Berg & Bush riders race for reading

According to organiser Gary Green, the eighth edition of the KwaZulu-Natal mountain bike stage race taking place in October, will provide a journey of discovery for both participants and beneficiaries.

The event aims to hand over basic library furniture and new books to four junior farm schools situated near Emseni Camp just outside Winterton. Green said, "The book handouts will be managed by local farmers' wives, most of whom are former teachers. If the venture is successful this year, we'll expand to the senior school in the township where the need is also great." The beneficiary schools are Schietsdrift Primary near Winterton, Middledale and Ekukhanyeni schools in the vicinity of Ladysmith and Ekajesu Crèche adjacent to the Spioenkop Nature Reserve.

Photographer: Kelvin Trautman

Some 500 learners between the ages of three and 13 will benefit from the project. In previous years, the race has been able to donate solar panels and rainwater tanks to local communities, as well as repair 5km of game fence along the boundary of Spioenkop Nature Reserve. Last year, sponsor JoJo Tanks matched the riders' donations and the funds were used to purchase 25 tanks and gutters for households along the route.

Riders in the 2014 event will have the option to donate to this cause when entering on the official website. "Members of the public are also welcome to contact us to get involved," he said.

Enter at www.bergandbush.co.za from 1 April or contact az.oc.hsubdnagreb@ykcin to get involved with the book project.

Find the race on Facebook or follow @bergandbush and @FarmerGaryGreen on Twitter.