Touring by Mountain Bike

A mountain bike tour if you want to see a lot and travel actively

If you choose a mountain bike tour, you are choosing the ultimate combination of sportsmanship and discovery. When many people think of a tour, they imagine sitting in a bus or car for hours driving from one sight to another. On a cycling trip, however, the journey itself is the goal and the adventure. You are outdoors all day and all your senses are on high alert. You smell the flowers on the verges, feel the wind on your face, and hear the sounds of nature around you. The pace is just right: fast enough to cover large distances and see a lot of a country, but slow enough to take in details you would miss from a vehicle.

In addition, the physical exertion ensures that you arrive at your accommodation in the evening with a real sense of satisfaction. You have truly achieved something that day, making the moment of relaxation after the ride extra valuable. Because you are active, you completely clear your head and truly detach from the daily grind at home. It is an active way of holidaying where you are not just a spectator of the landscape, but truly become a part of it. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a sporty recreational rider, this way of travelling adds a unique dimension to your holiday experience.

A mountain bike tour through changing landscapes

One of the biggest advantages of touring by mountain bike is the enormous variety of environments you cross. Because you complete a new stage every day, you see the scenery constantly changing. One day you might be cycling through dense, green forests where the light falls beautifully through the leaves, while the next day you are looking out over vast plains or rugged coastlines. This “slow travel” aspect ensures that you experience the transitions in nature very consciously. You don’t just see the highlights, but also the “in-between land”: the small villages, the fields where farmers are working, and the unexpected nature reserves that aren’t in standard travel guides.

At CvA travel, we ensure that the routes are put together with this variety taking centre stage. You sleep in a different, unique location almost every night, giving the trip a real expedition feel. It is very special to leave a mountainous area in the morning and arrive in a completely different climate zone or environment in the afternoon. This dynamic keeps the trip exciting and ensures that no two days feel the same. You really learn to ‘read’ the country by experiencing the changes in vegetation, architecture, and even the temperature as you pedal. It turns your trip into a succession of new impressions and surprising views.

Reach places other travellers don’t: often off-road routes

With a mountain bike, you have the freedom to literally and figuratively get off the beaten track. Where a touring bike or a car has to stop because the road ends or becomes unpaved, the adventure really begins for you. Our routes are largely off-road. This means you cycle over gravel paths, dirt tracks, and narrow singletracks that lead deep into nature. Because of this, you reach places that are inaccessible to mass tourism. Think of remote mountain villages where time seems to have stood still, or hidden waterfalls deep in the jungle that you can only reach on foot or by bike.

The local population often reacts very differently to cyclists than to tourists in buses. Because you are approachable and vulnerable on a bike, the contact is much more direct and pure. People wave, call out to you, or invite you for a chat. You are not an anonymous spectator behind glass, but a guest in their environment. These off-road routes bring you closer to the core of the country. You experience the silence of nature without the noise of engines, and you often spot wild animals sooner because you don’t immediately scare them away. The feeling of exclusivity is immense: often, you and your travel companions are the only ones for miles around. This is the true power of touring by mountain bike: discovering hidden gems that remain concealed from others.

Best time to travel for a mountain bike holiday

Choosing the right time is essential for a successful mountain bike holiday. Because you are outside all day riding unpaved paths, you prefer to avoid extreme rain or heat.

• East Africa: For destinations like Uganda and Rwanda, the dry seasons are best. These are roughly the months of June to September and December to February. The trails are highly accessible then, and the temperature is pleasantly warm, but not too hot.

• Asia: For Vietnam and Laos, the best time to travel is often between October and April. This is the dry season. In the summer months, it can be very wet there due to the monsoon, making the unpaved roads muddy and heavy going.

• Southern Europe: You can cycle perfectly in the spring and autumn, while the summer is often too hot for heavy exertion.

CvA travel always gives you honest advice about the weather conditions so that you are not faced with any surprises.

Day-to-day plan for your mountain bike tour

To give you a good idea of what such a day during a tour looks like, we outline a typical daily schedule. The day naturally starts with a hearty breakfast. Because you will be burning a lot of calories, we provide a good base with pancakes, eggs, fruit, and coffee. During breakfast, the guide gives a briefing on that day’s route: what can you expect in terms of distance, elevation, and terrain? After packing the luggage (which is often transported by a support vehicle), we get on the bikes. The morning ride is often the longest because it is still cool. We cycle through nature and stop regularly for a photo or a short break.

Around midday, we look for a beautiful spot for lunch. This could be a picnic in nature or a meal at a local restaurant. After lunch, we continue on our way. In the afternoon, the pace is often a little more relaxed. We arrive at the new accommodation later in the afternoon. Your luggage will already be waiting there, or it arrives at the same time. There is time to shower, rinse out your cycling gear, and relax with a book or a drink. We often explore the village or go for a walk before dinner. The evening concludes with a group dinner where we discuss the day’s adventures and look ahead to what tomorrow will bring. After that, you head to bed early, tired but satisfied.

The right mountain bike and preparation: own bike or rent?

Good preparation is half the battle, especially for an active holiday like touring by mountain bike. One of the most important choices you make is whether to bring your own bike or rent one. The advantage of your own bike is that you know exactly how it rides and that the saddle and handlebars are perfectly adjusted to you. However, transporting a bike on a plane can entail hassle and extra costs, and there is always a risk of damage. That is why many travellers opt for a rental bike on location.

At CvA travel, we offer very high-quality rental bikes, such as the Specialized 29er MTB Rockhopper or electric mountain bikes like the Specialized Tero. These bikes are perfectly maintained and specially selected for the destination’s terrain. They have wide tyres for grip, good suspension, and reliable brakes. If you rent, you only need to bring your own pedals, helmet, and saddle (if you prefer). We ensure the bike is ready in your size. In terms of physical preparation, we recommend regularly taking rides at home of a similar duration to the daily stages. This helps your behind get used to the saddle and builds your stamina. Also, ensure you have proper clothing: a helmet is mandatory, and cycling shorts with a chamois are indispensable for comfort.

Guidance and safety during your mountain bike tour

Safety is always our top priority. Touring by mountain bike through remote areas involves risks, but with the right guidance, these are minimised. Our trips are guided by experienced guides who know the area inside out. They not only know the way, but also the risks of the terrain, the weather, and any wild animals. In countries like Uganda, we work with local experts, such as our partner Lawrence, who knows exactly how to safely cross wildlife parks. You also receive the GPS routes every day, so you have an understanding of where you are.

Alongside the guide on the bike, a support vehicle is often present (depending on the trip). This vehicle not only transports the luggage but also carries first aid supplies, spare parts, extra water, and tools. Should you have a breakdown that cannot be repaired immediately, or if you are physically exhausted for a moment, you can always catch a ride in the car. This provides a safe and reassuring feeling. We are also there for you on a technical level; our guides can fix most mechanical issues on the bike while on the road. This way, you can fully focus on enjoying the surroundings and the cycling itself, knowing that there is a professional safety net around you.