Basque MTB Trip: Summer 2016

Are you interested in getting away for some sunshine and stunning, technical riding this summer?  Well, I’ve been in touch with Doug at Basque MTB, he has a few spaces left for 11-18th June and he’ll be able to host GMBC riders who are riding at an intermediate to advanced level.  So far myself, Will and a mate of his are going.

Here’s the blurb from Doug about the Basque Coast:

“Put simply this part of Spain has everything we need with the Pyrenees, the Basque culture, and Spain’s stunning coastline. The mountain biking is very varied, from big mountain trails in the Pyrenees to stunning singletrack along the Spanish coast, each day we will choose something special to suit you.”

 

Accommodation is at a lovely B&B in Hondarribia, just above the town, with a pool and a short walk to excellent bars and restaurants.  A week with BasqueMTB is €750 (approx £590).

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BasqueMTB Ride Report: Autumn Sunshine

Earlier this year I finally got myself organised enough to sign up with an ex-GMBC’r, Doug MacDonald at BasqueMTB and opted to do his Back Country Pyrenees trip which included a week of skills coaching with Ed Oxley from Great Rock.

It’s one heck of a road trip and, as Doug said, it crams a month’s worth of riding into a 6 days.  My Garmin reckons it was 8,300ft of climbing and over 26,000ft of descent over only 96 miles.  The trails were a mix of dusty, dry desert, bedrock, alpine switchbacks and pine forests.  They were frequently steep and sometimes off camber and some had a fair degree of exposure with big drops off to the side if you screwed it up.

It was great to be coached and pushed beyond how I normally ride and the guides and other guests were a great crowd to hang out with.  If you get a chance then I’d recommend the Back Country Pyrenees trip.  It’s got me wondering what other trails Doug has to offer.  In the meantime, here’s a wee blast of Autumn sunshine, Basque-style.  Sadly, now a distant memory.

 

More photos.