Frequently Asked Questions

When it gets cold and muddy in northern Europe we are DHing on bone dry singletrack. Between the months of November and April riders can come out and push themselves to new limits on demanding, twisting singletrack and flowing rock gardens.

SwitchbacksDH is for DHers who want to ride their DH rigs not only for a week in France in the summer but all year round.

WHO/ WHAT IS SWITCHBACKS DH?

SwitchbacksDH was launched by Michael Saunders in 2005 due to popular demand by DHers looking for more locations to ride downhill only than just the Alps. It is the sister company to Switchbacks now in its 8th year (www.switch-backs.com)

We cater for all levels of DHer but to really enjoy our trails it is best if you are very comfortable on your bike. Professionals and racers should take advantage of our trails for some winter training before the season kicks off.

With bone dry singletrack for 10 months out of the year our trails are for riders who want to push themselves to new limits on demanding, twisting singletrack and flowing rock gardens. SwitchbacksDH is for DHers who want to ride their DH rigs all the time - all year round.

If you are just starting out or want to improve your skills we can provide excellent coaching which will get you riding trails that you never thought you'd dare try.

Mike raced professional downhill for 5 years riding most Norba, World and European courses.

LEGALITIES?

Switchbacks/SwitchbacksDH is a Spanish registered company constituted under Spanish law, licensed by the Ministry of Tourism (Registro de Turismo Activo/Junta de Andalucia) and complies fully with all legal, financial and insurance requirements. Our official registration number is AT/GR/00087. Switchbacks is the only legal mountain bike holiday company in Andalucia, Spain.

WHAT IS THE RIDING LIKE?

Mountainous and technical. Characterised by fast burmed sections, rocky chutes, endless singletrack with small to biggish 10 foot drops for those who wish. Your bike will have a good workout, as will your legs and lungs. Above all, all the descending is on SINGLETRACK.

The best thing about the trails here is how empty they are. No queues for a chair lift, no breaking bumps, no being gunned down by someone faster or held up be someone slower. No fire roads & nothing groomed - just perfect lush downhill tracks.

WHAT KIND OF BIKE WILL I NEED?

A full suspension bike of 6 to 10 inches of travel is ideal with suitable sized rotors. We ride the Rocky Mountain Flatline with 8.5" and Boxxers.

Make sure you bring BIKE SPECIFIC spare bits e.g. hangers. We have Maxxis DH tyres and tubes for sale to cut down on weight when flying. There is also an excellent bike shop close by for emergencies.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN BIKE?

It is recommended as you will need to know and be familiar with the way your bike handles and reacts over a variety of terrain. A hire bike cannot always replicate this, however we do have a limited range of 8" fullies to rent. Please call for details.

DO I HAVE TO BE FIT?

If you ride regularly, for example every other weekend then you will be fine. Technically capable riders will love riding our trails. If you are less experienced then we will customise the week for you accordingly.

We can coach you on a few technical sections if you wish or session different trails day after day to master that particular kind of riding or fluidity. Although Switchbacks is aimed primarily at the more experienced rider, novices need not be frightened off. If you are willing to learn we will get you riding very difficult switchbacks, roll-ins and rocky sections which will improve your riding exponentially.

WHAT DOES MY MONEY PAY FOR?

Your money takes care of transfers to and from Malaga/Granada, hotel accommodation, unlimited van-uplift and professional DH guides.

CAN MY NON-CYCLING FRIENDS OR FAMILY COME?

Yes. There are plenty of activities for the non-MTBer such as walking, horse riding, paragliding, lounging by the pool or beach. We can arrange a week's itinerary of activities for family or friends or they can pick and choose upon arrival.

WHAT KIND OF MEDICAL INSURANCE DO I NEED?

For European citizens, a European Health Card and extra medical insurance for MTBing is required. For non Europeans, you must have appropriate travel insurance that covers you for extreme mountain biking and/or racing.