Hold on a second. Before you head off, you need to pack. And if you’re packing, you need to know what to take and how to take it.
The right gear for the journey
Lightweight, safe, good-looking and with plenty of storage. As soon as you start planning a trip, your gear comes into focus. Not every bike makes a great travel companion. Not every setup works together, and that old backpack might be long overdue for retirement. With our tests, you can make the right call. Want to know which bikes, helmets, tyres and backpacks have truly impressed us lately? You will find them here:
Destinations for your summer
Your gear is sorted, the bike is ready. Now comes the fun part. From laid-back Alpine classics to wild spots still flying under the radar, here are the destinations worth clearing your calendar for and saving up for. No algorithm, no ads, just our honest recommendations from countless hours in the saddle.
Sella Ronda – The queen stage of the Alps
Ride the Sella Ronda on an eMTB just once and you will understand why the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Epic passes, jaw-dropping scenery, technical trails and outstanding food. This classic belongs on every bucket list and makes the perfect start to the riding season. With an eMTB, you can complete the full loop in a single day. Still got energy? Go again the next day.
Paganella & Trentino – Italy’s trail diversity packed into one region
Trentino delivers more trail variety in a few square kilometres than some entire regions manage altogether. Paganella stands for flowing descents with views of Lake Garda, the Dolomites rising behind you and a plate of pasta waiting in the evening. If you have not ridden here yet, you are missing out. The region has invested heavily in trail building in recent years. Whether you are into flow or technical descents, you will find your perfect trail here.
Tremp – Spain’s red trail wonder
Our insider tip that will not stay secret much longer. Sorry, not sorry.
Red rock, blue skies and zero crowds. Tremp in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees is exactly what you are looking for if you want trails without the tourist traffic and landscapes without a filter. Technical singletrack winds through surreal rock formations, paired with that easy-going southern European vibe. Hard to beat in spring and autumn. Book early and you might just have the trails almost to yourself.
Sintra – Europe’s most underrated trail spot
Right on the doorstep of our favourite city, Lisbon, lies one of Europe’s most exciting riding destinations. Sintra combines technical, rooty singletrack through dense Atlantic forest with an almost surreal backdrop of fairytale palaces and ocean views. No long journey, no complicated planning, yet it feels a world away. It’s no surprise we have bumped into some of the biggest names in the scene here, including Troy Lee, Greg Minnaar, Jack Goldstone, the Wyn Brothers, Jérôme Clementz and German downhill talent Henri Kiefer. After a lap of Home Trail or Kamikaze, followed by a Sagres and a pastel de nata in the sun, you will understand why everyone ends up here.
Island – Trails on another planet
Iceland blew us away in every sense. The landscape is breathtaking, pushing you physically while completely captivating you at the same time. It also reminds you how little control you have over the elements, whether it is the weather or the raw forces of nature. What stood out most, though, were the simple moments. A quick dip in hot springs, a cold beer afterwards, waterfalls, tailwinds and the people who call this island home.
Blown away by Iceland
Whistler & Patagonien – For adventure seekers with time and budget
Then there are the two destinations we still talk about in the office. The ones that make everyone pause for a moment and drift off, either staring into the distance or scrolling through their photo gallery. Whistler and Patagonia are not quick weekend getaways. They are full-blown expeditions. Expensive, far away and demanding to plan. But absolutely worth it. Every euro, every kilometre, every hour of jet lag. All of us have been at least twice. And we are already itching to go back.
Whistler is North America’s bike park mecca and on an eMTB it becomes something else entirely. More runs, more vertical, more smiles. Patagonia, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of comfort tourism. Vast open spaces, relentless wind, gravel and trails that feel like they belong to another planet.
If you get the chance, go for it. Do not overthink it. Just go.
Ah… one more idea:
A game-changer for anyone who refuses to fly without their e-bike
For a long time, eMTBs and air travel were natural enemies, thanks to battery regulations. For anyone who cannot face riding a hire bike, the KrankE adapter solves the problem. This conversion kit lets you remove the motor and battery from your own eMTB, so you can check it in as a regular, lightweight mountain bike. Around 25% less weight, no hassle at the airport, and once you are back home, you can simply convert it back into an e-bike. Yes, it takes a bit of workshop time, but for an unforgettable trip, it is more than worth it.
Now finish this issue and get going. Summer will not wait, and neither will the best trails. Before you know it, you have pumped up your tyres and it is autumn all over again, so get moving. Fill your days with summer, not your summer with days. Send us a postcard, and try not to get eaten by cougars. Ciao!
Words: Julian Lemme Photos: diverse
About the Author
Julian Lemme
Julian has already explored the Pacific in the company of sharks, come face to face with his fear of heights in the Himalayas, sat in Uruguay's oldest prison and found the answer to world peace in the Brazilian rainforest. This globetrotter has travelled halfway around the world while doing the layouts for our magazines. Today, he's almost settled down, living with his dog Bonnie in sunny Lisbon to ride, surf and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. As art director, the awesome style and layouts that distinguish our magazines are all thanks to him.
