Les Deux Alpes
(Photo: 2alpes.com)
Talking about downhill riding, you would hardly find a better place in Europe than the French centre of Les Deux Alpes. It is no coincidence that it is right there, where the European analogy of the legendary Canadian bike festival Crankworx takes place. Cableways will take you to the start of one of the 22 trails, which measure over 100 kilometres altogether.
Around Kathmandu
(Photo: Red Bull Media House)
All in all, it does not matter which trail you choose. The beauty of the trails around the Nepali capital city Kathmandu is in the presence of the impressive mountain peaks of the Himalayas. Those who are bold enough may try to do what Canadian professional free-riders Wade Simmons and Ritchey Schley have recently done with a Swiss Hans Reye, travelling 3 days on a 94 kilometre long trail from Muktinath to Beni. On one side there is Annapurna 1 (8091m) and on the other side the mountain ridge Dhaulagiri (8197m).
Porcupine Trail
(Photo: utahmountainbiking.com)
One of the most famous bike trails in North America goes across the amazing Red Rocks in Moab National Park in Utah. The whole trails measures 25 kilometres, but it is a one-way trail, so you have to arrange transport back on your own. The reward for your hard work are incredible views everywhere you go and perfect technical passages with small drops of red rocks in the area called the Rim, from where you go downhill for 17 kilometres to the Colorado river. It is recommended to set up early in the morning because in Moab, the sun is like hell in the afternoon.
From Monte Baldo to Lago di Garda
(Photo: visitgarda.com)
The whole area around Lake Lago di Garda belongs to the most popular among bikers in Europe. It is because of the pleasant climate and hundreds of trails suitable for mountain cycling. The far most popular is the downhill ride on the wide, former military road from Tremosine to Limone, but the biggest challenge is the downhill ride from Mt. Monte Baldo to the city of Torbole. This ride is several kilometres long and it is only for the brave!
Coed-y-Brenin
(Photo: outdooradventureactivities.com)
No one will tell you if there are elves in the woods of Coed-y-Brenin Park. What’s for sure is that it’s the first place in the world, where the trails were built for mountain bikes only. The architect and designer of these trails is Dafydd Davis. This area is still regarded as a mecca for mountain bike riders, not only because of the numerous trails, but also for its outstanding quality and fun, which riders experience there.
Have you missed the previous part? Find it here: Top 10 Single Tracks in the World, Part 1.
