By Wynand de Villiers editor of Cycling News

An unparalleled mountain biking experience awaits 700 intrepid explorers in the fifth edition of the Unlimited Dusi Mfula on 5 and 6 June.

The Dusi Mfula constitutes mountain-biking’s version of the epic sporting journey between Pietermaritzburg and Durban that is also undertaken by thousands of runners in the Comrades and paddlers in the Dusi Canoe Marathon annually.

Race director Ray de Vries, who is also the driving force behind the Hansa PowerAde Dusi, is a legend in the valley and a personal friend of all the tribal chiefs as well as King Goodwill Zwelethini.

It’s only thanks to his relationship with the key roleplayers in the valley which spans over decades that this wonderful natural gem with its endless single track is made available to mountain bikers.

It’s a huge logistical task to get riders safely through some of the best mountain biking terrain on the planet, traversing the Umgeni River all the way from Pietermaritzburg to the finish at Durban’s Blue Lagoon.

On most other days the valley can’t be described as crime free, but during the two stages of the Dusi Mfula police are in such abundance that it actually becomes one of the safest places to find yourself. The king himself has a hand in safety, requesting police, security officials, metro police and tribal heads to come out in force on the two days to ensure cyclists’ safety.

Organisers have their hands full to provide an infrastructure to cope with the 700 riders and 2 000 supporters in the valley. Over 500 staff and volunteers ensure that all goes according to plan and De Vries has become a familiar reassuring figure watching over proceedings from the helicopter.

Durban Disaster Management led by Keith Lowes, who is known as one of the best in the business, takes care of medical and other emergencies while USN (en route) and Castle Light (for some also en route!) keep riders hydrated.

Among the cycling folk who have witnessed the trails on which the event takes place is international cycling commentator Phil Ligget, and he was awestruck with the terrain. “The valley is just sublime and to be able to experience this from the saddle on fast single track roads can only be described as a privilege,” he commented after scouting the route last year.

The event really works like a well-oiled machine and the fifth edition is eagerly awaited. I’ll be doing my second Dusi Mfula with my wife Sonett and I can’t wait to introduce her to this wonderful part of the world.