Lots of single track, minimal village (although this is an “urban” ride), dirt road, jeep track, tar road. Quite technical in spots, but maybe only 200 feet of unrideable trail. Some beautiful views of the city, village, mountains, and the Caledon River.
The route:
Head up Pioneer road (away from the Mall) in the dirt foot paths on the right side of the road until the top of the hill. Instead of going down into Thetsane, turn left up the tar road. Once you’ve crested the hill there will be a dirt road splitting off to the right. Continue on that road and keep right.
You’ll continue up through the village. Follow the rocky single track to the right and up the hill. The trail winds around the hill switching from single track and dirt road and eventually into the trees. Out of the trees takes you now to the back side of the hill where the best single tracks are.
Once you reach a huge round boulder, turn left down the hill and join with the lower dirt road. Follow that straight across that highway and through the village, bearing right. From there you make the descent down to the Caledon River for some more single track.
Watch yourself on the single track down there – you are right next the river on a very skinny train and a long way to fall into the river bed! You’ll need to hop up off the river for a few km’s as the trail is not good all the way back to Maseru. Scoot around behind Beautiful Gate orphanage before rejoining the river.
Follow the dirt road to the water treatment plant and hop on the foot path just to the right of the gate. Just after the lake, head up the hill and rejoin your path back down Pioneer.
A note on mountain biking in Lesotho:
In general, Basotho people are quite friendly. However, it is not advisable to ride alone from a security stand point. We know of at least one person who’s bike was stolen while he was riding alone. We’ve never heard of anybody having a problem while riding in a group.
A lot of these paths are quite heavily traveled by pedestrians so be on the lookout. Saying “hello” (pronounced “Du-me-la”) in Sesotho will go a long way in initiating friendliness. Early morning rides seem to work best on avoiding the heaviest foot traffic.
For Maseru Urban rides, it is highly advisable to park at the Pioneer Shopping Center. It is free parking and there are guards 24hrs a day.
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