Grindrod Bank has come on board as the presenting sponsor of the Berg and Bush mountain bike race, which celebrates 10 trailblazing years in the Central Drakensberg in October.
Grindrod Bank has come on board as the presenting sponsor of the Berg and Bush mountain bike race in the Central Drakensberg, which marks its first decade of existence on October 9. Photo: Em Gatland/Nikon
Grindrod public relations and marketing coordinator Sarah Freestone said the national financial institution had a long history of sponsoring outdoor events such as the Umngazi Pondo Pedal and Zululand Rhino Adventure Ride.
For more news see: Berg and Bush ‘Descent’
“But nothing on the same size and scale as Berg and Bush,” she said.
The latest addition to their sponsorship stable comprises a trio of races, namely the three-day Descent and Great Trek options and the original Two-Day event.
The Berg and Bush attracts some 2 500 riders annually across all three races and has previously been voted the best stage race in South Africa.
“As avid mountain bikers, many of our employees have ridden Berg and Bush in the past and have a personal relationship with Gary Green and his team,” said Freestone.
“Mountain biking has always been a part of the bank’s corporate culture, so it was an opportunity that we jumped at when Gary approached us.”
Green said the sponsor’s contribution had allowed his team to introduce some exciting changes to the routes and race village for the “decade of dirt” festivities.
These include improvements to the spectacular Solly’s Folly section that takes riders down off the escarpment and recently developed single-track trails in the vicinity of the historic Spioenkop.
Riders can also look forward to new ablution facilities and luxury tenting options at the Em’seni Camp race village on the banks of the Tugela River.
“We are excited to have Grindrod Bank on board this year to partner us in our 10-year celebrations,” said Green.
“It allows us to host what we hope will be a really special and enjoyable event for all.”
Freestone added that, as a company with a solid work ethic, Grindrod employees would relish the opportunity to take a break from the corporate grind and cycle some of the most scenic mountain bike tracks the country had to offer.
“Similarly, for over two decades, Grindrod Bank has been able to build a solid client franchise and act strategically in navigating the evolving financial landscape.”
The investment bank has offices in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria and offers a personalised approach to financial services through its established relationships with private, corporate and institutional investors.
The Berg and Bush, presented by Grindrod Bank, starts with the Descent on Saturday, October 9, followed by the mid-week Great Trek from October 13, and concludes with the Two-Day event from October 17.
Visit www.bergandbush.co.za. Alternatively, find the race on Facebook or follow @bergandbush and @FarmerGaryGreen.
