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Anyone ridden, been on holiday here, not sure i'm into looking at flowers just yet, but the riding does look amazing.
I was there for xmas and can confirm that the flowers are beautiful - I bet they'll be fantastic in the spring...
We didn't take bikes. I bet there's some superb mountain-biking but I wouldn't know where to look. There were a couple of bike shops / hire companies in Funchal, though, and we saw a group ride setting off from town. Most of the walking trails we used wouldn't be suitable for riding, but there must be loads up in the mountains. The levada paths are too narrow / exposed, but some of the coastal stuff would be great if riding is tolerated.
Road biking could be nasty due to all the tunnels - some are very long and dimly lit.
Check the temperatures, too.
saw this the other day...looks great. http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Video-Freeride-Madeira-Ridgetrail-Helmet-Cam-2014.html
was out in Funchal in April last year. great place to visit and stay, especially the old town. stunning seafront hotel, Pestana Promenade. easy going people, great weather, good food. winter sun!!
The riding is amazing. Some of the best I've experienced. I'd suggest a guide though, as there are 1000s of km of levada paths. We went on a couple trips with a company called LokoLoko — couldn't fault them.
Yup, theres another thread running with quite a few comments on, the threads valid.. maybe pop over there eh..
Ive got family there and was over for xmas. I wish I had taken a bike as all the hire options were fully booked. Not ridden there yet but from the few websites and videos Ive seen it looks pretty good and steep. Would definitely need a guide, and looks like there is a growing enduro scene.
I am also amazed there arent more pro level teams doing their winter road training there as its alp like climbs but in 20 degrees pretty much all winter.
Doesnt help that easyjet and their pants weight limit is one of the few ways of getting there from the UK since they bought GB Air. Hopefully that will change in the coming months.
We were there in October and we had a day with Joe from Bikulture - www.bikulture.com.
Totally awesome riding!
Just do it!!
Cracking riding. As mentioned above, probably best to hire a guide as you'll miss a lot of the best stuff. I had a day out with the guys from Freeride Madeira ... absolutely fantastic. Took me down from the highest accessible mountain on the island to the sea over 50 km.