Downhill Off-road Trip

“a challenge for the skilled rider”

Downhill mountain biking from 902 meters to sea level, off-road !

Enjoy single and double tracks through the forests in the Serra de Monchique. Near sea level we will challenge you with the best single tracks along the many farmer´s irrigation channels.

Downhill Off-road Trip - Serra de Monchique

The trip starts at our office in Mexilhoeira Grande. From here you are brought by mini-van to the highest top in the Algarve, the 902 meters high Foia.
Here we get out the bikes, while you enjoy the stunning views or have a strong coffee to get ready. After a safety briefing by the multilingual bike guide, your Algarve mountain bike adventure is ready to start!

First you will descend on gravel roads through the windmill park, and then continue on single tracks through the many eucalyptus forests and along small farms.
The lunch will be provided in a local tavern half way the descent, still in the Monchique mountains. After lunch we have got one small climb to do, after that it runs all the way downhill & off road to the Autodromo, the Algarve´s Formula One race circuit.
Now you will follow the water channels (in Portuguese, “levadas”) through the nature protected area of Ria de Alvor.

Safety on the downhill ride & is this my tour?

We offer this trip as a social ride with plenty of (photo) stops and some explanations about the local flora & fauna. Highly competitive riders should look for alternatives, and/or should bring there own downhill bike.
On the other side we assume that when you book this trip, you have already some mountain bike experience, and that you will not join this tour to learn to ride, or see it as a try out.
We have an excellent safety record, and it´s our ambition to keep it like that.

Mountain bikes

The aluminium mountain bikes come in different size from 15″ to 21″. The bikes have adjustable and lock-out front suspension with 80 mm travel. The Shimano Mega Nine (27 speed) have the latest 2010 shifters and will suit your gearing needs. The wide free ride handlebar gives a comfortable riding position and the V-brakes offer control at all times. You will be provided with a helmet and a bottle of water.

Groups and downhill cycling

This trip runs parallel with our Downhill Nature Trip. Are you part of a group with a difference of mountain bike skills inside the group? Then find here for everyone the best cycling experience in the Algarve!

The experienced riders with off-road skills can join this Downhill Off-road Trip. The rest will enjoy the Downhill Nature Trip.
The start, the transport up the mountain, lunch and the finish are on the same spots and the same times.
Single riders are very welcome to join either one of the tours of course.

Details

We´ll meet a bit before 10h30 at the main office in Mexilhoeira Grande. Lunch is planned at around 13h30 in the mountains. We will be back at our office between 16h00 - 16h30, where a cold drink is waiting for you.

The fitness level required for this Downhill Off-road Trip is nº 3, difficulty is C.
(For the Downhill Nature Trip the required fitness level is nº 2, difficulty is B)

The total distance is 35 km (22 miles) from which 75% is downhill and 25% is flat or light climbs.

Both the Downhill Nature Trip and this Downhill Off-road Trip run every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. In case you are 4 people or more, we could go other days as well. Please get in touch with us.
Price per person Downhill Nature Trip: € 43.00 (10 % off when you book on-line and with 4 people or more - pay only € 38.70 pp - valid till 31/12/2012)
Price per person Downhill Off-road Trip: € 48.00 (10 % off when you book on-line and with 4 people or more - pay only € 43.20 pp - valid till 31/12/2012)

Both trips include picnic lunch, home made cake + fruit of the season in local tavern, transport up the mountain, a professional bike guide, All Terrain Bike + helmet, a service car following the group, and water.

For enquiries and booking please drop us an email at info@outdoor-tours.com or fill in the form.