Text: Julia Schäfer-Hofmann
Trail 1: God Speed
Williams Lake, Canada
Every mountain biker knows Whistler or has at least heard of it. An absolute insider tip, however, is the north of Canada, more precisely the region around Williams Lake. A trail called "God Speed" awaits there - and its name really does say it all. For five kilometres, the trail winds its way down the steep flanks of Dessous Mountain and only stops again on the banks of the Fraser River.
From steep, fast passages to loose, dusty bends and technical hairpin bends, the descent has it all and the trees even provide a fantastic view over the Fraser Valley in the final metres.
Trail 2: Torridon Classic
Scotland, Highlands
Here, fox and sheep say goodnight to each other. You can't get much more out in the middle of nowhere than in the Highlands of Scotland. A "must do" up here is the Torridon Classic near the village of the same name, Torridon. You need a day's time, possibly good rain gear and plenty of power in your legs for the trail, but every metre of altitude is worth it, because the fantastic descent, the incredible landscape and the burgers and chips in the Torridon Hotel at the end are worth the effort.
Trail 3: Fast Line
Canary Islands, La Palma
Steep, technical, exposed, hairpin bends and often almost unstoppable. If you love all this as much as I do, you shouldn't miss the "Fast Line" trail on La Palma. At the top, the trail is adorned with wonderful wide bends, covered in long pine needles that steal the grip from under your tyres. The trail doesn't wait long before it really gets going, because after the first 100 metres, it already takes a very steep vertical turn and winds its way down a mountain gully like a rollercoaster. But things get even steeper towards Santa Cruz, because like in a computer game, it's now time for the next level! The trail becomes increasingly technical and steep. Exposed hairpin bends are soon decorated with steps and cacti, so that your body tension never lets up - at the end, you've really earned your beer and tapas.
Trail 4: Flying Carpet
Morocco, Atlas Mountains
It's like flying here in the High Atlas Mountains, not far from the city of Marrakech. It's fascinating that it seems to be four-legged friends who keep the trails in shape here. Here a berm, there a small natural jump, there a technical section and all in a breathtaking landscape. Every trail is special in its own way.
But by far the best and most scenic trail is the one that the locals call the "Flying Carpet". This 35-kilometre single trail winds its way between steep, shrub-covered slopes through a landscape full of colours that I have never seen before in any other country. At the top at the start, the ground is rocky and resembles a huge sandstone slab. The grip of the tyres is perfect, rolling through the red hills like a marble run. This is followed by waves over black soil that almost resemble a pump track.
Trail 5: Cieneguilla
Mexico, Oaxaca
Mexico - I've lost my heart there! Never before have I seen an area where there are so many incredibly good trails so close together. It's hard to say which one is "the one", but if I have to choose, then it's Cieneguilla near Oaxaca. The locals organised the first enduro race on this trail. It starts in a jungle-like forest, the tyres grip the fluffy ground and there are virtually no obstacles in sight.
The flowy route leads into a valley that radiates a fascinating atmosphere, especially in the evening sun. But then you're already heading towards the first technical finesse: Boulders stuck in the red, loamy earth. After six kilometres of riding, the landscape changes from jungle to steppe. And after the ride, the home-made tacos with homemade mescal from a local family are a must!
Julia Schäfer-Hofmann
Julia, is there a country you haven't been to yet but really want to go there by bike?
Oh yes. Peru! I'm an absolute fan of Mexico, but I've been told several times that the trails in Peru are even more impressive. So I definitely have to go there.
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Gitta Beimfohr
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