Patriotism in three parts
Text: Grant Usher. Photos: Kelvin Trautman. Article from the July 2012 issue of Ride Magazine.
The Old Mutual joBerg2c showcased some of the best riding in South Africa with hospitality to match.
There is no better way to experience an area than on a mountainbike. You are unsheltered from the elements with no background noises to mask the natural sound of the surroundings and no blind spots to hinder your vision, both near and far. No matter how rough, remote or steep the terrain, you can cover it at reasonable speed. It’s a totally connected sensory experience of where you are.
I have always believed that we are lucky to live in a beautiful country, full of diversity and gems hidden in the strangest places. I also thought I had experienced my share of incredible places within South Africa’s borders, many of them while on a bike. The Old Mutual joBerg2c, however, managed to make me feel as if I had not even scratched the surface. Once again our country’s potential, people and beauty has impressed me.
The privileged life
Privileged is the word that keeps popping up when I try to share the experience of joBerg2c with others, I felt privileged to traverse all that private land, to ride so much hand-built singletrack in the middle of nowhere, to experience the sights and sounds of World Heritage sites, to spend nine days making new friends, to get glimpses into the lives of rural families, but most of all I felt privileged just to be South African and to call this amazing country home.
A point-to-point stage race covering over 900 kilometres in as straight a line as possible is the only way it should be done, in my opinion. A better South African showcase would be hard to find. The sense of achievement at the end of each day was immense. The rider’s effort was measured in sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant changes of scenery and climate. At the end of each day, we always knew we were getting closer to the goal. I cherished where I had been that day and appreciated the surroundings, knowing that the next day there would be even more new sights and sounds to fill my mental memory stick.
The passion, excitement and 150 per cent effort put in at the waterpoints and overnight stops by the local communities added a spirit to the event that again just made all the riders feel very special. Perhaps it is because they get only one opportunity to interact with us or perhaps because they feel as privileged as us to be a part of the event; either way it was refreshing to be reminded that South Africans are the nicest people I know. Not only my visual reference of our country was shifted by joBerg2c; it also managed to expand my patriotism, which I thought was already maxed out.
From mountain to sea
The route is crudely comparable to the one city slickers take when they look for the quickest way to the sea, but being a mountainbiker, I thought I knew what to expect: a culmination on the famous Sani2c route (the last three days), with Gary Green’s Berg Bush (as days four to six) in the middle, following three days of riding from Heidelberg just outside Johannesburg to the mighty Sterkfontein dam, all under the control of our friend Craig ‘Wappo’ Wapnick. Let’s just say I will never see the drive down to the south coast the same way again. I will always be on the look-out for snippets of the joBerg2c route and, even where they are out of sight, just thinking about them will conjure up fond memories and a sense of overwhelming achievement.
I was reminded that South Africans are the nicest people I know
Surprisingly, even the early days had some amazing and challenging riding, which is not easy to achieve among the vast maize fields of the Free State. Buy-in from local farmers and relentless manual labour by Glen Harrison (remember, last year he used his trail building as training for a record-setting singlespeed ride at the Freedom Challenge) made it memorable, and added a fitting prelude to the stunning diversity and stark contrasts of the route. Even those early days have their own unique landscape and beauty. As for so many other riders, the fourth day was the highlight for me. It was one of the best riding days, terrain-wise, I have ever experienced. Solly’s Folly and the long-drop descent off Spionkop is unforgettable, and has a raw bush feel about it. Day eight, with its blend of various descents deep into the Umkomaas Valley, is also right up there. It’s almost impossible to convey the awesomeness of the whole route but each day had its highlights and challenges.
Part of the fun of riding came from the candid warnings and explanations each evening, as the three stage route masters Wappo, Gary and Glen took to the stage, because this is also a competition for them.
Tented bliss
The organisation and logistics of the joBerg2c were as faultless and impressive as the route. Living out of a bag for nine days in eight unique tent-camp locations does not sound glamorous by any stretch of the imagination, but somehow it was. The local communities and organisers made us feel special with little touches such as arrival gifts in the tents, cold beers in chill zones and amazing food. Steaks done to your preference, succulent potjie, bacon and eggs for breakfast, Seattle coffee, you name it – we never wanted for anything or any extra helpings. It truly was hospitality at its best, despite remote locations and big numbers.
Bigger than the ride
Having a teammate gives any event an added dimension as there’s a buddy to share it all and form a bond with. Speaking of teams, the field was stronger than ever.
Teams that finished second, eighth, 10th and 14th at the Absa Cape Epic as well as the mixed champs were present, so the joBerg2c is not an easy option if you’re chasing prize money or stage-race glory.
A quality field, proper route and impeccable organisation constantly lubricated by local passion and compassion make this event what it is. For me it is one of the highlights of my life so far and it really was an experience, in the wide sense of the word.
Thank you joBerg2c. This event has not just enriched the lives of the local people, whose land we traversed, it has enriched mine too.
Don’t miss out if you have a chance to participate in next year’s event.
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