4 top global destinations for mountain biking
Find out where you should go for your next two-wheeled adventure
by Tara Nolan
RELATED: 4 top global destinations for road riding
I know just the place…
While Canada has a pretty spectacular backdrop for mountain biking, sometimes it’s nice to get away. If you feel you need a change of scenery or are planning your next vacation – take a look at these international destinations for your next two-wheeled holiday. One of them will have just what you are looking for. Here is just the place…
…for both aspirational and doable downhill
Scotland
If the name “Fort William” conjures up images of 2015’s muddy, rut-filled UCI mountain bike World Cup course, then you might be a little leery of adding this destination to your mTB bucket list – unless you’re an adrenalin junkie. Yet, this extensive trail network in the Scottish Highlands that branches out from the Nevis Range Mountain Resort features a multitude of mountain biking trails for all riding abilities. The resort is located 7 km north of Fort William on Aonach Mor, a mountain that is two peaks away from Ben Nevis, the highest in the British Isles.
A ride in the skills park can help determine which of the colour-coded trails you should be riding, from easy (green) to that fearsome downhill course (orange extreme). Speaking of which, it’s the only World Cup track in the U.K. and the only course accessible by gondola. The trail itself, one of the longest and toughest in the world, is almost 3 km long with a vertical drop of 555 m.
Unless you want to be a spectator – and plan your accommodations well ahead of time – you may want to avoid going during any of the big races. The UCI mountain bike World Cups attract roughly 20,000 spectators to the area.
Trains to Fort William from Edinburgh or Glasgow offer free bike storage. The Nevis Range website features a page of bike-friendly accommodation options. This area is also known as the “outdoor capital of the U.K.,” so there are a lot of other outdoorsy activities to partake in, as well.
For mountain biking to the south of Glasgow, check out 7stanes. “Stane” is the Scots word for “stone.” Each of the seven mountain biking centres – Glentrool, Kirroughtree, Dalbeattie, Mabie, Ae, Glentress and Newcastleton – features a large sculpture that speaks to a local legend. There are trails for all abilities, including a DH run at Ae suitable for disabled riders.
ridefortwilliam.co.uk; bike.nevisrange.co.uk
…for secret singletrack away from extreme urban sprawl
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is dense and intense, so it may be hard to believe that there are little pockets of tranquility nearby that mountain bikers escape to for a dose of nature and singletrack.
Mountain biker Kenneth Lam’s favourite routes are the Tai Mo Shan trails at Tai Lam Country Park. Lam, who is the vice-chair of the Hong Kong Mountain Bike Association has been working with fellow members to team up with the country park to provide input, plan, build and maintain trails as volunteers. “Tai Mo Shan has the most comprehensive mountain biking trails in Hong Kong,” says Lam who also likes how convenient they are to reach by public transit.
Besides the singletrack options that are available for a wide range of abilities – from easy to technical rock gardens (there are about 20 km of trails accessible by mountain bikers) – there are also some pretty gnarly downhill runs, too. Tai Mo Shan happens to be Hong Kong’s highest peak with an elevation of 450 m.
If you want to hook up with a group, there is a ride that leaves from the Tai Mo Shan bus stop on weekends.
…for extra pedal power on high-mountain trails
Italy
Do you find the idea of climbing on trails in the Italian Dolomites intimidating? Well, an ebike can help. Bike tours are a relatively new way to bring business to the area’s ski hills once the snow melts. Ebikes level the playing field somewhat for those who may doubt their fitness level for the climbs that are in store. Ebikes (and e-cars) are also viewed in the region as an eco-friendly way to experience the majestic Dolomites, which are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vehicles alleviate some of traffic congestion in the area, too. The Hero Bike Festival in June celebrates both road and mountain biking.
Events are scheduled throughout four days. For Sellaronda Bike Day, the local roads are shut down between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. so about 20,000 cyclists can ride a 58-km loop that takes in four famous passes: Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Sella. A variety of tours provide an opportunity to ride off-road in the mountains. Join the Sellaronda Ebike Tour, which will guide you around the same four mountain passes that the roadies cover, but on the trails. Ebike charging stations are set up in various mountain huts where both bike and rider can “refuel.” Other tours include a strictly human-powered mountain bike ride of 58 km with 3,730 m of climbing. Or ride the passes in a counterclockwise direction for 53 km and 3,250 m of elevation. For those who really like to rip, there’s also a gravity-focused tour. If you bring your own wheels, many of the accommodations in the area consider bike storage options a given.
The Hero Bike Festival in June celebrates both road and mountain biking. Events are scheduled throughout four days. For Sellaronda Bike Day, the local roads are shut down between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. so about 20,000 cyclists can ride a 58-km loop that takes in four famous passes: Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Sella. A variety of tours provide an opportunity to ride off-road in the mountains. Join the Sellaronda Ebike Tour, which will guide you around the same four mountain passes that the roadies cover, but on the trails. Ebike charging stations are set up in various mountain huts where both bike and rider can “refuel.” Other tours include a strictly human-powered mountain bike ride of 58 km with 3,730 m of climbing. Or ride the passes in a counterclockwise direction for 53 km and 3,250 m of elevation. For those who really like to rip, there’s also a gravity-focused tour. If you bring your own wheels, many of the accommodations in the area consider bike storage options a given.
…for skill-testing singletrack
Morocco
While some say you have to earn your descents in mountain biking, sometimes it’s just easier to get a donkey or a mule to do the work for you. When you’re in Morocco, mules are often enlisted as practical bike carriers to help make it up otherwise impassable uphill climbs.
Marrakech is usually the draw in this North African country, but for those seeking adventure after exploring the medina, the Atlas Mountains provide a wonderful opportunity to escape the tourists – and to explore on a mountain bike. Some of the landscape is reminiscent of the scrubby desert in Moab, while other areas are lush and green and used for agriculture. You can hire guides with four-byfours or buy packages through tour companies who know the terrain and can recommend the best trails to suit your abilities.
While some say you have to earn your descents in mountain biking, sometimes it’s just easier to get a donkey or a mule to do the work for you.
Canadian
Atlas Sport, a mountain biking shop in Marrakech, not only rents Cannondale bikes, it is also part of a tour company called Maroc Nature. There are a number of tours available to choose from, including an eight-day freeride and technical singletrack adventure (involving those handy mules) that will take you into the northern foothills of Mount Toubkal and through Berber villages. Another option is to combine challenging mountain biking with a couple of demanding hikes. There are easy mountain biking options, as well as road tours. The staff will even customize a private tour based on whatever requirements you may have.
