ABOUT Gravity MTB

 Although the gravity component of mountain biking falls under the broad umbrella of the mountain bike discipline, due to its specific nature, there is a Gravity Commission that forms part of KZN Cycling and that manages and controls this aspect of the sport.

Enduro mountain biking

This is a multifaceted and dynamic cycling discipline! It combines the physical endurance of cross-country mountain bike riding with the excitement and technical difficulty of downhill mountain bike racing. … Today, enduro races have three to six timed stages.

Downhill mountain biking (DH)

This is a genre of mountain biking practiced on steep, rough terrain that often features jumpsdropsrock gardens and other obstacles. Downhill bikes are heavier and stronger than other mountain bikes and feature front and rear suspension with over 8 inches (20 cm) of travel, to glide quickly over rocks and tree roots. In competitive races, a continuous course is defined on each side by a strip of tape. Depending on the format, riders have a single or double attempt to reach the finish line as fast as possible, while remaining between the two tapes designating the course. Riders must choose their line by compromising between the shortest possible line and the line that can be travelled at the highest speed. If a rider leaves the course by crossing or breaking the tape they must return to the course at the point of exit, unless they do not gain a time advantage from crossing the tape, in which case they can continue with their run.

Riders start at intervals, often seeded from slowest to fastest, and courses typically take two to five minutes to complete with winning margins being often less than a second. Riders are timed with equipment similar to that used in downhill skiing.

Contact Details:

The KZN Commission comprises of the following;

Nigel Hicks – KZN Commissioner for Gravity MTB

Alasdair Brand – Treasurer 

Cindy Brand – Secretary

Mandy Fish – Media and Marketing

Emails can be directed to kzngravityseries@gmail.com