www.uppervalleycircuit.com

Time to talk about my bike, the The Turner 5 Spot. When I returned from my last trip to the US with this baby in my carry-on (okay, not true), I knew I had made a steal (thank you, Euro). The 5 Spot has been the go to trail bike in the Turner Bikes lineup for those of us who are doing it all. It is a classic all-mountain fully, uphill as easy as a touring bike, downhill almost as potent as an enduro, on the trail as nimble as a Cross Country Fully. Whether for a quick tour around the block, an alpine cross or a technical trail ride – with the Turner I always get the sense that I am on the right bike. And that, I can tell you, is a good feeling. So yes, you have guessed it, I love my bike.

Read the rest of this entry »

If you are not familiar with Singletrack Safari you should check it out as soon as you can. Their concept of a highlights-based holiday is exciting and unique: Whereas you normally travel along a given route, have to haul all your luggage and at least half of the rides are not especially memorable, the folks at Singletrack Safari have used their knowledge of biking trails throughout Europe to create packages with a base from which you start out every day, ready to explore the most exciting rides in the area. Since not every trail will be in the neighborhood, they will transport you from that base to your trail and back in a van that looks like B.A. Baracus has escaped the Hollywood dreamworld just to be your driver for the day.

erixxson via Flickr

photo © 2010 TRAILSOURCE.COM | more info (via: Wylio)
Just in case you were wondering what the page name was about: Its my home circuit – the Upper Nive Valley Circuit. Traditionally, experienced guides recommend to ride it in four stages, which is what I would say as well. You will have the time to stop and enjoy the amazing scenery on the way, from the green mountain of the Pyrenees to ancient Roman towers more than two millennia old.  Read the rest of this entry »

photo © 2008 Tony Harrison | more info (via: Wylio)Maybe I can first introduce you to some of the circuits in the Pyrenees. One of my favorite routes is in the Mountain biking area “Aude en Pyrénées” which is the largest in the Pyrénées with roughly 870km of marked routes for all levels. There are five green circuits, 15 blue, 18 red and two black ones. Just in case you didn’t know: Blue and Green stands for rural cycling paths and forest routes suitable for beginners or families. For the red and black circuits you need to be an experienced mountain biker because they do have rapid descents and pretty exhausting climbs. Read the rest of this entry »