Cross Country – Moutain Bike Tour

Exciting Mountain Biking in Madeira for Enthusiasts and Adventurers

The Cross Country – Mountain Bike Tour on Madeira offers a full-day adventure designed for those with good physical fitness and a moderate skill level. Priced at $97.95 per person, this 5 to 6-hour experience departs from Funchal and takes riders through some of the island’s most spectacular trails. With a 5.0 rating based on 9 reviews, it’s clear that participants appreciate the combination of adventure, scenery, and expert guiding.

This tour stands out because of its unique route that takes bikers across challenging uphill and downhill trails, starting near the Madeira Natural Park and including a swimming break in Machico. It’s ideal for those who want to experience Madeira’s lush Laurisilva forest, enjoy ocean views, and ride through the UNESCO-listed Laurel Forest. The tour includes all necessary equipment—mountain bike, helmet, safety gear—as well as shuttle transport, making it a convenient option for visitors based in or near Funchal.

While it’s suitable for moderate-level cyclists, this is not a beginner’s ride. The challenging terrain, including steep ascents and technical descents, makes it perfect for riders who want a thrilling experience and are comfortable handling difficult trails. The total group size is small, with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalized guidance and safety.

Key Points

• Price of $97.95 includes mountain bike, helmet, safety gear, guide, and photos
• Tour duration of 5-6 hours covers scenic stops, biking, and a swim in Machico
• Suitable for moderate fitness levels with experience in handling tough trails
• Guides are knowledgeable, with many reviews highlighting their friendliness and local expertise
• The tour departs at 9:00 am from Lokoloko Hotel Galosol in Caniço
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

Starting Point and Transport to Madeira’s Trails

The tour begins at Lokoloko Hotel Galosol in Caniço, where participants meet at 9:00 am. After a brief safety briefing and gear fitting, a shuttle transports the group to the trailheads near Madeira Natural Park. The tour includes transport back to Machico at the end, where riders can enjoy some time at the beach after the ride.

This convenient pick-up and drop-off setup helps maximize riding time and reduces logistics stress, making the experience seamless for visitors. The small group size ensures personalized attention, especially important on challenging trails.

Exploring the Laurissilva Forest and Miradouro da Portela

The first stop is within the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, the guide takes you through a fascinating landscape of endemic flora while riding on dirt trails and levadas. The majestic mountains that rise over 1800 meters from the Atlantic set a stunning backdrop, and the trails promise a mix of steep climbs and exhilarating descents.

Next, riders pause at the Miradouro da Portela, a viewpoint offering a spectacular view over the north coast of Madeira, particularly overlooking the coastal village of Porto da Cruz. The scenic vistas here are a highlight, with many reviews emphasizing the breathtaking scenery and the informative commentary from guides about the island’s natural and cultural features.

Navigating Trails Between Endemic Flora and Coastal Views

The tour continues through dirt roads and trails within the Reserve Natura 2000 network, always surrounded by the endemic Laurel Forest. These trails are characterized by their technical nature, with sections that require careful handling, especially when slippery. Riders appreciate the expert guidance that prepares them for sharp corners, jumps, and difficult terrain.

The overall route balances challenging uphill climbs with fun descents, offering diverse riding experiences. The scenery includes dense Laurisilva forests, ocean panoramas, and mountain views, making each pedal stroke visually rewarding.

Reaching Machico and Enjoying a Refreshing Swim

After covering several kilometers of trail and tackling small climbs, the group reaches Fajã dos Rolos, a scenic spot where the old road descends into Machico. This part of the ride is often described as exciting and scenic, leading downhill to sea level.

The finale of the tour is a relaxing swim in Machico’s waters, allowing participants to cool off after the physical effort. Many reviews highlight this refreshing break as a perfect way to end the ride, with some noting it as a favorite part of the experience.

Equipment and Safety: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package includes a transition sentinel alloy mountain bike, a helmet, and safety gear. Guides are present throughout, offering expert advice on trail handling and safety. Photos of the ride are also included, providing a lasting memory of the day.

Food and drinks are not included, so participants are encouraged to bring their own or plan to purchase refreshments during breaks. The small group size fosters a personalized experience, with guides adjusting the pace and route as needed.

Physical Demands and Suitability

This mountain bike tour demands moderate physical fitness due to steep climbs and technical descents. Riders should be comfortable handling a mountain bike on difficult trails and prepared for a full day outdoors. The maximum group size of 8 ensures safety and close guidance, making it suitable for experienced cyclists looking for a challenging yet scenic ride.

Newcomers to mountain biking should be confident in their abilities, as the trail features long climbs and technical descents. The tour’s pacing is adjusted to suit the group’s skill level, with plenty of rest stops and viewpoints.

Guides: Local Experts and Enthusiasts

Many reviews praise the guides, especially their local knowledge and friendly attitude. Guides like Fabio and Bernando are recognized for explaining trail features, sharing stories about Madeira, and adapting routes to rider preferences.

During rainy weather, guides like Fabio demonstrate thoughtfulness by providing jacket and extra support, ensuring everyone stays comfortable and safe. Their expertise significantly enhances the overall experience.

Comparing the Trails: Terra da Luta, Portela, and Santo da Serra

The tour covers a variety of trails, with Portela being a key highlight. The Portela trail features spectacular views and technical sections, especially the downhill segments. Trails like Terra da Luta and Santo da Serra are also noted for their diverse terrain and scenic appeal.

Each trail offers a different balance of difficulty and scenery, but all promise unforgettable rides through Madeira’s mountain landscapes and forests. The routes are designed to challenge riders while delivering stunning vistas.

Value for Money and Booking Insights

With a price of $97.95, the tour provides excellent value considering gear, guidance, and transportation are all included. The small group size and personalized guiding contribute to a high-quality experience.

Most bookings are made about 148 days in advance, indicating strong interest and reliability in scheduling. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before allows for planning without worry.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Madeira Mountain Biking Adventure

The Cross Country Mountain Bike Tour on Madeira offers a well-rounded experience for those looking to combine challenging trails, breathtaking scenery, and local insights. The expert guides, including locals with deep trail knowledge, ensure safety and enrich the ride with stories about Madeira.

This tour is especially suitable for cycling enthusiasts with moderate fitness who seek a thrilling, scenic day out. Although it requires a reasonable level of skill and strength, the stunning views and unique trail routes make it worth the effort.

The combination of forest trails, ocean vistas, and a refreshing swim makes this ride a memorable addition to any Madeira itinerary. The small group size and inclusive equipment further enhance the experience, making it a trusted choice for active travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
This tour requires moderate fitness and some trail handling experience, so it’s best suited for riders comfortable with steep climbs and technical descents. Beginners with some mountain biking experience may still enjoy the ride, but complete novices might find it challenging.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should bring personal water, sun protection, and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to purchase refreshments during breaks.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The ride involves challenging uphill sections and technical downhill trails, emphasizing moderate to high physical exertion. Riders should be fit enough to handle long climbs and some slippery or rough terrain.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not eligible for a refund.

Who are the guides, and what do they do?
Guides like Fabio and Bernando are experienced locals known for their friendly attitude, trail expertise, and storytelling about Madeira. They help riders navigate trails safely and adapt routes to the group’s skill levels.