2012 Route

After tussling with many route options and some fine tuning in the mountains we have come up with an awesome route! 6 Days, 450km, 11500m of climbing. Click here to watch the 2012 route scouting clip.

Stage 1: The Roma Amphitheatre

After registration on the 22nd of September and a good night’s rest at Roma trading post the first day of Lesotho Sky will commence. A relatively short circular stage to warm up everyone’s legs and lungs around the Roma Amphitheatre with breath taking views over Roma and into the mountains that will be your host for the next 6 days. A really nice route and a good introduction for what is to come.

Stage 2 : Roma – Molengoane

Leaving Roma with an early climb past St. Michael’s as you did the Morning before. From here you head towards the Famous Thaba Bosiu Mountain North of Roma where you have a glimpse of the inspiration to the Basotho Hat… A nice tar climb brings you to The first Water point of the Day. From the water point you skirt the edge of the  Khamolane Plateau where you will shirt the edge of the Phuthiatsana River and finally crossing just upriver from Ha Seeiso. After the river crossing you will have a great view of the Mountains to be your host for the days to come.  FAst smooth road will guide you to your home for the night Ha- Molengoane Lodge.

 

 

Stage 3: Molengoane to Ramabanta

Leaving Orion Mohale lodge there is a nice tar climb to the Top of Blue Mountain Pass where we have found a truly remote and untouched trail that pops out in the Makhaleng river valley. This is the base of a formidable climb from last year’s race that we just couldn’t leave out. “The 3 Witches” At the top there will be great relief as you descent on fast roads towards Nykasorba. Turning south you follow an awesome trail through remote villages all the way to the final climb of the day just a few km from the finish in Ramabanta Trading Post: Voted the best Lodge from 2011.

Stage 4: Ramabanta loop

Some of the best mountain biking I have ever encountered on this planet starts and finishes here in Ramabanta. You guys are in for a treat!

Stage 5: Ramabanta – Malealea

Leaving Ramabanta south down the Makhaleng river valley we found another astounding trail all the way to Malealea. This day should test the legs toward the end of the day with a few heavy climbs but not without rewards as the views and riding are absolutely spectacular. If this stage was the time I ever rode a Mountain bike I would die a happy man.

Stage 6 Malealea – Roma

Guaranteed not to disappoint this is the last Day of the Lesotho Sky 2012. Many riders from last year will feel a little deja’vu as the first obstacle of the day is Gates of Paradise Pass followed by a really nice little trail through a string of many small villages before reaching the Village of Ha Rammashabe the focus of Lesotho Sky’s youth development project for 2012. You are guaranteed to be well received here at the Water point.

The final stretch back to Roma will be a fast flowing road below the Thaba li Mele or the Nipple Mountain. This last stretch is a treat and a very suitable end to the Lesotho sky 2012.

 

You want to see more??? Click here to watch the 2012 route scouting clip.

 

 

Sincerely Darol.

Director & Route Designer