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I am looking for recommendations for a mountain biking trip away in September/October this year. We’d be looking for 4 days of biking with a tour guide so we could get access to the best trails. Uplift or ski lifts would be good
We normally do Red routes but would be happy to take on natural terrain of a similar standard
Would be flying from Edinburgh and taking our own bikes. There will be 2 of us and have a budget of £1000 per person
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated
Cheers
Grant
This is where I make a sarcastic comment about saving money and coming to Wales, seeing as you're looking for a European destination...
If you mean continental Europe, I would suggest Grenoble. The mountains nearby are less-travelled by tourists than in other parts, and your costs tend to be slightly cheaper as a result. And it's still very beautiful.
Personally I’d recommend Verbier but I don’t know of any independent guides (have a google). Lifts will still be running I think and the autumnal colours will be amazing. Very easy access from Geneva airport which is great for 4 day break.
Most of the French ski resorts will be closed by then.
Also look at Finale - good time of year to go as it’s a bit cooler.
I have also done Sierra Nevada in September. Not always as steep as the Alps but often more dry and rocky. Awesome fun and not too far from Malaga I think. Again - good time of year to go as it’s not quite as hot as peak summer.
Ainsa,Finale, Sierra Nevada or possible Malaga but it may still be too hot then.
Thanks for these suggestions. Wales is also on the list as my daughter is studying in Swansea and bikes too. Cheers
Finale Ligure, Exceptionally good trails, shuttle service and you can have a beer on the beach at the end. Should still be warm then as well
Sierra nevada .cheap flights from Edinburgh warm and some great riding.
I'm in Finale now. It is indeed a little bit good.
Was here in October 2016 before the EWS rolled into town. It was still warm.
ProRide for shuttle /guiding.
Finale or Molini.
Check our Rivierabike for the latter.
Luchon is nice. A Quick Release do guiding there but we always DIY it. There's a single uplift bubble but its pretty big and has a range of options off the top. Some easy to follow and downhill all the way other a bit trickier and a little more climbing. Plenty of good and wild riding in the area away from the lift area, too.
Had some good riding in Sierra Nevada too but that was quite a while back. Great weather for an Autumn break.
September / October is ideal for Spain. Our group go every year around that time with Ciclo Montana.
Torbole, Lake Garda
How much with Basque MTB for a week with flights? a tad more than a grand i would have thought.
Ah.... Luchon. Was there last summer. 19€ for the cable car. Some seriously steep and flowy riding to be found. Was a good laugh.
where would you base yourself for a DIY trip to Sierra Nevada?
i have some digs i can use in Mijas nr Malaga, was thinking of exploring round there too. Apparently Sram have a test centre round there...?
I used to live in Grenoble, spent a few years there studying and moved away only a year ago to start an MTB guiding place in Norway (watch this space), the riding there is indeed awesome and it can usually be pretty warm in September/October. If you want to do it on a budget - Pay for my flight back to Grenoble and i'll show you all I know for well under £1000! (could probably sort you accommodation too). The riding is indeed awesome! So many good trails accessible from the city which sits at only 200m, you can then access trails up to almost 2000m direct from the city. There are no chairlifts but there are several busses that take you way up the mountains from the city and don't cost anywhere near as much.
Of course, I wont 'guide' you but I could go for a ride and if you choose to follow me, well...
Some examples of the local trails from my old blog:
https://anyexcusetoride.com/2014/08/14/_35-fontanil-cornillon-to-les-bannettes/
https://anyexcusetoride.com/2014/08/21/_36-lans-en-vercors-et-st-nizier/
https://anyexcusetoride.com/2016/11/22/video-dent-de-crolles-descent/
https://anyexcusetoride.com/2015/11/19/dawn-to-dusk-ride-chaine-de-belledonne/
Otherwise if you want to go with a company then I would recommend going to Slovenia! Best riding ever there and it is so cheap, look up 'Ride Slovenia' and get in contact with Jon.
Scotland...still Europe (for now)
bump. because it took me ****in ages to find it....
Wondered if anyone has ridden around Sierra De Mijas on the Costa Del Sol??
actually just found these two threads... great stuff!!
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/malaga-trails-sram-test-track/
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/benalmadena-mtb/
How much with Basque MTB for a week with flights? a tad more than a grand i would have thought.
850Euro for the coast trip. that leaves about £250 for flights and transfers.
Normally it's a really nice house with just breakfast so need to factor in evening meals but I think Doug has a cheaper accommodation option in a different location that includes evening meals as well. Just about doable/
AQR are cheaper.