Once biking in the States - the dream of every mountain biker. But where do you start? There are bike spots in the USA like McDonald's branches in Germany. The easiest way to combine the iconic mountain biking locations with a road trip.
Our travel guide from BIKE 3/2013 (see PDF download below) gives you a comprehensive overview of the most important destinations in the biker mecca. From Santa Barbara in California to Crested Butte in the high mountains to Tallahassee in Florida: you will find an overview of the 20 best spots in the new BIKE. You can use it to put together your own personalised dream road trip.
BIKE editor Loibl chose a route through northern California. His route included well-known spots such as Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz and Fairfax. You can find the complete story with lots of photos, the report and all the information in BIKE 3/2013 from 5 February on newsstands. You can find the individual stops on the road trip here:
Santa Cruz
Surfers, bikers and skateboarders from all over the world make a pilgrimage to the fun sports mecca on Monterey Bay. The trails in the north of the city are not too technical and wind their way through the shady redwood forests. Close to the city, there are some interesting trails around the Laveaga golf course. And of course they remain snow-free even in winter.
Demonstration Forest
The Soquel Demonstration Forest is located halfway between Santa Cruz and Morgan Hill. In the middle of wooded mountains. All the trails in the well-kept nature park are man-made and are constantly maintained. After a 400 metre ascent over forest roads, you are spoilt for choice: Tractor, Braille, Saw Pit or Corral Trail. Depending on the route you choose, all trails include berms and jumps over tree trunks. In the shelter of the forest, it doesn't get too hot here even in summer. The signposting is good, but you should still pack a map.
Lake Tahoe North
From Kings Beach on the northern shore of the lake, you have a wonderful view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Further north is the Northstar Bike Park. The Tahoe Rim Trail leads over the mountain ridge that encircles the entire lake. Don't miss the Flume Trail on the eastern shore. This leads on to Marlette Lake and ends with the outstanding Chimney Beach Downhill. We can also highly recommend the "Tyrolian" and the "Super D".
Nevada City
There are some beautiful trails in the north of the mining and gold mining town on the edge of the Sierra Nevada. The South Yuba Trail, for example, winds for 15 kilometres along the river of the same name and offers breathtaking views down into the riverbed. It is best to contact the Yuba Expeditions agency.
Downieville
The western village in the mountains has just 300 inhabitants. But when the famous "Downieville Classic" is held in August, hundreds of bikers flock to the village. The two-day race consists of a cross-country and a downhill race. The "Downieville Classic" is regarded as the unofficial all-mountain world championship. Lots of professionals and enduro specialists compete there. The race takes place almost exclusively on sporty single trails. The following trails are recommended: First, Second and Third Divide, Boulder, Pauley Creek, Downie River Trail.
Fairfax/Marin County
The birthplace of mountain biking is here - Mount Tamalpais. Back then, Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze & Co. were the first to hurtle down this mountain on their steel clunkers. Today, "Mount Tam" is perhaps the most sacred place for bikers. It's definitely worth asking the guys from WTB, whose forge is located in Mill Valley right at the foot of the mountain. They go on tour almost every day and are happy to take guest riders with them. Very rewarding trails can also be found in Fairfax on Tamarancho. You need a ticket for the well-maintained trail park with its moderately difficult trails, which you can get for five dollars at the Sunshine Bicycle shop in Fairfax. You can also get a map there. From the top, you can see Mount Tamalpais on a clear day.
The trip to the best spots in California can also be booked as a complete package. Vertigo Adventures, for example, offers the ultimate NorCal trip.
You can download the complete California travel guide as a PDF right here below.
