While we had the best autumn in a long time here in Norway, by end of October the cold weather, rain and snow where knocking on our door step. Therefore we backed our bags and booked one week with Freeride Madeira. With high recomondations from some well traveled people, long descents and and warm weather, expectations where high!
The sunrise is pushing through the clouds. The view from Villa Freeride towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Waiting fot the van. The guys are excited for the first day of riding.
By sea level the sun was shining bright, further up we are pushing through the fog.
Up top and ready to go! Hilde and Vera, the donwhill girls, are getting ready. This is Hilde's usall "I'm faster than you" look.
Who said Madeira can't be muddy – guess we where unlucky to catch the famous dust we heard so much about. Although we were lovin' the mud, Pedro went down and here's the proof!
Vera checking out the downhill trail.
If you live in Norway, as we do, you know how to keep a smile on in these conditions.
Atumn, but the vegetation is still flowering.
Marcos, our guide for the first day, is explaining where we are.
Rumble in the jungle. Steep, fast and loose. Rumours are whispering that this would be one of the stages on the upcoming EWS.
The mandatory poncha at one of the small shops in the village of Machico to end the day. This was Marcos favorite variation with passion fruit.
The new Trek Fuel EX getting all dirty with Madeira dirt!
Our own cleaning spot behind the Villa Freeride.
Pedro riding the ridge line – no more words needed.
Pedro, our very fast guide for the rest of the week.
Some pedaly trail to end the day down at sea level.
Villa Freeride even has it own grill-spot!
The trail builders on Madeira really know how to make them berms.
Hilde, the chain-bender.
The guys are following the guide over a gappy jump.
For us Norwegians, this water was bloody warm even in November!
Riding through a freshly built track, loose and loamy.
Some of the trails went through big ditches like these.
Doing the Ratboy ridge, one of the scenic highlights.
The area recent had a big fire. The fire destroyed some of the trails.
Descending to Pual do Mar.
Ocean view from the bar.
Pedro looks over the moon happy.
Ending the last day, exhausted and with a nice cold beer. After this, we went to a local restaurant to eat freshly picked lapas, squid and shrimps!
shimaninho
(Nov 21, 2016 at 10:25)
