"No mountain biking journey to the far north west corner of Scotland is complete without reaching deep into the Cuillins on the Isle of Skye. This foreboding Island gave us a fine day in April to pick off some amazing shots during one of our Torrid Affairs."

 

Our ethos is to make you enjoy your riding even more, help you improve your riding and never make you feel like you're back at school. All the information we pass on during the Big Mountain Safari™ is on the trail and in the best mountain environments Scotland has to offer. And when we come off the trail we can savour the day’s experiences together at the bar, over dinner, and during a great night’s rest. This trip is about giving you a great riding experience with a little helping hand.

Sample Itinerary*

Overall feel of the trip?

• the Safari is not focused on endurance: the trip’s much more about savouring the big mountain experience, developing each riders capabilities and riding enjoyment to get the most out of the challenges that the unique terrain brings
• ultimately we want riders to love the riding, relish the whole experience of being immersed in incredible landscapes with like-minded riders – and from our experience this isn’t always the case on some mountain biking trips, especially point-to-point coast to coast type trips
• average daily on bike time will be around 3-6+ hours per day (there will also be an optional ‘R&R’ day)
• each day’s ride will be punctuated with photo and coaching opportunities, lunch stops etc – plenty of scope to savour the overall journey we’re on
• the trip’s pitched as a unique guided mountain bike holiday rather than a ‘skills week’

Trip Webpage »

Trip FAQs »

Facebook Page »

Twitter »

Contact Us »

*This itinerary is for illustration, and may be subject to change due to factors outwith our control.

Better known for their outdoor and water activity footwear Teva have made a massive splash on the mountain biking scene lately with their new Links mountain bike shoe – and we're excited to have them on board with us! To find out how we'll be working together for the coming season read on.

"…here you'll find answers to the most common questions about our trips."

"Our recommendations are based on many years experience of riding in Scotland in all seasons – don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to talk about bikes, kit or terrain!"

Gear?

Regardless of season, to get the most from your trip, we recommend that you prepare for a wide range of conditions and temperatures – so here are our kit suggestions (please note the list is not exhaustive):

Essential Gear

• A backpack (sufficiently large for you to carry your gear whilst riding; possibly larger than your standard trail pack)
• Bike in good working order
• Cash and credit card
• Cycling glasses / protective eye wear
• Cycling gloves
• Cycling shoes (with cleats) or flat trainers (hire bikes come with flat pedals; if you want to use spd’s please bring your pedals with you)
• Helmet is essential (comes supplied with hire bikes)
• Inner tubes
• Leggings or long trousers (not cotton) for riding
• Padded cycling shorts
• Personal medication you require (guide must be informed prior to the tour)
• Pump
• Riding socks
• Snacks / energy bars / drinks
• Sufficient base layers including long sleeved tops
• Tools / spares / lubricants specific to your bike (including brake pads and replacement gear hanger)
• Warm clothes: fleece top, lightweight fleece jacket or gilet, warm fleece hat or buff
• Warm cycling gloves (e.g. ski gloves)
• Water bottle or hydration system
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers

Nice to have

• Your own saddle (if riding a hire bike)
• Camera (waterproof case is a good idea)
• Sun protection
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Personal first aid kit
• Torch or head torch
• Waterproof overshoes or waterproof socks

"You can have a great trip in Scotland on any bike, but for a truly exceptional experience…read on."

What kind of bike?

Our favourites are 4-6 inch travel full suspension bikes with hydraulic disk brakes. It's entirely possible to take part in our trips with more modest setups – even hardtails – but we find that over the course of several days or a week, the added comfort and confidence of a full suspension trail bike is a real asset, and really enhances the overall experience.

And if you're interested in hiring a fantastic bikes we've got some amazing opportunities through our retail partners, so please just ask!

The Right Gear? »

"Varied and sometimes challenging terrain makes Scottish mountain biking incredibly unique – here's our guide to what you can expect as you consider taking Scotland on with us!"

How Challenging?

Beginner

Terrain Expect a mixture of double tracks and estate roads, with mellower gradients, some rocks and roots but nothing too severe

Ability Basic bike handling skills

Fitness To get the most enjoyment we anticipate you exercise at least once a week, and are comfortable cycling at a relaxed pace for up to four hours per day on two or more consecutive days

Intermediate

Terrain A mixture of singletrack and landrover track, on uneven and occassionally steep gradients, with frequent variation in trail surface from rocks to roots 

Ability Basic bike handling skills (and a willingness to acquire new ones with us!)

Fitness To get the most enjoyment, you exercise two to three times a week for 30 minutes or more, and are comfortable with sustained saddle-time; ideally you should be able to ride for three to five hours per day for up to four consecutive days

Advanced

Terrain Unpredictable and varied terrain including singletrack, landrover tracks, steep technical climbs and descents, frequent rocks, slabs and roots

Ability  You think of yourself as a 'rider'; you know that the more competent a bike handler you are beforehand, the more you will get from the trip

Fitness Riding and exercising is a frequent part of your weekly routine; you relish sustained challenging riding including long rides of 4+ hours for five or more days in a row

The Right Bike? »

"Without diminishing the adventure, we want you to know what's ahead of you when deciding to join one of our trips – that way you'll get the very most out of your experience with us!"

Type of Trip 

All-mountain It's the kind of riding most mountain bikers are familiar with; you'll encounter almost every kind of terrain and gradient 

All-mountain+ As above but also includes occassional hike-a-bike sections and off-bike scrambles to access some very special trails

All-mountain Safari As above, plus world-class coaching throughout 

XC Superb riding, just slightly mellower

How Challenging is the Riding? »

 

"…wake up, ride Scotland's remotest trails, conquer the wildest terrain; sample the freshest cuisine…enjoy a dram by the roaring fire of a Highland inn – this is the Big Mountain Safari™"

 

It's done us proud in 2011 and comes with a high end spec including:

• Frame: APP Alloy (size medium / white)
• Rear Shock: Fox RP23
• Fork: Rock Shox Lyric SA
• Wheels: DT Swiss EX500 rims / 240 hubs
• Build Kit: 27 speed SRAM XO shifter & rear mech; Shimano XTR front mech; SRAM Stylo Chainset; Thomson Elite Stem; Easton haven handlebars

On sale at £1800 it's a late 2010 model (RRP: £4500) with a brand new headset and bottom bracket and recent bearing overhaul; more information here and you'll also see it in action throughout our website, plus a glowing review of this specific bike in What Mountain Bike (Isle of Skye Ride Guide issue). 

Please get in touch if it's of interest.