Trans Lesotho Mountain Bike Challenge
Trans Lesotho Mountain Bike Trail Launch
News Release / 24.03.2011
Isolation, altitude, a flowing footpath worn over hundreds of years - the ultimate mountain biking experience. March 2011 sees the launch of the first phase of the Trans Lesotho Mountain Bike Trail. The Trans Lesotho Mountain Bike Trail runs from the Monantsa Pass on the northern border of Lesotho across the Makhoakeng Mountains to the headwaters of the Maliba Matsoa River (The River of Black Pools – so named for the basalt rock that characterizes the area). It then follows the Maliba Matsoa River to the Khatse Dam in the centre of Lesotho. Riders travelling the trail can expect to experience the magnificence of the Lesotho mountains as well as the warmth of her people. Structured so that it can be ridden unsupported, fully serviced accommodation is available at regular intervals along the trail in lodges and village homestays.
Initiated by the Freedom Challenge, working in partnership with the Lesotho Durham Link and assisted with funding from the European Union, the first phase of the trail from Monantsa Pass to Khatse Dam has been developed by local shepherds based in the highlands of Lesotho. The second phase of the development will see the Trans Lesotho Trail crossing from Khatse Dam to Mohale Dam and then continuing down alongside the Senquyana and Senqu Rivers before reaching Tele Bridge on the southern border of the country.
The trail will be launched with the four day, five night Trans Lesotho Mountain Bike Challenge to be held from 23 to 26 March 2011. The event will start at the Lihofung Cave and Heritage Centre near the town of Buthe Bothe and end at Khatse Dam.
“The trail offers mountain biking in its truest sense and the Trans Lesotho Mountain Bike Race promises to become an iconic international mountain biking event� said Freedom Challenge director David Waddilove.See All Event Posts
