I am looking for red/occasional black descents, with a mix of swoopy single track and technical rock gardens. As a reference point for those who have been there, I like the Spanish Sierra Nevada (went there with Switch-backs a few years ago), but lots of the trails were badly eroded. This meant picking your way through big sections of lose rock, which was less interesting. Given I still feel I have a lot to learn it would be good to get some tuition worked into the week.

Be great to hear what the forum advises

Looks like no one wants to help us, eh Chris?

for me Italy looks interesting

http://rivierabike.co.uk/

or even Austria

http://www.upanddownhill.com/mountain_bike_holiday/week_agenda.htm

My wife seems to think that France and Italy shut down at 8 so would be rubbish for drinks in the evenings. But then she is Basque.

If she’s Basque then why not go there 😉 Certainly no trail erosion here, there’s not enough bikers!

+1 for Riveria bikes.

Or go back to Spain with Ridesierranevada, Singletrack Safari etc – not all the trails are eroded?!

Mallorca could be a good option too, but you’d have to find your own way around.

Basque Country could be an option. Getting there from Bristol is a bit of a pain and am a bit concerned about weather at the end of September.

End of September you should probably be thinking Southern Spain for reliable dry warm weather. Plenty of cheap flights into Malaga.

Riviera bike are in Molini in italy. A mate of mine who’s worked as a guide all over europe and other places rates it as the best place he’s been for riding. I did one day there are really liked it, little used and we barely scratched the surface of how much they have.

Leku, lots of good options out there for places to ride but just for information you can get cheap flights direct Bristol to Bordeaux, it’s a longer transfer but do-able and better than 2 flights. The weather in September is usually nice, (although more unpredictable than the south), and we always have the option of riding towards Pamplona (40mins away) where it’s a lot hotter and dryer.

Doug,

I think I am still scared from my Xmas trip to Bilbao. Never easy with 2 small kids but then add it the delays from snow.

Interesting article on Molini in Dirt this month. Anyone know what the weather is like in late Sept? And are there bars?

Hey Leku

Weather will be perfect….

And Gallo Nero will keep you entertained all week..

A

AQR in the Pyrenees?

Anything but eroded. Trails as steep and tech as you like (or not if you don’t), and truly great food…

Cheers Nasher. You are top of the list and looks like I’ll be bring two mates with me.

Was hoping to get a email back from James McKnight – he guided me twice at Switchbacks and I’ve met up a couple of times with him since. As he guided / ridden both Italy and Spain I was hoping for his input.

Just waiting for the new month then we’ll be confirming / booking flights.

I’ll be bringing a Yeti ASR-sl – its survived Switchbacks twice so I’m assuming it will be ok for Italy?

Did a self organised week last year based in Villelongue dels Monts.

IBIZA -take the mtb with a spare set of slick tyres, loadsa fun and well marked trails and road routes.