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Let’s help choose the race that is right for you.
how to choose
big or small?
THABA E KHOLO
Thaba e Kholo vs Thaba e Nyenyane vs the Single Day Rides. Which one are you suited to?
Technicality : Medium
Climbing difficulty : Medium to hard (pack your mountain goat)
Distance : 56km & 57km
Rider ability : Medium to Advanced
Avg. altitude : 1950m
Team entry : R2375
Individual entry : R1355 pp
There is definitely a difference in the races and not just in the spelling. It comes down to the difficulty of the climbs and technicality of the route. Here at Amohela we trade in altitude for distance, that's because this event sits at an average altitude of 1890m above sea level. To put that in perspective, that is around 400m above Jozi and for those who haven't guessed it, it is 1890m above Durb's. Something strange starts to happen above 1800m, the best way we can sum it up is by imagining that you have 10% less energy for every 100m above 1800m you go. It only lasts for around a day before you acclimatize, but that also makes this the perfect pivot for your training season.
Who should do the Thaba e Kholo?
This is not for 1st time riders, it is tough but equally as rewarding. Riders should have a fair technical riding ability for some of the descents as well as a strong set of climbing legs. If you have a few stage races under the belt and are keen for a challenge, then this one is for you. Don't be fooled into thinking that because the route is shorter on day one that it is easy, we have traded the altitude for distance. Day 1 of the Thaba e Kholo is just 56km with 1150m of climbing. The mountains were here long before us, we just have to get over them.
Day two of the Thaba e Kholo is the reward you get for all your efforts on Day one. It is fast, very fast. Right up all the way until the end of the Ash River Express where the racing will really start. Riders are ultimately treated to a 16km long single trail over the ridge line above Clarens. Day two is 57km long with 950m of climbing.
Technicality : Medium
Climbing difficulty : Medium to hard (pack your mountain goat)
Distance : 56km & 57km
Rider ability : Medium to Advanced
Avg. altitude : 1950m
Team entry : R2375
Individual entry : R1355 pp
There is definitely a difference in the races and not just in the spelling. It comes down to the difficulty of the climbs and technicality of the route. Here at Amohela we trade in altitude for distance, that's because this event sits at an average altitude of 1890m above sea level. To put that in perspective, that is around 400m above Jozi and for those who haven't guessed it, it is 1890m above Durb's. Something strange starts to happen above 1800m, the best way we can sum it up is by imagining that you have 10% less energy for every 100m above 1800m you go. It only lasts for around a day before you acclimatize, but that also makes this the perfect pivot for your training season.
Who should do the Thaba e Kholo?
This is not for 1st time riders, it is tough but equally as rewarding. Riders should have a fair technical riding ability for some of the descents as well as a strong set of climbing legs. If you have a few stage races under the belt and are keen for a challenge, then this one is for you. Don't be fooled into thinking that because the route is shorter on day one that it is easy, we have traded the altitude for distance. Day 1 of the Thaba e Kholo is just 56km with 1150m of climbing. The mountains were here long before us, we just have to get over them.
Day two of the Thaba e Kholo is the reward you get for all your efforts on Day one. It is fast, very fast. Right up all the way until the end of the Ash River Express where the racing will really start. Riders are ultimately treated to a 16km long single trail over the ridge line above Clarens. Day two is 57km long with 950m of climbing.
THABA E NYENYANE
Who should do the Thaba e Nyenyane?
Technicality : Easy to Medium
Climbing difficulty : Medium to hard (pack your mountain goat)
Distance : 35km & 47km
Rider ability : Entry level upwards
Avg. altitude : 1890m
Avg. altitude : 1950m
Team entry : R1815
Individual entry : R955 pp
The distance is most certainly more manageable and so is the altitude. It is still not going to be a walk in the park as there are mountains to climb, they just are not as big as the ones on the Thaba e Kholo.
This can be ridden as a 1st time stage race, but make sure that you have a few single day races under the belt 1st. If you can race half marathons, then you should be fine on the Thaba e Nyenyane. Day one is just 33km long with 850m of climbing, we cut out as much technical riding as possible. You will still need to ride single trail and have a basic level of technical ability. Day one is simply amazing and completely exclusive to this event.
Day two is 47km long with 620m of climbing. It's a gravel grind through some of SA's finest country side tied in with incredible single trail to cap it all off.
Who should ride the single day events?
This is a completely fun category in the Amohela, the focus of the racing will stay on the 2 day riders. This category is for everybody and anybody, those who don't feel they can or want to do the 2 day event but are still keen to see the country and turn the legs. You can race it for fun or take a chilled ride through the countryside.
The single day race is only offered on the day 1 of the Amohela MTB Challenge. Day 2 is reserved for 2 day riders only.
Technicality : Easy to Medium
Climbing difficulty : Medium to hard (pack your mountain goat)
Distance : 35km & 47km
Rider ability : Entry level upwards
Avg. altitude : 1890m
Avg. altitude : 1950m
Team entry : R1815
Individual entry : R955 pp
The distance is most certainly more manageable and so is the altitude. It is still not going to be a walk in the park as there are mountains to climb, they just are not as big as the ones on the Thaba e Kholo.
This can be ridden as a 1st time stage race, but make sure that you have a few single day races under the belt 1st. If you can race half marathons, then you should be fine on the Thaba e Nyenyane. Day one is just 33km long with 850m of climbing, we cut out as much technical riding as possible. You will still need to ride single trail and have a basic level of technical ability. Day one is simply amazing and completely exclusive to this event.
Day two is 47km long with 620m of climbing. It's a gravel grind through some of SA's finest country side tied in with incredible single trail to cap it all off.
Who should ride the single day events?
This is a completely fun category in the Amohela, the focus of the racing will stay on the 2 day riders. This category is for everybody and anybody, those who don't feel they can or want to do the 2 day event but are still keen to see the country and turn the legs. You can race it for fun or take a chilled ride through the countryside.
The single day race is only offered on the day 1 of the Amohela MTB Challenge. Day 2 is reserved for 2 day riders only.
ATTITUDE VS ALTITUDE
Single day race options
single day options
Keen for a one day ride instead?
We have something for you! The one day ride has now officially moved to the Saturday only, this is the 18th of May.
Riders can choose which distance they are suited to, enter the one day and enjoy the rest of the weekend off.
Thaba eNyenyane One Day : 35km
Thaba eKholo : One Day : 56km
Thaba e Kholo Entry one day entry fee : R395
Thaba e Nyenyane one day entry fee : R365
We have something for you! The one day ride has now officially moved to the Saturday only, this is the 18th of May.
Riders can choose which distance they are suited to, enter the one day and enjoy the rest of the weekend off.
Thaba eNyenyane One Day : 35km
Thaba eKholo : One Day : 56km
Thaba e Kholo Entry one day entry fee : R395
Thaba e Nyenyane one day entry fee : R365
What's cookin' good lookin'?
Look good doing it!
Entrants are able to choose from the following early bird merchandise with their entry. Which is available over and above the race packs. Below kits / event puffer is available in the early bird offer to two day entrants only.
What else is in the race packs?
- 15% off Garmin cycling computers, available to early bird registrants only
- Beanies, funky socks and more
- Please note, that one day race packs differ from all 2 day events
finishers t-shirts
2 day event finishers t-shirts
