Tyrolean mountains, Austria mountain bike holiday

08 - Extreme Greeks

Mountains holidays are about getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the mountains around you. The Greeks thrived in this. They climbed the highest mountain peak in the Wilder Kaiser alps. Dived into the icy cold waters nearby on a rafting and canyoning trip. Also the Greeks challenged themselves on the singletrack trails over mountain passes and into deep valleys.

The whole of the Extreme Greek mountain biking team outside the farm at Oberachen. A quick posed shot before we all headed up the mountain for the day. The group were mixed ability with some good climbers and some good downhillers.

Bikes littered all over the floor whilst the Greeks relax and get their kitbags ready before starting out for the day.

Dimitris finishing the first section of our days climbing. The group tended to split up a bit. Then get back together. It was important to let the people at the back have enough rest before heading off again. Normal group etiquette. A fun climb, starts with a shallow gradient and slowly gets steeper and narrower as you climb.

The guys working out the best route down the mountain. Whether it be by bike or foot! It is important to know your limitations and ride within them. By all means test yourself but choose the best moments to really explore your boundaries. Mountains are often unforgiving when it comes to falling off your bikes.

The leaders of the pack making it nice and easily to our rest stop. Control and balance is just as important when climbing as well as descending.

Mountain holidays in a scenic location

Two of the Greek team enjoying coming down the mountain instead of having to pedal up it. The large rock faces of the Wilder Kaiser can be seen in the background.

Holidays aren't only about the scenery. Enjoying a well earnt beer is just as important. Home brewed and well worth the climb up the mountain.

We spotted Michalis taking a moment out to enjoy the views and the sun. Alpine lake behind with plenty of fish to be seen in the clear blue waters. Alpine vistas can be seen in our other galleries as well. Whether is views of the mountain ranges or the alpine lakes.

The whole Greek team in print. It was hard for us to remember the tour nickname, normal nickname and the real names of all our holiday guests. One minute Nikos would be Nikos then next Ratman!

More beers equals a longer rest at the mountain hut before the descent. Lucky the Greeks like a good siesta, this was developing into a long lunchtime break.

Green alpine views

Over the edge and back down into the valley. Our trip was about the head down the mountain after a good climb. This easy route would take us roughly vertical 500m back down into the valley.

Michalis leading the guys through a tight section of singletrack. The mountains are sprawled with these windy trails running through the nature.

First rest stop of the day, many more planned if needed. That is one of the advantages of mountain biking in Austria, there is always a mountain hut to enjoy and replenish your energy.

More mountain adventures

Life jackets ready to be put on for a day of canyoning. It wasn't just mountain biking for these guys. It might have been a drizzly day but this isn't a problem when you are deep in the rapid.

Looking not entirely at home in his wetsuit, or was it just the thought of jumping of the rocks 10m about the water. These guys have know each other for a while now, so it was fun to hear the banter and see how they egged each other on.

The classic pose of the budding kayaker. Let's hope the waters are ready for Dimiotris.

Pro looking the part. Kayaking first, followed by canyonning in the afternoon. He definitely has the all mountain adventure look to him. The phrase 'eagle eyes' springs to mind.

Getting sorted with kit. The fact that it was a rainy day wasn't too big a problem for a day in the water. With warm showers back at base and a bar for beers or a hot chocolate. The weather wasn't even a consideration.

Back on the mountains

Middle station in Scheffau next to Neualm, enjoying the knowledge that they wouldn't have to cycle up the 900m ascent. Fifteen minutes from bottom to top of the mountain.

The Greek mountain biking team with Tuxeck and Sonneck peaks in the background. The Wilder Kaiser range in the Tyrolean alps.

Meadows, mountains and trails. All that a mountain biker really needs. Some sun is nice as well.

A little exaggerated at the end but D-Poulos rode really well on the whole of this trail. He was more than happy to give anything a go. It was only at the end of this long technical section that unfortunately managed to rip a front brake cable and lose all oil from the front discs. Not a problem as a there was a bike shop in the local town which was able to repair needed parts.

Easy tracks cutting across the meadows with the Wilder Kaiser range in the background. A nice relaxed start to the day.

Set your saddle correctly for the climbs to make it just that little bit easier. Too low and your quads will be taking a beating, too high and you'll definitely know about it.

The guys making their way down the trail. The broken front brake cable leaking oil was the biggest problem of the whole holiday. All managed to get safely back in time for the last lift. Just. Other than that for the holiday, we replaced a handful of pads and a couple of inner tubes.

We pointed out the mountain in the distance that we would be going up today. It is a long enough day with lifts, without the lifts near impossible. As a quick guess you'd be looking at about 4100m of vertical ascent if you didn't want to buy the lift card.

Happy faces, make a guide very happy too.

Again Michalis at the front, or was he just a little bit slower, holding his team mates up. As the week progressed the confidence increased but so did the tired legs!

Maybe it was the full faced helmet that gave him confidence. Credit due though he was the only one in the group to give this small steep section a try.

The Intense FRO was a good choice for Augoustinos. He was definitely more of the XC guy in the group and enjoyed the ups more than the downs. This super light XTR built rig was probably perfect. A little bit more confidence on the down and wippet like speed on the ups.

Up the mountains by foot

A day off the bikes today. Instead a 2-3 hour walk with a small amount of climbing. These guys had done Via Ferrata before so were happy to head out alone without a professional guide. Easy to get a guide for the day though if necessary.

Start of the hike. From Wochenbrunn up the mountain until you can go no further, then look down and enjoy the views. Just like cycling, it is crucial that you take enough water for the whole day, with temperature around 34 degrees centigade, sunscreen, protection and water were essential.

Trails winding through the woods come in every shape and form. Not surprising that on these mountains holidays often the guests aren't sure if they have done a trail before during the week.

A section of singletrack for the guys to try out.

Sitting back in the saddle have a 2km section of steep fun trail. Some of the group were faster than others but everyone made it down safely. After a days riding there are always good stories to be told about different sections of the trails and tricky bits that you'd like to do again.

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