Amohela MTB Challenge

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Amohela MTB Challenge

Your two-day escape into the heart of adventure. Experience epic singletrack, golden landscapes, and breathtaking views in and around Clarens.

It's more than a race—it's riding with soul on exclusive, unspoiled trails of the Eastern Free State. Amohela - Sesotho for welcome. As to one who's arrival gives pleasure. Thaba e Kholo - Big Mountain, the feature race at the Amohela MTB Challenge. Thaba e Nyenyane - Small Mountain, the entry to medium level race at the Amohela MTB Challenge. https://amohelamtbchallenge.com/

02/06/2026

Remember when we said our photographers were crunching through thousands of images? Well, the mission is officially complete! The evidence is ready, and it’s time to claim your ultimate bragging rights from conquering the next horizon.

Hit the link in our bio to find your pictures, relive the adventure and grab your bragging rights for the week!
ConquerTheHorizon

26/05/2026

Swipe Left for a Reality Check (You Did That!)

We’ve been sifting through the race photos, and honestly, we think the altitude might have given you all temporary memory loss. When you were out there, you were probably staring at your front tire, bargaining with the mountain gods, and wondering why your legs felt like lead.

Well, swipe through this carousel and take a proper look at where you actually were.

Look at the absolute scale of those peaks. Look at the impossible, jagged places you took your bikes. You didn't just climb, you danced your way up into the clouds where only the eagles (and highly confused cattle) dare to venture.

Science tried to stop you with thin air, and the gradients tried to break you, but you conquered it anyway.

Take a moment to look at these photos, let it sink in, and be incredibly proud of what you achieved this weekend. You are officially a mountain goat!

Conquered

23/05/2026

Day One: Conquered in Style!

A massive congratulations to every single rider who crossed the finish line today! You tackled the big mountain country, survived the Beast, and wrapped up Day One in absolutely fine style.

The legs might be heavy, but the job is only half done. A friendly reminder: that coveted finisher merchandise isn’t handed out on reputation. You must finish what you started tomorrow to claim your bragging rights and your gear. No shortcuts allowed if you want the prize!

To ensure Day Two goes smoothly, please commit these vital start times and safety cut-offs to memory (or screenshot this right now).

⏱️ Batch Start Times

Thaba e Kholo

A Batch: 07:45

B Batch: 07:50

C Batch: 08:00

D Batch: 08:05

Thaba e Nyenyane

A Batch: 07:55

B Batch: 08:10

C Batch: 08:15

⚠️ Critical Safety Cut-Offs

We love you, but we also need to make sure everyone gets home safely before the sun sets on Sunday. Please note the hard cut-offs for tomorrow morning:

Thaba e Kholo: The safety cut-off is at the 25km mark at 09:40 AM.

Thaba e Nyenyane: The safety cut-off is at the 18km mark at 09:40 AM.

🛑 Note: If you do not reach these marks by 09:40 AM, our marshals will divert you onto a shortcut back to the venue. You’ll still get a great ride, but you'll miss out on the full course experience.

Get some food in, put your legs up, and get those bikes prepped. Let's finish what we started tomorrow!

StageRacing

22/05/2026

To all the riders rolling into town today: welcome to the thin air and the big peaks. We promise the views are spectacular, but the terrain is no joke. Travel safely, keep your eyes on the road, and get ready for an incredible weekend.
Before the madness begins, we have a few vital housekeeping points to ensure your weekend stays on track (literally):

Rule #1: GPX is King (Do Not Trust Your Friends)
The first 20km of Day One will not be marked. This is wild cattle country; if a cow decides our route marker looks like a light snack or a scratching post, that sign is gone.
Do not blindly follow the rider in front of you—there is a very high probability they are just as lost as you are. Head to the link in our bio right now, download the GPX routes, and master your own destiny.

The Afternoon Itinerary
14:00 – 20:00 | Pack Collection Opens: Come grab your race packs, get sorted, and officialize your entry into the pain cave.
14:30 | The Subaru Outride (For the Thirsty): Need to spin the legs and shake off the travel stiffness? Meet the team at the Golf Course at 14:30. It’s a casual roll-out, an excellent warm-up, and highly recommended for anyone looking to work up an appetite (or a thirst) for later.
Drive safe, prep your tech, and we'll see you at the venue!
MountainBiking

21/05/2026

Thaba e Kholo route warning:-

As you prepare for Day One of the Thaba e Kholo, it is time to discuss the first major appointment on your itinerary: the infamous Beast of the East.

Lest anyone panic, we assure you this rugged little beauty is far more merciful than its elevation profile suggests. However, as the old adage goes: it’s mountain biking. While you will encounter several sharp, breathless kickers, the Beast does graciously offer multiple recovery points where you can reassemble your dignity.

Our trail team has worked tirelessly to repair the extensive damage caused by recent rains and local cattle prints. While they have worked wonders, nature always wins; expect a few slightly bumpy bits. It must eat, after all.

To ensure everyone makes it to the evening race briefing in one piece, please note the following non-negotiable protocols:

⚠️ The Red-Zone Rules

Arrows Pointing Down Mean DANGER: This is not a suggestion to look at your front tire. It means imminent hazard.

The Descent is Not a Video Game: Exercise extreme caution. Follow the precise lines we have marked out for you. We strongly advise against "just sending it" without a calculated plan, unless you fancy testing the suspension of the medical helicopter.

Keep Your Eyes Up: Do remember to look around and admire the spectacular views. They are magnificent, and they may be the only thing keeping you conscious.

The Locals Always Win: Wild animals have the absolute right of way. Seriously. If it has horns, hooves, or a bad attitude, you yield.

Prepare your legs, respect the Beast, and we will see you on the other side.

19/05/2026

After what promises to be a blazing fast Day 1, we hope you will have left something extra in the tank for the legendary No. O2.

The Route Shake-Up

Because of the forced changes to the route, there will be a major twist in the tale. Every single distance will now get to know this formidable monster just a little better. There will be no bypassing it, everyone will be tackling this challenge together!

Why It Will Be Worth It

It will undoubtedly test your legs and your lungs, but we promise you that the rewards will be massive:

The Views: They will be absolutely breathtaking.

The Way Home: It will be an epic, unforgettable descent.

The Victory: It will be worth every single drop of sweat you pour into it.

You will have come too far to back down, so check your gear, visualize that finish line, and get ready to conquer No. O2!

18/05/2026

Its race week here in Big Mountain Country, we are excited to see you. Please keep a close eye on your email and sms as race info is posted from Tuesday.
Here we look at the profile for Day one, its fast, very fast with a speedbump for the Thaba e Kholo riders. The views are worth every drop of sweat. Try get one or two quick sessions in ahead of the weekend, the air is thin up here.
For all other race info, please click through to the link for our website in the bio.

15/05/2026

7 Days. 168 Hours. One epic weekend.

The countdown to the 2026 Subaru Amohela has officially hit the one-week mark! In exactly seven days, we’ll be rolling out for the Subaru Sunset Ride, chasing the golden hour across the Maluti foothills.

It’s time to finalize the checklist:
- Service the bike (sandstone is a silent judge).
- Pack the layers (remember: freezing dawns, blazing days).
- Mentally prepare for the "No O₂" climb.

The gates to Big Mountain Country are almost open. The trails are primed, the beer is chilling at Clarens Brewery, and the mountains are waiting.

See you in a week, Clarens!

MalutiMountains MTBPrep

31/12/2025

We know 2026 will bring its challenges, its technical descents, and those 'why-did-I-sign-up-for-this' climbs. But at Subaru Amohela, we’ve learned that those moments are exactly where the magic happens. This year, we’re challenging you to log off and lean in. Be a 'yes' rider: say yes to the extra loop, yes to the dawn patrol, and yes to the adventure that pushes your limits.
Because if your heart isn't racing, you’re just standing still. We wish all our riders a year of breathless views, unfiltered adventure, and the courage to choose the big gears every single time.
See you out on the trails!
Happy New Year!

16/12/2025

Victory is Sweet, but Shared Victory is the Best!

Sometimes, it's not just about the result; it's about the sheer joy of doing what you love. 🫂

Memories like this at the trails remind us why we fell in love with mountain biking in the first place!
What made you fall in love with this sport ?

Happy Day Of Reconciliation to one and all! 🇿🇦

Address

Main Street Clarens
Clarens
2158

Website

https://amohelamtbchallenge.com/

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