time Ardmore Ceramic Art and their off-shoot business has partnered with the likes of French luxury house Hermès and most recently Cole & Son, a British wallpaper company. Their designs have been displayed at sold out showings, snapped up at auctions and have been admired in galleries from Europe to the USA.

As neighbours to the Berg & Bush event, Ardmore now moves into a completely new playing field, one that adds a level of glamour to the usually gritty three-day stage race.  

“Our family grew up with the founding family of Ardmore in Winterton, so the brand is very close to our hearts and is also proudly from KwaZulu-Natal,” says the Berg & Bush’s Roxanne Green.

“It’s ultimately a family business, as are we. They have taken the world by storm with their innovation, and their designs are always associated with the highest quality and their roots in their community, which connects perfectly with the ideals and history of the Berg & Bush.”

For their part, Ardmore took inspiration from the local flora when considering the new Berg & Bush jerseys. The design features very subtle hints of the protea. “The protea bushes that we find on the mountain slopes and the African Ardmore designs of plants epitomise the Drakensberg ’s landscape and embody the natural beauty of this region, it also features in our latest collaboration with French luxury brand Hermes,” says Ardmore’s Catherine Berning.

So not only will riders blend in at this year’s Berg & Bush, but they’ll also stand out.

Entries are closing soon for the 2017 Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush. Both three-day events - the Descent and the Great Trek - and the original 2-Day are almost at capacity, proving that the popularity of this unique KwaZulu-Natal mountain bike experience endures. It’s not just the sublime trails of Berg & Bush that appeals to riders around South Africa, but also the passion and attention to detail shown by event organiser Gary Green and his friendly crew.

Each year Green tweaks the route to ensure that riders have the best time possible, but one of the major areas of change for Berg & Bush has been their race village. Over the years, the village has seen numerous improvements to its layout and amenities, with the race organisers firmly believing that the off-bike experience is as important as the riding.

Blessed with a beautiful setting on the banks of Tugela River at Em’seni Camp near Winterton, the Berg & Bush race village is already one of the most spectacular in South Africa. But looks are nothing without substance, and that’s exactly what Berg & Bush offers its overnight guests at the Em’seni site. Apart from incredible meals and warm hospitality, Berg & Bush is going out of its way to provide rider comfort once the day’s cycling is over.

Last year riders enjoyed free-flowing chocolate milk while hundreds of bean bags and hammocks were dotted around Em’seni, making afternoon naps and recovery as pleasing as it was essential. 

“Our focus right now is on the riders’ ultimate recharge – sleep,” says Green. “We’ve purchased large canvas tents and steel beds this year for our Kudu and Kingfisher camps to make sure that participants can sleep in comfort and style.”

Green and his team’s vision is to phase out the smaller tents associated with mountain bike stage race villages, and provide luxury upgraded? tents for all.

“Our goal is to have everyone in large canvas tents in a few year’s time, included in the entry fee. This is our main aim for the next few years and we believe it’s a philosophy that sets us apart from other events.”

Another long term goal for 2018 is to replace the dining marquee with a permanent venue/hall, and to build permanent decks over the Tugela (currently, a temporary deck is set up at the event for riders to enjoy their evening sundowners on the Tugela river). 

While these are future ambitions, Berg & Bush still aims to please with their village “gees” at this year’s ride. Green and Co ensure this by prioritising tent placement - almost all riders wake up to views of the river, providing a self-camping option for those experienced travellers who want for nothing in their own tents, and providing the best in local beverages. This year riders will be treated to Cape Brewing Company (CBC) draught on tap and wines from Fairview in the Centriq Chill Zone.

“We hope to create a tranquil, relaxing setting on the banks of the shady Tugela, creating an experience like no other chill zone in the country,” says Green. 

Entries for the 2017 Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush will close within the next week.