"I want a trail that keeps me entertained. Something has to happen all the time!" - Amir Kabbani
Blackline (Madeira, Portugal) - Photo above
It rains in the north of the Atlantic island, while the south is warm and dry. The trails around Prazeres are built by super-active locals. The Blackline, which is almost 3 km long, is my favourite because it is varied and challenging. There are berms, jumps and grippy earth in the middle of fragrant eucalyptus forests. Because the climbs on the volcanic island are really tough, it's best to be shuttled. I can recommend the dudes from
Bikulture, check out their Facebook page. Autumn or winter is the perfect time to fly to the island. It's eternal spring here. trailforks.com
Ride, don't Slide (Whistler, Canada)
Everyone only talks about the Whistler bike park with its jumptrails. But Whistler also has super trails outside the park. RdS is one of them. From the highest lift station (Top of the World), it's 4 km downhill to the start. It's not easy to find - ask the locals! The name says it all: steep rock and root sections and loamy ground, past streams in the midst of unspoilt nature. The tricky, steep trail winds for almost 3 kilometres through what feels like nowhere with an adrenaline rush guaranteed. Caution: the bike park patrol is not out and about here. I would advise against going it alone. trailforks.com
Roller Coaster (Italy)
Not in the mood for dirty weather? My tip: Finale Ligure. Almost all the trails there are fun. My highlight: the roller coaster. Like a blowpipe, this trail shoots you over 8 kilometres through a wide variety of vegetation all the way to the sea. With its built curves, the otherwise natural trail offers super flow. There's even a bit of airtime here and there. You can get up (1000 metres altitude) by shuttle or by muscle power. Nature is at its most beautiful here in autumn. The trees glow in all colours and it's nice and mild. finaleligurefreeride.com
Bikepark Boppard (Germany)
Of course, my home trail is one of my favourites. 1. because it's the most beautiful at home and 2. I've been tinkering with it for over ten years, always with the aim of getting the maximum out of the 250 metres of altitude. The result: a mix of drops, jumps and well shaped berms. There's fun and flow here, no matter how fit you are. It's nice to know that a tarmac road right next to the trail leads quickly back to the start. There's also a lift for the lazy. However, it's so lame that pushing up is almost faster. Enter Bikepark Boppard on FB. facebook.com
Hacklberg Trail (Austria)
I love the Hacklberg Trail! From the western summit of the Schattberg, the trail winds its way down to Hinterglemm. Predominantly unspoilt, including a panoramic view of the Alps, you shoot down with so much flow and speed that the corners of your mouth are automatically pulled upwards. No matter how good you are and no matter whether you're on a big bike or trail bike - if you're not having fun here, you're not having fun anywhere. Super: The trail is really long (1000 metres in altitude, almost 10 km long). saalbach.com
