British bike magazine WideOpen know a thing or two about great mountain biking. Coming from the UK, there is no shortage of riding and trail centers on their doorstep, but of course something they can’t boast is sunshine, Tuscan culture and our world-famous beach!
Apparently our trails aren’t too bad either…
It was pre-summer when the duo of Monet Adams (writer/rider) and Tom Grundy (filmer, also working for Global Mountain Bike Network) hopped on a short flight from the UK to Pisa airport, rented a car and drove the short 1.5-hour drive south to our base on the shores of the Mediterranean.
“The tracks further afield could be likened to British terrain, but only if your were riding at home in the driest, most ideal long summer conditions. We were following James closely through tunnels of trees, into roots, hitting blind transfers and doubles, and diving into switch backs and rock gardens.”
– Monet Adams, WideOpen Mag
Arriving late evening to an impromptu picnic on the beach, they stared out across the bay and to the isle of Elba, the calm sea and warm springtime temperatures perfect for an evening relaxing outdoors. During their week-long stay, Tom and Monet rode a range of our trails, from pedalling on flowing XC singletrack near to the trail center and alongside the shore, to big days out in the mountains behind our base and even including a day of shuttling at Tirli.
It was a well-rounded week of mountain biking summarised by Monet in WideOpen’s feature, which can be read here.
