Top 5 Mountain Biking Countries to Visit

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Top 5 Mountain Biking Countries to Visit  
Date: 19/11/23 

Word Count and Aprox Reading Time: 1511 words…… 8 mins

The world offers many countries with some spectacular mountain biking from the dolomites of Italy to the deserts of the United states, there is truly something for everyone's tastes. In this article we will cover the top 5 countries (in no particular order) for mountain biking. This list will include countries that we see have the best trail systems, infrastructure for biking, bike parks and mountain bike events. We hope this list inspires you to one day pack up your bike bag and get ready for some shredding in another country.

🚵‍♂️ Canada: Where Mountains and Bikes Collide in Epic Harmony!

Welcome to the Great White North, where maple syrup flows as smoothly as the mountain bike trails! Canada, a hidden gem in the world of mountain biking, is not just about stunning landscapes and polite folks; it's a paradise for thrill-seekers on two wheels.

Trailblazing Stats:

Canada boasts over 43,000 mountain bike trails, weaving through dense forests, along breathtaking coastlines, and even through the heart of vibrant cities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, there's a trail with your name on it.

Points of Interest:

Picture this: ripping down a trail with a backdrop of the majestic Rockies or exploring the lush forests of British Columbia. In Canada, every pedal stroke comes with a view. Don't miss the iconic Whistler Mountain Bike Park, where gravity is your best friend, or explore the stunning terrain around Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Parks Galore:

Canada is home to some of the best bike parks on the planet. Whistler, often hailed as the holy grail of mountain biking, offers a myriad of trails catering to all skill levels. If you're on the east coast, don't overlook the legendary Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec, a playground for adrenaline junkies.

Events that Thrill:

Get ready to witness the thunderous roar of wheels on dirt as Canada hosts some of the most exhilarating mountain bike events. The Crankworx Festival in Whistler is the mecca of mountain biking, featuring jaw-dropping stunts and races that'll leave you breathless. And let's not forget the BC Bike Race, a multi-day epic adventure through the rugged landscapes of British Columbia.

🚴‍♂️ USA: Unleash Your Trail Spirit in the Land of Endless Adventures!

Welcome to the wild, wild West... and East, North, and South! The USA isn't just about stars and stripes; it's a mountain biking extravaganza that caters to every rider's dream. Get ready to explore the diverse and thrilling trails that make the USA a true mountain biking playground.

Trailblazing Stats:

Hold on to your handlebars because the USA boasts a whopping 156,000 mountain bike trails, crisscrossing deserts, carving through forests, and winding along coastal cliffs. Whether you're chasing the sun in Arizona or navigating the technical trails of Moab, there's a trail system that suits every level of rider.

Points of Interest:

From the red rock wonders of Sedona to the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, the USA's mountain biking scene is a visual feast. The slickrock trails in Moab, Utah, are practically a rite of passage, and the thrilling descents in Downieville, California, will have you grinning from ear to ear. Don't forget to explore the epic landscapes of Colorado, where the Rockies become your personal mountain biking playground.

Parks That Define Awesome:

USA's bike parks are the stuff of legends. Head to Whistler's southern cousin, the Trestle Bike Park in Winter Park, Colorado, for gravity-defying descents and freeride fun. If you find yourself in the heart of the South, the Windrock Bike Park in Tennessee offers gnarly downhill courses that will test your mettle.

Events that Echo Across Mountains:

The USA hosts some of the biggest mountain biking events on the planet. The Sea Otter Classic in California is a carnival of all things mountain biking, featuring races, exhibitions, and a contagious energy that permeates the air. For those seeking an endurance challenge, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race in Colorado pushes riders to their limits at high altitudes.

🚵‍♂️ United Kingdom: Unleash Your Trail Spirit in the Land of Castles and Singletracks!

Get ready to swap your tea for adrenaline because the United Kingdom is not just about quaint villages and double-decker buses; it's a mountain biking haven that'll have you navigating through historic landscapes and heart-pounding descents.

Trailblazing Stats:

Despite its compact size, the UK packs a punch with over 400 mountain bike trail centers, totaling more than 18,000 trails. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the picturesque Lake District, the UK's trails cater to all levels, making it a perfect destination for riders of any skill.

Points of Interest:

Picture this: tackling rocky descents in Wales' Snowdonia National Park or cruising through the mystical forests of the Cairngorms in Scotland. The UK is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes for mountain bikers. Don't miss the exhilarating trails of Glentress in Scotland or the challenging terrain of BikePark Wales.

Parks with Panache:

While the UK may not have the sprawling bike parks of some larger countries, it compensates with quality. BikePark Wales, dubbed the 'UK's first full-scale mountain bike park,' is a gravity-fueled dream with downhill trails that'll leave you grinning. Meanwhile, Coed-y-Brenin in Wales offers a mix of technical descents and flowing singletracks.

Events that Echo Across Moors:

The UK hosts some epic mountain biking events, including the legendary Fort William Downhill World Cup in Scotland. This event not only attracts the world's top riders but also offers spectators a front-row seat to gravity-defying stunts. For those seeking a challenge, the Mountain Mayhem 24-hour race in England is a test of endurance amidst beautiful surroundings.

🚴‍♂️ New Zealand: Where Mountain Biking Takes Flight in the Land of Kiwis and Kickers!

Prepare for a journey to the Southern Hemisphere's thrill-seeker's paradise, where sheep outnumber people, and the trails are as wild as the landscapes. New Zealand, with its enchanting scenery, is not just a Lord of the Rings backdrop; it's a mountain biking utopia that will leave you shouting "Kia Ora!" from the hilltops.

Trailblazing Stats:

In a country known for its dramatic terrain, New Zealand offers over 2,500 kilometers of mountain bike trails, weaving through lush rainforests, volcanic plateaus, and jaw-dropping coastal cliffs. The trails cater to all levels of riders, from beginners to adrenaline junkies seeking the rush of technical descents.

Points of Interest:

Imagine conquering the ancient Whakarewarewa Forest trails near Rotorua, where geothermal wonders meet adrenaline-pumping descents. New Zealand's South Island is a mountain biking paradise, with Queenstown serving as the gateway to epic rides like the Skyline Queenstown Bike Park, where gravity is your best friend.

Parks with Pizzazz:

New Zealand boasts some of the most scenic and thrilling bike parks on Earth. The Whakarewarewa Forest, often dubbed the "Redwoods," is a haven for riders seeking a perfect blend of flow and technical challenges. And let's not forget about Christchurch Adventure Park, where the Southern Alps provide a breathtaking backdrop to your downhill adventures.

Events that Echo Across Mountains:

Gear up for some heart-pounding events, such as the Crankworx Rotorua, part of the international Crankworx World Tour. This festival is a showcase of the best riders in the world, combined with Kiwi hospitality and a contagious mountain biking spirit. Additionally, the Pioneer, a multi-day stage race through the Southern Alps, offers a true test of skill and endurance.

🚵‍♂️ Italy: Where Dolomites Meet Downhills in a Symphony of Trail Magic!

Get ready to swap your pizza slice for a slice of trail heaven because Italy is not just about art, history, and gelato; it's a mountain biking paradise that will have you shouting "Bella Vista" as you navigate through its diverse landscapes and thrilling descents.

Trailblazing Stats:

Italy, with its stunning topography, offers over 5,000 kilometers of mountain bike trails. From the iconic Dolomites to the sun-soaked trails of Sicily, Italy's diverse terrain caters to riders of all levels, making it a hidden gem in the world of mountain biking.

Points of Interest:

Picture this: conquering the breathtaking trails of the Dolomites, where jagged peaks and alpine meadows provide the backdrop for heart-pounding descents. The trails of Finale Ligure, along the Ligurian coast, offer a unique blend of challenging rock gardens and sweeping ocean views that will leave you breathless.

Parks with Pasta-Style Panache:

While Italy may not have sprawling bike parks like some other countries, it compensates with quality. The Aosta Valley, nestled in the Italian Alps, is a playground for mountain bikers, offering a network of trails surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Punta Ala Trail Center in Tuscany is another must-visit, where well-maintained trails wind through dense forests and olive groves.

Events that Echo Across Vineyards:

Italy hosts some spectacular mountain biking events, including the Superenduro series. Picture yourself racing through medieval villages and lush vineyards, all while experiencing the warmth of Italian hospitality. The BIKE Transalp, a multi-day stage race through the Alps, is another highlight, providing riders with a challenging and scenic adventure.