There’s not much gradient in Joburg, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t cool spots to jump. The Scout Hall Dirt Jumps in Bryanston are probably the most established and well known of the Joburg jump spots. Here’s a bit more information about the spot that’s buzzing most Friday afternoons.
If you’re not on the SHDJ WhatsApp group – yet – then you can be pretty certain that if you get to the Bryanston Scout Hall on West Hertford Road after 16h00 on a Friday, you’ll find a gathering of enthusiastic senders.
Expect to see all ages and a range of bikes there. Neil Evans, the guy that builds and maintains the jumps is well into his 50s, but he acts like he’s just turned 15. Neil’s enthusiasm is both limitless and infectious and he’s been the guy that’s helped many a successful sender go from beginner to boss.
Neil never lets anyone feel inferior. Whoever arrives at the Scout Hall Dirt Jumps will quickly be assessed by Neil – from a distance. If he can see anyone needs some advice he’s quick to offer it. Because the jumps are steep and a little intimidating, he knows the value of placing some planks over the gaps to give newcomers that little bit of confidence they need to move between levels.
There’s a mix of regulars, including some under-10s like Ethan Duvenage, who makes his 26-inch hardtail boost like a grasshopper! You’ll also see a number of teenagers including South African Junior Enduro Champion, Rory Kirk, who is somewhat of a Scout Hall DJ legend after landing his first backflip http://www.treadmtb.co.za/joburg-teen-conquers-the-backflip/ there during the lockdown in 2020!
And there are a few middle-aged men there who jump to feel young. They’re not quite as daring as the youngsters, but they love the feeling of floating through the air and landing firmly like they did when they tore around on BMX bikes in the 80s. Whether there are five, 15 or 25 senders there, the vibe is always positive. With the whole gang there it’s quite safe too, but it’s still South Africa, so best to be vigilant at all times.
There are a few lines you can choose. The most right-hand side line is the most popular and gets you down the slope over 4 or 5 jumps. Other lines are more gnarly and need to be tackled by riders with a good level of confidence and experience.
The jumps are built on a gradual slope and include a range of gaps, some superbly carved hips and even a tree-based gap. Spend some time sending with the gang there and ask to be added to the WhatsApp group for updated info and notices.
WIN YOUR OWN BELL HELMET
Because we want to include everyone that’s interested in this campaign, we are giving away three Bell helmets (one per month) valued at R3000 each to winners of the Saved by the Bell competition.
Here’s what you have to do to go into the mix:
STEP 1: Follow @bellhelmets_bike and @shred_sa on Instagram
STEP 2: Post on your Instagram account a photo or video of you doing something on your bike that you’re proud of, tagging bellhelmets_bike and @shred_sa and use the hashtag #savedbythebellSA
Every four weeks we will include all the posts into a draw and randomly choose one winner. Everyone is at a different level of riding, so don’t intimidated if you can’t do crazy tricks. Just post what you are proud of doing on your bike and do the tagging and hashtagging to be in the running.
The winner will be notified by Instagram DM. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours of us sending the DM, we reserve the right to draw another winner. The winner can choose whether he/she wants a Bell 4Forty OR a Bell Nomad. The prize is not exchangeable for cash. The prize will be delivered by courier to the winner’s daytime address.
Paid partnership with Bell Helmets South Africa
