The KZN Gravity MTB Commission forms part of KZN Cycling, and manages and controls the Gravity Discipline of Mountain Biking in KZN.

The KZN Gravity MTB Commission is legally a “volunteer organization”, established in terms of the constitution of Cycling KZN, and is a subsidiary of KZN MTB, Cycling KZN and therefore Cycling South Africa. Cycling SA reports to the Department of Sport, and as such is accountable to the government of South Africa.

The KZN Gravity MTB Commission is legally a “volunteer organization” which does not make a profit. All revenues collected are used for the management and development of the sport in KZN and to assist rider development. The finances are managed by the elected Treasurer and overseen transparently by the Commission at quarterly meetings. All transactions are processed on an accounting package through an independent bookkeeper and the financials are audited annually by a certified accountant. All records are open to inspection.

The KZN Gravity MTB Commission comprises a number of members that strive to administer the sport in the province in a responsible and professional way. Our primary goal is to manage gravity mountain biking in KZN in accordance with the rules and regulations that have been developed over time, while promoting and adding value wherever possible.

The ethos of the Commission is embodied in the slogan: “Sport run by people with passion that promote environmentally sound and socially responsible mountain biking” and the practical working of this can be seen in the continuous improvements that are made every year.

KZN GRAVITY MTB COMMITEE

MANDY FISH

Chairperson | Gravity Commissioner KZN

JACQUES DREYER

Vice Chairperson

JADE DAVIES

Treasurer

FIONA WILLIAMS

Secretary

CHRIS BOTMA

Volunteer

What is Enduro MTB Racing?

Enduro mountain biking (MTB) is a challenging and popular off-road cycling discipline that combines elements of cross-country and downhill mountain biking, with races requiring athletes to use a combination of endurance, speed and technical riding skills.

Race Format

Athletes will ride a set offroad course. This course comprises of liaison (transfer) stages which are not allocated towards the race time. Athletes therefore do not need to race between stages, however, an overall cutoff time for completing the full course may be imposed. Designated start times at special stages may also be imposed.

Athletes use the liaisons to get to a number of timed downhill stages (Special Stage). At the start of these timed descents, riders will begin at a start pod on their bike, with one foot on the ground, and tag in (usually using a wrist strap with timing device) which will begin counting the athletes time for the stage. The athlete then race the stage as fast as they can, and tag out at a finish pod at the end of the special stage.

The times achieved in all special stages will be accumulated and result in a total race time. Riders with the fastest race time on special stages win the day!

Nature of Enduro Course

An enduro course comprises of various off-road terrain.

Liaison Stages can include single track, tar roads, or dirt roads for getting between special stages. Some events or bike parks may choose to make use of shuttles or modified ski lifts to transfer riders and bikes.

Special Stages should include a mixture of tight, steep, flowing, rocky, rooted, and technical terrain, designed to test a riders’ technique, endurance, technical skills, and ability to handle changing and varying terrain. Enduro stages can also include flat peddling sections and punchy climbs, but should be 90% descending.

Can I ride Enduro MTB?
Enduro is considered a fun, social and approachable discipline for all levels of riders, as easier B-Line options on technical sections are often provided at events.

Enduro or Trail bikes are an appropriate bike option for this discipline, as they are designed to be durable and reliable, with features like big brake rotors for steep terrain, increased head angles and thick casing tires. However, one can ride Enduro trails with a dual suspension mountain bike.

Enduro venues can vary in the style of trails one can expect to race – some venues are very technical, while other require more fitness than skill requirements – so come and ride a race and try it out!

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What is Downhill MTB Racing?

Downhill mountain biking (DHI) is a fast-paced, gravity-powered sport that involves riding a mountain bike down steep, challenging terrain, often made up of technical passages, like jumps, drops, rocks, roots, and overhangs, as well as faster sections where riders can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

Race Format

Riders are shuttled to the top of the course start, where they each leave the start pound at intervals and attempt to reach the finish line as quickly as possible, while staying between the confines of the tape that define the course.

Races usually last 2–5 minutes, and winning margins are often less than a second.

Generally, on the morning or day before the race run, riders participate in a qualifying/practice session where they set a time on the course. The time they can determine their starting order for the race. Depending on the format, riders have a single or double attempt to reach the finish line as fast as possible.

Nature of DHI Course

Technical and steep terrain with minimal pedal sections.

Course should test a riders technical riding ability, and will generally contain jumps, gap jumps, drops, rocks, roots and more features.

Riders must choose their line carefully by considering both the shortest possible line, safest line within their skill level, and the line that can be travelled at the highest speed, while still remaining within the confines of the taped course.

If a rider leaves the course by crossing or breaking the tape, they must return to the course at the point of exit.

Can I ride Downhill MTB?

Downhill is considered the most technical of all MTB racing and requires a high level of skill to compete and a specific type of bike.

Downhill bikes are heavier and stronger than other mountain bikes and feature front and rear suspension, generally with upwards of 160mm of travel, to glide quickly over rocks and tree roots. However, some courses can be conquered on an enduro or trail bike.

Downhill venues are few and far between in KZN, with TownBush Trails (Cascades) being the only true DHI venue and it has hosted UCI World Champs. If you enjoy very technical, fast-paced riding – come and ride a race and try it out!