Day 5 took us from Roma back to our starting point at Ramabanta Lodge. It was statistically by far the hardest stage of Lesotho Sky: 2600 metres of climbing over 84 kilometres. Sunrise saw me feeling sore and apprehensive, as I considered the ride ahead.
We started off slowly on our stiff legs, winding our way through Roma and up a fairly technical track which brought us to the radio masts on the ridge in front of the lodge. From here we wound along cattle trails until we popped onto the tar for the first major climb of the day: Bushman’s Pass.
By now my legs had perked up, and I really enjoyed the scenic winding climb up the pass. Here the first water point awaited: featuring what are by now my favourite chocolate brownies. The water points have been wonderful, stocked with race fuel for every taste.
We cruised down the pass and onto some more rolling jeep tracks which eventually led us to the day’s real killer: the Three Witches Pass. Baking hot and desolate, the dirt road wound on for eternity, at an uncomfortable gradient, and had what felt like at least five false summits. With the pass under our belt, the second water point was even more welcome than the first, and the undulating trails that followed were a welcome change from the grinding climbs.
By now my decision making skills were at a low point, and it was hard work to keep both wheels on the trail and follow the route markers correctly. I came close to entertaining the herdsmen on more than one occasion.
The the final push was a steep but mercifully brief tar pass taking us into Ramabanta and then swooping down to lodge. A tough but rewarding day.
great pics