Our guests here in 2007 were so blown away by the riding that we've doubled the amount of tours we run for 2008 and added 2 skills weeks. Don't waste any time, if you want to sample some of the best totally natural riding you will find ANYWHERE in the world, get it booked. Places are strictly limited.
What a find! Originally this was a stop-off point
for a tour in the Südtirol (South Tyrol) but
the riding was so unbelievable that we stayed and
took some time to explore. Virtually undiscovered
by other bikers, it’s a teeming network of hidden trails
characterized by mile upon mile of singletrack, rocks
and roots, and all in the most beautiful surroundings
with vineyards and apple plantations dotting the
hillsides. The beautiful village of Dorf Tirol where we’re
based this week has many wonderful hotels, shops
and restaurants, plus amazing views down into the
valley.
The
riding – what to expect There are rides here of every variety and all have a very different feel from those around our Austrian base. The views are just as stunning but there is far less constant climbing, and the trails are just unbeatable. If you love endless rocky
trails with lots of roots and never knowing what’s round the corner, this is for you. Because this area
is not geared up for mountain bikers, there’ll
be short sections of trail where you’ll have
to push up, unless you’re a Hans Rey wannabe.
No matter, be assured, it’s all worth it. You'll have a grin a mile wide all week !
We would like to stress however that you really don't need to be a great rider to ride with us here in Italy. If you ride trail centres such as Coed y Brenin or you ride the Peaks and the like, you'll love it here. There are also options for omitting the most technical sections or you can simply walk down these stretches, no problem.
Skills weeks
Our format is structured only is as much as we aim to teach you certain skills during the week. The skills sessions are incorporated into day rides and will include things that are useful for the types of riding most of us do, which is of course Cross Country.
We'll teach you things like:
how to set your bike up properly
how to make sure your bike is safe to ride
how to change your own brake pads, mend a puncture, set up your own gears etc.
how to master climbing
how to master technical descending
how to get up/over obstacles
how to use braking to make tight turns
how to ride down steps
how to ride drop offs
etc
We will usually ride for 3 days, have a day off, and then ride 2 further days, the last of which will be slightly longer to give you an opportunity to practice all you will have learned during the week. Our Ladies skills week in August is aimed at riders with limited to intermediate riding experience and ability and our Allcomers week in September at those who have been riding a while but would like to improve their technical skills. Drop us a mail for further details.
Group numbers and ability
levels
We decided early on that smaller numbers are much
more fun and safer, particularly on this tour where mountain bikers are not often seen on the trails, so we operate with six guests
per tour, max (unless stated). We also
decided that our tours should be available to all
levels of rider appropriate to the tour grade.
By asking you to complete our pre-tour questionnaire
we can work out if we will need to split the group.
Of course if you’re with friends of different
abilities and are used to riding together that’s
fine; there’s no time pressure, only that
we get you back before your evening meal.
On the day you arrive you’ll take the bus
shuttle from the Airport to your chosen accommodation
in Dorf Tirol. There’s plenty of time to explore,
and later we’ll all meet up
to check our bikes, make sure everyone has everything
they need and answer any queries.
Each evening we will get together to discuss the plan for the next day, show you photos of the intended route and give you a written route briefing. You can ask us any amount of questions and we'll do our level best, as always, to accommodate any special wishes or needs.
