361km with 9 515m of climbing.
The route this year is the culmination of 5 years of scouting, racing and trial and error. So naturally it is the best yet. Make no mistake though; this year is still going to be a real test. I think the philosophy of the route will have to be “With great effort come great reward”.
Technical, rocky and flowing, you will find all of this in Lesotho. I designed the route to give you the most reward possible. Bring you to see endless vistas, rip through astonishing super tube cattle track and conquer seemingly endless climbs. I don’t think there is one piece of flat road throughout the entire race.
The single track on this event is second to none and pretty much non-stop for the entire event. Some extra time training on the fun stuff will help you heaps when you on your 50km of single track for the day.
This year we see two of the hallmark climbs of the race come back into the route: The Bushman’s Pass and the 3 witches. So beware of Day 5 this one is for sure the test of the race.
You will have the privilege of riding through rural villages where few elements of modern day life exist. The Basotho people are incredibly friendly and hospitable, so don’t be surprised if you get offered some Joala (The local sorghum beer). The riding is unbelievable but it’s the people that make this event so special.
It is rugged and real mountain-biking that will leave you day dreaming for hours…I liken it to surfing, as I very rarely ride the same piece of trail. It changes all the time, just as every wave you stand up on presents a new canvas, each with its own eccentricities that make each wave and each piece of trail unique.
Event Director,
Darol Howes
Sus the 2015 Lesotho Sky
Dates: 20 – 25 September 2015
Stats: 361km with 9 515m of climbing
Website: lesothosky.com
Entry Fees: Camping R20 000 or Lodged R 28 000
Entry Limit: 60 teams
Prize Money: R200 000
Twitter: @LesothoSky
Facebook: The Lesotho Sky
Photo by Cherie Vale Photography.
