Stone after stone disappears under my front wheel. I could count them all, I'm slowly torturing myself uphill. We've already been on the road for eight hours, with ten kilometres to go. Ten merciless kilometres on cobblestones that make even the infamous Paris-Roubaix road race seem harmless. The locals warned us at the foot of the climb. It was very steep and the surface was poor. Both were understatements. Our destination is the Schneekoppe in the Giant Mountains - the highest mountain in the Czech Republic and the highlight of our adventure tour, the Trans-East.
Information about the MTB tour of the Trans-East:
The route leads from Sebnitz into the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, on to the Zittau Mountains and the Czech Republic. From there, you cross the Jizera Mountains before reaching the Giant Mountains and Poland. The last section of the tour takes you through the Jested Mountains in the Czech Republic before returning to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and finishing the big loop in Sebnitz. Remember: don't forget your ID for the border crossings! A total of 460 kilometres and 9300 metres in altitude are covered. The individual stages are between 65 and 112 kilometres long. The tour can be categorised as moderately difficult in terms of fitness and technique, but with two performance classes on offer, there is something for everyone.
Catering
On the way there is plenty of catering from the vehicle. In the evening you can enjoy a "home-style" meal.
Bike shops
If damage should occur, the equipment trolley is well stocked, even for major problems such as broken wheels or stems. There are shops in all the larger towns along the way.
Registration/Costs
The tour costs 450 euros for six days including vehicle, accommodation and catering. More information and registration at: www.transost.de and www.rock-trail.de.
Read more about the three-country MTB adventure in the free PDF download below.
