To Riva Del Garda Italy we go

With the weather taking a turn in Austria it was time to head off to Italy (only 4hrs drive) for some sunshine and some exploring of the Italian Dolomite back country lines.

WELCOME TO RIVA DEL GARDA.

Some of these Italian towns are untouched buy time.

After some last season knowledge and some know how of map and satellite imagery reading (thanks to my farther a geography specialist) it was off to the discover some trails.

Taking into account the vast system of interlocking trails and with a very strong shuttle service it is hard not to find some unreal trails, BUT WE WANTED MORE.

Sean dropping in on the start of the 601 trail.

And more we got. Climbing to around 2400 vertical we started chasing ridge lines away from the main lines.

Well the Italian Dolomites are pretty AMAZING.

Its certainly crazy to be standing and riding in some of the World War 1 front line trenches that carve them selfs all across the Dolomites. To this day you can still find the remenets of war in such beautiful place.

With some trails barely even trails it was all smiles and fist pumps. Something about riding barely visible trails high in alps is certainly a feeling of accomplishment, almost like your the first to discover this unreal unridden terrain. (but we all know we are not).

Few sections of what this place has to offer. 

Once heading back to main lines to make the decent work it was time for some Hike biking adventure to link up this epic decent. 

What you find off the main trails

Guys @ pro mount billet have the cock pit sorted for adventure.

With only spending 2 days and 1 day riding only one of the many mountains this place has to offer ill be sure to be heading back in the coming weeks. Sean took a massive hit on the first decent and it was all it took to call of this trip. With Sean heading back to the UK, I am heading back Germany to put into play the next chapter.

Once in Garda it is a must to head to the guys a Bike shuttle Torbole for all your biking needs. With it been a shuttle (thats not enduro) or advice on accommodation, trail maps or anything at all.

http://www.bikeshuttlestation.it

On the travel to Saalbach Hinterglem / Leogang / Austrian Alps

Since last season after discovering what Saalbach has to offer in the way of trail riding networks it was definitely first on the list to head back there and hang out with all the crew from last season and meet some fresh faces.
http://www.saalbach.com/en/

http://www.sporthagleitner.com

Europe certainly has its public transport in mind with it been so easy to head all over the EU.

With certain carriages set aside for bikes. Makes life easy with traveling with a bike.

With the valley connected so well with lifts its hard sometimes to get you climb on unless venturing out. With only a few lifts on at the moment it was a good time to climb for the decent on some fresh early ridden single track nessled out on the ridge lines and knife edges.

plenty of snow still laying around for playtime.

SOLID CREW IS ALWAYS A BONUS.

Its hard no to be trendy when you are hanging out with a solid crew overlooking the Austrian Alps on sunset. Now for the 30+ minute decending to get some food.

Quick run down a beginner trail in Saalbach.

TIME FOR THE NEXT ADVENTURE

Ready to jet - 1st week in Germany.

All packed with the essentials of jetting off to Germany for some summer time rolling. I guess traveling with a bike and all your living and riding gear gets pretty heavy at times. Flying out with the  minimum of only just enough to get buy is more then enough sometimes.

Bike bag.

Bike

Helmet, riding gear (include thermals, windproof setup).

Spare chain, chain rings, chain links.

Gear cable.

Brake pads.

Multi tool.

Cleats.

LETS PARTY.

Roaming through Dubai. 

First thing is first. Germany has the best of the best when it comes to Fresh bake goods. 

After hanging out and getting over the jet lag it was time for a quick roll @ Sammerberg bike park. fun little park with a good quick ride to the top.  http://www.bikepark-samerberg.de

Just super pumped to be back on the trails of the Bavarian Alps

With it been around a 30km commute to the park, its not hard to stop and take in the views of the towering Austrian Alps overlooking the Bavarian farming fields. 

Keeping the strength going.

After returning back to Australia after a epic adventure in Europe I had to keep up the strength and fitness. There was no way I was letting what I have achieved abroad slip away with the lack of climbing and riding on offer in my local area. With this weapon now added to the program I have never been this excited for the up coming season in Australia before heading back to Europe in spring.

Bulk filter love

. 

Got me a hundred today.

Road rides with Ben and Brodie. 

Lycra love haha

Sunrise ride with Brodie. 

Overlooking Brisbane. Highgate hill

Spring time kms

Clips from Lake Garda.

Met up with a really rad crew in Lake Garda and shot a few clips with them on a bike tour on day. Was a blast to hang and ride with the group. Massive thanks to all for the best riding experiences from Lake Garda.

CHECK OUT LAKE GARDA RIDING HERE.

http://vimeo.com/105628186

http://vimeo.com/105629420

Plane jumping to Deutschland.

Its been 3 weeks since I packed up the bikes and jumped planes to Germany. Meeting up with my girlfriend in Munich after 26hrs of traveling, then a quick run down the Autobahn to a small village tucked away near the Austrian / German border is now where I call home for the next 3 months. 

Of course had to head in and check out Munich. That city is incredible, vast history with every blink of the eye. 

With the German and Austrian alps shadowing the village its an amazing place to venture out and rind some amazing and unspoilt trails.

Casual breakfast roll with unspoiled views.

With the climbs been nothing like I have done before it definitely worth the hurt for the view and the descent's.

The local trail out the front door climbing up to 850m elevation with a 24km loop.