Motorbikes on the Amphitheatre?

Sad to report that I saw motorbike tracks in the Kubedu valley this weekend. Tracks of between 3&5 Enduro type bikes. I estimate the tracks to be 3-4 weeks old (probably Easter weekend). I could not confirm if they went up to the Escarpment since we exited the valley towards Crows nest cave before the escarpment but I fail to see how they would turn around so close to it. The source of these tracks are most likely linked to Enduro outrides being offered from Afriski which is not too far way for these type of bikes. I have no reason to believe that Afriski is involved in this case but the general exposure of riders to the general area will certainly lead to groups doing their own thing.

I am a rider myself and must say that opening this area to riders will be disastrous. In reality controlling this will be more or less impossible since access can be from a very wide area, identification is impossible and catching up to an Enduro bike in this terrain is impossible unless you are on similar equipment and of similar skill level.

What are the general regulations in this regard on the Lesotho side? Where can this be reported to? Perhaps contact with Afriski to discuss the issue and create awareness would help?

As a rider this area is super attractive but I will be seriously annoyed the day I come across a bike on a hike. Knowing the fraternity I'm afraid many will not think twice to go if they get wind of the option.

Very concerning.

Concerning indeed.. and I also ride..

m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10227151596161610&id=1408489298

Looks like it may have been part of the crew supporting Ryan & Ryno's Lesotho circumnavigation. Based on the photos, they went all the way to Rat Hole cave to resupply them.. I mean I don't have experience with enduro riding, but would assume that a place like the Berg escarpment is pretty much a no-go zone. Selfish reasons of wanting to keep the place as peaceful and wild as possible aside.

Also I don't understand why they resorted to this? They had someone hike supplies up to them via Bannerman Pass, so could have done something similar at Mnweni/Tugela. I suspect the Red Bull has gone to their heads.

Totally unacceptable behaviour from people who should know better. I assume its a free for all in Lesotho and non-KZNEzemvelo areas. With the ease of navigation and the rapid spreading of info via Social media these days I reckon its inevitable that we will soon share most of the Berg with bikes. That picture will already be floating around on bikers profiles and the rumour, question and answer mill will soon produce more groups.

The only positive I can input for this case is that from the tracks I could see that the riders were conservative and not out to rip the land apart like one does on these machines.

Yet most of the social media posts mentioned thanks to their support team that were using Ponies. Strange. 

Maybe the experts involved can bring their reasoning to the table here. I'm not sure how personal reasoning beats law but that does seem to be the common thought pattern used in this country by anyone who wields influence.

That link is no longer working. Also strange.

They did use horses earlier on, but used this motorbike resupply on one occasion in the high Berg as far as I can tell. So many other options, which is why I'm baffled they went with the controversial one.

Allow huts/buildings to be built along the DGT route...same free for all mentality/stupidity in an area where conservation should be treasured. This is not a Lesotho, but a South African problem where the lust for fame and money are the very foundation!

@Bergattie,

Mnweni is tribal land and they cater for all sorts of vistors (smugglers included;-) )
This has been going on for years, and I guess as long as they pay (like hikers do) they will be welcomed by the powers that be in this area.
Never seen them go up to the escarpment though, only in the lower berg

@Riaang - I am aware of the Mweni access situation and context Not much that can be done there. This issue however originated from the Lesotho side.