The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho can also be known as the Mountain Bike Kingdom not just because of CrankChaos – a mountain biking festival extraordinaire that takes place at the majestic Afriski Mountain Resort from the 31 October – 3 November 2019 – but because Afriski has focused on creating a mountain biking destination, with routes, tracks and trails for all levels of mountain bikers out there.
It has recently been described as a top destination in Southern Africa for track variety, with over 30 runs possible in one day. That’s 110km of single track outrides, 30km of single track resort trails, 3 enduro tracks and 4 downhill tracks all to enjoy at CrankChaos 2019. The event also brings together the biggest brand names in mountain biking of allowing you to test and rate the equipment on the network of trails surrounding the Afriski Mountain Resort.
Want to know what you’re in for? Here’s the CrankChaos Ultimate Route & Trail guide…
Enduro: Created in three stages totalling 6.3km. Starting with Makhobalo’s Grin and winding into Thabiso’s Twist. This trail was built in 2014 and commemorates the life of one of Afriski’s longest-serving staff members. Its views of the mountain valley and the Motete River are awe-inspiring. Makhobalo’s Grin trail joins the Motete Run, which skirts the cliff face before dropping down to the riverside. It’s one of the most unique rides you can find.
Downhill: There are four downhill tracks to choose from: Don King’s Hill, Red Hot Poker, Gooi Mielies and Brake Back Mountain. Each has open fast bike-park corners and jumps interspersed with natural rock gardens and nice technical mid-sections.
The Dirt Breath Express: a 35km – 50km trail, this trail boasts both single and jeep tracks, tight corners, rocky climbs and unforgettable river sections. This is quintessential rural Lesotho at its best: cattle tracks, villages, rivers and streams and flocks of sheep make up the first half of the ride. Expect a 25% technical single track and tough climbing, followed by a beautiful meandering single track down the Khukune River, some district road and Jeep track, and massive sandstone formations.
The Kapoko Snow and Bike Park: which during the winter months is transformed into a snowboarder’s dream. However, with a few additional summer variations, the Bike Park becomes the ideal playground for any dirt-jump enthusiast and will truly test a rider’s skills.
Goldilocks: 10.3km’s of mountain biking bliss. Following the contours of the mountains between the Mashlasela Pass and the Malebomatsi River, Goldilocks has it all. Her long, steep turns, rocky sections, drops, river crossings and sharp, tight corners are the ultimate challenge. This challenging single track takes you down the Fanana River valley with a few stream crossings and a beautiful mountain feel. It’s an avalanche trail similar to European experiences. Awesome enduro sections make up 25% of the ride, with minimal climbing and the remainder is mostly technical single track. Intermediates will ride it, but advanced riders will own it! There will be a bike shuttle to bring you back to the top or you might want to see if you could claim the KOM on the climb back up to the resort.
Bambi’s Revenge: Kicking off at 3 330m above sea level. This extraordinary single track takes riders over exciting obstacles, tight twists and turns, inviting berms on soil that encouraged letting go of all brakes and ripping the corners with gravel spraying in all directions.
Black Mountain Pass: 30km, this beautiful single track takes you along rivers and cliff edges; offering breathtaking views and a remote, isolated, true mountain biking experience. Made from mostly long, flowing single track, as well as 2 awesome 1 km enduro sections with minimal climbing.
Besides the trails, CrankChaos has several epic mountain biking events throughout the weekend that allow riders to test every facet of their skill. Don’t forget that it’s the only mountain biking destination in Southern Africa that has a lift assist T-bar that gets you back to the top of the mountain in under 7 minutes. Need to see it to believe it? Then check out the trail map below!
Early Bird entries are open if you book before 30th June 2019 you will receive a free cap and hoodie. Keep two hands on the handlebars and head to www.crankchaos.com to book your spot or follow us on the CrankChaos or Afriski Mountain Resort Facebook pages for news, competitions and more.
Information:
● CrankChaos takes between the 31 October – 3 November 2019
● For more event and accommodation information, got to https://www.crankchaos.com
● Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CrankChaosMTB/
● Follow Afriski on https://www.facebook.com/resort.afriski/
● For more information contact Peter Peyper at peterp@afriski.net
Prepared by Kelly Fraser, Nomadic Social, Kelly@nomadicsocial.com and Afriski Mountain Resort.
Afriski Mountain Resort information:
Afriski Mountain Resort is an ‘all year, all mountain’ destination in the heart of the Drakensberg- Maluti Mountains, in Lesotho. It is one of 2 ski resorts in Southern Africa and caters to every taste. It offers the perfect escape for sport and outdoor enthusiasts, corporate parties and families in summer and winter. With a selection of accommodation options, as well as a range of on-site facilities and restaurants, Afriski has all you need for the perfect mountain getaway.
