Are you looking for new landscapes, technical trails, daredevil downhill challenges and ‘rad’ mountain bike communities? Our list of the five best and most awesome MTB destinations has got something for everyone.
1. United States
Colorado and Utah are laced with some of the best trails in the world and the MTB gene runs through the DNA of most of their inhabitants.
Colorado, the birthplace of the mountain bike, has become a breeding ground for some of the very best bikers in the world with its perfect climate and a wide variety of trails. The state hosts the country’s oldest MTB festival, ‘Fat Tire Bike Week’ at the world-famous Crested Butte. This is a state that lives and breathes MTB like no other.
Then there is the rocky, martian landscape of Utah which offers some of the toughest and most thrilling riding in the world. Every year, the rusty rock landscape plays host to the Redbull Rampage, where the best and most daring riders in the world throw themselves off untamed rock faces in what is the biggest test of bravery, skill and guts that the world has every seen. With temperatures of up to 40°C in summer and no comprehension of the word ‘snow’, this is the keen mountain biker’s paradise. Its spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and high altitude (Park City sits at 2100m, with trails going a further couple of thousand metres higher), Utah offers some of the best technical single track in the world.
2. Canada
If Colorado is the birthplace of mountain biking, then Whistler, British Columbia, is the spiritual home. A popular Canadian ski resort in the winter months, Whistler has become arguably the most popular destination for knobbly two-wheeled adventures. Whistler boasts 120 miles of trails over 50 clearly marked runs and chair lifts that void the need to do anything but enjoy the thrilling descents
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3. France
The true Mecca for British mountain bikers is the Alps. Easy to get to from the UK, the Alpine resorts of Morzine and Chamonix have similar merits to Whistler with the winter infrastructure in place to carry riders up the side of the mountains.
For those wishing to combine their two-wheeled adventures with the beach culture of the Cote d’Azur, Finale Ligure is the obvious choice. Easy distance from the sea, Finale Ligure boasts 150 natural trails with the added bonus of gorgeous mediterranean beaches. What’s more, it is home to the Enduro World Series which takes place once a year, so it has the professional seal of approval.
4. Wales
The premier UK destination for avid mountain bikers is Wales. Many a weekend warrior from all over the UK fleas to one of the many awesome Welsh MTB destinations. Home to two awesome bike parks; Bike Park Wales at Merthyr Tydfil and Revolution Bike Park in Llangynog, the Welsh MTB scene has flourished in recent years, producing such promising young talents as Mike Jones and Taylor Vernon, and playing host to the multiple World Championship-winning Atherton family.
With something for everyone, it isnot only the bike parks that draw bikers to Wales. With a little bit of local knowledge and a fair dollop of skill, the endless back-country escapes tempt a sense of adventure out of even the most inexperienced of riders.
5. Romania
For something a little different and off the beaten track (literally), you couldn’t do a lot better than Romania. Despite having the highest concentration of large predators in Europe, including bears, the spectacular scenery and under-used trails are a veritable adventure park. Romania has become established as a cheap alternative to the ski and snowboard resorts of France and Switzerland, but is yet to draw the droves of riders that descent upon the Alps in the off-season. Romania offers spectacular scenery, rugged, multi-terrain, mountain trails, insane downhill sections, impossibly steep ramps and breath-taking ridges. Any mountain biker who makes the trip (and survives) will come home with armfuls of bragging rights
