MTB-Trail – Page 2 – allmountaindinger's mountain bike meccas

13. November 2016

Another Season Finale in Finale

October is the perfect season to visit Finale Ligure. The temperatures of air and seawater are still decent and about the same level and the trails are usually in good shape. The EWS final in early October probably contributes to a certain degree to the great trail conditions. Anyway, my 6th trip to Finale was marvelous again. This time the crew was a bit more downhill oriented, so the vertical meters downhill were multiple times the uphill meters and we enjoyed most of Finale’s brillant signature trails: Rollercoaster, Sentiero H, Madre Natura, Crestino, Little Champery, Oribago and the Downhills to Varigotti. Finale simply is the MTB-mecca in Europe.

1. October 20161. October 2016

Sella Ronda MTB, Dolomites, Italy

The Sella Ronda is the tour around the impressive Sella massif, either on skis in winter time or on the bike in summertime. The Sella Ronda Hero is known as the hardest mountain bike race in Europe with about 4500 meters of climbing and a length of 86 km. I didn’t want to become a hero there, so I bought the Dolomiti Superski Pass that let me use lots of lifts and cable cars and allowed for loads of fun without the hardship. I still had to climb for about 1000 meters myself to complete my loop around the Sella after 63 km including 4100 meters of descent mainly on trails.

I loved the variety of trails from purpose built to all-natural and from easy flow to gnarly steep and rugged. The runs of the Fassa Bikepark can be easily integrated into the Sella Ronda and provide some extra fun or adrenaline particularly on those lines down to Canazei, e.g. the Northshore. Altogether, an outstanding bike adventure with breathtaking views, a great variety of trails and epic fun.

Bike lift from Corvara

New MTB-playground under construction at the top of Dantercepies

4. September 20164. September 2016

Rockin’n’Rollin Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas! The Sin City is not only good for gambling and partying. Vegas is as well a mountain biking spot.

The best trails are located southwest of LV in the Blue Diamond/Spring Valley area. I took “Good Call” to climb uphill. At the top of the mesa it connects to “Ike’s Peek” with gorgeous views on downtown LV. “Legalize It” runs mildly exposed alongside the cliff and connects to “Menny Thanks”, a fast downhill trail with jumps over ledges – somehow like Rock’n’Roll.

25. August 20164. September 2016

Moab, the Mountainbike Mecca

The Moab ride on top of my must-ride list had been the HyMasa/Captain Ahab. For good reason as I know by now. This ride is truly outstanding. Mostly on slickrock, it is technically challenging with lots of drops and climbs up and down ledges, yet, it has great flow (if you can master the challenging spots). Moreover, the scenery you ride in and you look upon is already breathtaking – and the climb will let you gasp for air even more. Much alike The Whole Enchilada, Captain Ahab is one of the greatest rides anywhere. Already, I am longing to do this ride again…

Captain Ahab leading the way through the rocks.

Still there are many more fun trails in Moab. I enjoyed again some evening rides on Slickrock Trail and the Mag7 Trails that are in fact magnificent. Bartlett Wash served again as great slickrock-playground and I am already looking forward to my next trip to Moab…

Slickrock signature shot

Slickrockin’

Drop on Bull Ride

Playing around Bartlett W.

Into the bowl on Bartlett Wash

Mag7 – Bull Ride

22. August 20164. September 2016

Trails of Fruita, CO

Fruita isn’t that big, but in terms of trails it has a lot to offer. I love the 18 Road trails. They are very smooth and easy – even for beginners – but they are a lot of fun. Zippity Do Da is simply outstanding. Riding down the ridge you sometimes feel like on a different planet. And the PBR-Trail (Pumps, Berms and Rollers) is even easier and faster.

The Kokopelli-Trails are located further west and on the other side of the interstate are little more technical with steps and drops and more rocks. The scenery overlooking the Colorado River is magnificent. My favorite trail is the Horsethief Bench Loop. The challenge is right at the beginning when you drop down from Mary’s. Well, and I didn’t dare the lower part. Instead I got a lesson from another biker, who showed me how to drop down a rock wall.

20. August 20164. September 2016

Around the Mountain – Bogus Basin, Idaho

“Around the Mountain” is the name of Idaho’s arguably best MTB-ride. Located in the Bogus Basin Recreation Area near Boise this trail – guess what – runs around the mountain and it takes 16.4 km/10.2 miles and 375 m/1230 ft of ascent/descent to complete the loop. The trail is nicely maintained and there are several options for the final downhill. The “Morning Star” seems to be the most fun-track downhill with a couple of jumps and berms. On MTB-Project.com “Around the Mountain” was even temporarily rated among the top ten rides in the US. So, if you come to Boise, ID, it certainly is a must-ride.

Just coming around the mountain... — Just coming around the mountain…

16. August 201616. August 2016

Trails of Bend – Ultimate Flow

Bend in Central Oregon has grown rapidly during the last decade and I guess the great trails in the area contribute significantly to this development (together with decent climate, fascinating nature and good micro breweries) . Most of the trail system has been created by the local MTB-community and is really hard to beat in terms of flow and fun. So, I was delighted to be back in Bend to rip the finest trails together with my son. Of course, Tiddlywinks and Lower Whoops were our favorites. However, there are so many miles of outstanding trails, that I should spend simply more time when I am back in Bend.

18. July 201618. July 2016

Mountain Biking the Lofoten Islands, Norway

What about a trail ride in dramatic scenery in the midnight sun? The Lofoten archipelago lies within the Arctic Circle, so you could enjoy 24 hours of sunshine during the summer months in good weather conditions. Yet, your body’s need for sleep remains the same at 68° north.

The Lofoten Islands combine dramatic mountains and peaks with open sea, sheltered bays, beaches and steep fjords to one of the most spectacular landscapes. There are a handful of trails that are as well good for mountain biking, however, hiking your bike is sometimes inevitable. The biggest challenge though, is to find a decent bike to rent. It is a good idea to bring your own rig.

One of the best Lofoten rides starts just south of Leknes in Bergsdalen and winds up to Smordalskammen (437 meters elevation). It is an out-and-back ride on a ridge with a fun way back downhill.

A real classic trail is the Keiservarden near Digermulen. The last German emperor Wilhelm II enjoyed the view on the Raftsundet already in 1889. The ride at the top is partially on granite rock.

Kleppstadheia in the Kabelvag/Svolvaer region offers great views, but requires to hike your bike for a while.

Trailride.no is a very helpful app to locate MTB-rides in Norway.

Bayview

Keiservarden

Kleppstadheia rocks

Reine

Keiservarden viewpoint

Rock riding on Keiservarden

Hang loose above Reine

dream ride

Zooming down Smordalskammen

Other trail users

Keiservarden trail

Kleppstadheia

Sweet singletrack

1. June 20161. June 2016

Mountain Bike Metropolis Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the best major city in Germany to live in when mountain biking is the key criteria – thanks to the nearby Taunus range. The U3-line takes you from the heart of the city directly to the Hohemark, the most popular starting point for MTB-tours to the higher Taunus elevations like the Große Feldberg (879 meters).

In the recent mild winters there hasn’t been much snow, which made it possible to enjoy all-year long riding. In addition to the countless official and unoffical trails, new purpose-built trails have been added during the last year.

There are now two “official” downhill lines starting at the Feldberg and a flow trail not far away in the opposite direction. If you connect all the fun trails just around the Feldberg – Altkönig – Sandplacken area you easily end up with tour over 50 kilometers and 1500 meters of elevation gain. Quite a MTB-playground bordering the city limits of “Mainhattan”.

Coolest unofficial Taunus trail

6. December 201521. December 2015

Vinschgau Late Fall Biking

The Vinschgau bureau of tourism loves to rave about the 315 sunny days per year they allegedly have. So, when I was heading to the Val di Senales for a ski touring event end of November I just threw my bike into the trunk as well and took off a bit earlier. I read about the newly built Propain Trail and was keen to get it under my tire knobs.

The surrounding mountain ranges were all snow covered but the Vinschgau trails on both sides of the valley were in superb condition up to an elevation of 1800 meters. It was sunny and dry, but cold. The trails were covered with fine larch needles that added a soft golden shimmering finish.

The Propain Trail is a sweet purpose built trail to descend from the Sonnenberg down to Schlanders. In order to get up to the trail head at an elevation of about 1400 meters you either pedal up from Coldrano via Vezzano on paved roads or you cross over from St. Martin am Kofel. The 800 meters climb from Coldrano was all on paved roads and somehow relaxed due to the warming sun and nice views. The downhill on the Propain Trail is excellent: technical with tight turns, but full of flow.

The next morning I chose the Holy Hansen as morning ride. It was even colder, the climb up the Morterer Leger tougher and longer (1200 meters elevation gain). Yet, as well this fun trail was in very good condition to have a blast downhill with a big smile (on the half frozen) face. Looks like I will return for more sunny days in the Vinschgau sooner or later…