PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
Discover the Balkans' emerging mountain bike culture, where ancient High Scardus paths wind through deep forests and colorful rock formations. Experience rides that connect picturesque villages across wild and untouched landscapes.
Discover our Balkan mountain bike adventures. We combine expert local knowledge with carefully curated experiences, including the ancient High Scardus paths.
Eastern Europe and especially the Balkans have during recent years sprinted with their tourism development for nature- and sports enthusiasts. Traditional hiking has been the major activity in Albania and North Macedonia with a gigantic network of ancient trails and farmers' roads connecting picturesque villages in a wild and hilly landscape. These trails are part of the High Scardus trail network and create a fun mix of trails that are flowy but also rugged and sometimes quite technical.
The region is characterized by North Macedonia’s wild and deep forests and Albania’s colourful white rock slabs and red sanded chutes. The contrasts of loading our bikes onto the shuttle in the middle of a small village, driving up the hills in a landscape taken from the set of Jurassic Park, followed by a long descent on a varied single track, is an experience you will never forget.
The history in the Balkans is not exactly a sunshine story but rather a gruesome past filled with oppression and conflicts for thousands of years. Yet it's a history filled with captivating tales and events from the Byzantine Empire, Alexander The great, The Ottomans and The Balkan Wars...
What really makes North Macedonia and Albania special are their people. Despite a dark history, with wars not older than 30 years, the people are the living definition of optimism, positivity, ambition and hospitality. Qualities which have contributed to the continuation of the tourism development where action sports have steadily grown during the recent years. Ski touring, heli-skiing, cat skiing and, most importantly, mountain biking are sports that are now on the rise.
North Macedonia and Albania aren't just another mountain biking destination for us; they're where Europe's most authentic trail experiences still exist. We've explored Macedonia's deep forests and Albania's colorful rock formations, discovering village bakeries with excellent burek and local families who maintain these ancient paths.
In a place where the best trails aren't always easy to find, our local guides, who are directly involved in trail development, will show you to the best spots around and ensure you visit some of the most pristine trails in the area.
When you ride with LeRipp in the Balkans, you're experiencing these countries through the eyes of locals who understand both the terrain and the complex cultural heritage. From navigating ancient High Scardus routes to connecting with communities that have maintained these trails for generations, every detail is crafted so you can discover why the Balkans represent the future of authentic European mountain biking.
Make your North Macedonia and Albania mountain biking adventure about wild trails, cultural discovery, and genuine Balkan hospitality. This is riding for those who embrace raw terrain and authentic exploration.
Apparently a picture says more than a 1,000 words so why don't sit back and enjoy our favourite photos from our mountain bike tours in Albania and Northern Macedonia.
Curious about our bike tours in North Macedonia & Albania? Here's some common questions answered.
Tours include expert local guides with deep regional knowledge and direct involvement in trail development, carefully selected accommodations that showcase local hospitality, trail snacks and traditional meals featuring locally produced ingredients, shuttle transportation through diverse landscapes, and comprehensive cultural insights. All logistics are handled, allowing you to focus entirely on experiencing the pristine mountain biking terrain and rich heritage of the Balkans.
We highly recommend bringing your own mountain bike for this adventure. Quality bike rentals in the Balkans are limited, and while we're working to expand rental options in the region, sourcing bikes for groups can be difficult. If you need to rent, contact us early and we'll see what we can arrange, though availability cannot be guaranteed.
The Balkans offer a remarkable variety for different skill levels. The High Scardus trail network provides everything from flowing ancient paths suitable for intermediate riders to technical descents through Macedonia's deep forests for advanced mountain bikers. The terrain offers varied steepness and diverse dirt profiles, keeping riders engaged across all skill levels. That said, the riding here is quite wild, so be prepared for an adventure! Our guides excel at tailoring routes to match your group's skill level while ensuring you experience the best of this emerging mountain biking destination.
Essential gear includes a helmet, gloves, riding pack, and layered clothing for variable mountain conditions. The Balkans can experience weather changes throughout the day, especially in mountainous areas. We provide detailed gear recommendations upon booking and assist with any local equipment needs for your Balkan adventure.
The Balkans provide excellent riding conditions from late spring through early autumn. May through October offers the most reliable weather, with late spring and early autumn providing the most comfortable temperatures for riding through Macedonia's forests and Albania's rock formations. Summer can be warm but offers longer days for extended trail exploration.
Absolutely essential! Our guides ensure meaningful cultural exchanges with local communities, visits to traditional villages along ancient trails, and authentic meals featuring regional specialties. You'll experience firsthand the optimism and hospitality that define Balkan culture, plus gain insights into the region's complex history and ongoing tourism development in mountain biking.
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