Skiwelt, Austria, Europe mountain bike holiday

10 - Specialized action

Good technical rider that was up for most of the challenges thrown at him, the steepness of our Alpine slopes sometimes caught him out though

Even with the extensive lift system we often have to make short climbs to get to the best trails.

The majority of holiday guests that come out and stay with us at Up and Downhill hill bring their own bikes. There is a good sense of curiousity and challenge to see how their bike handles the conditions in the Alps.

At times it feels like this trail is going to shrink into nothing. Often you can't choose a line, there is only one line. The nice thing about this trail is the landing is soft on both sides.

A nice flat section of mountain singletrack. Cutting through the trees in the Skiwelt area.

Lee was taking a photo like this, so I thought I would shamelessly copy his idea. A shot of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range through the wheels of a Specialized mountain bikes wheel.

Lee had a gutsy deterination to get to the top of this climb. It was quite steep in sections and it is always interesting how the smallest of rock can get in the way when you are tired from climbing for a while.

Not a technique that I'd suggest. Lee said that he unclipped by mistake. This little section finishes with a gulley. Not huge but without his feet on the pedals I'm sure Lee was happy to have his rear suspension!

The look on Lee's face suggests that possibly he wasn't completely in control. The ending was fine though.

Heading into Autumn the bracken is on it's way out and the trails become covered in amazing colours. Not that you have a huge amount of time to look at this as you are hurtling downhill.

More trails that we use. This one is nice, fast and a bit more flowing that some of the section in the woods.

A big climb and a look of determination. Always carry plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up.

Another trail and more technical singletrack to enjoy.

A view of Hohe Salve in Soell from the lift in Westendorf.

Judge your limits and if you aren't sure about a section, just take it controlled and slowly. The majority of mtb accidents take place when going too fast and not in full control.

Relaxing on a warm day.

A fun freeride trail that follows this ridge down the mountain. Steep and rooty. Try to get down in one go without putting your feet down at all.

Lee admitted defeat on this section of the Kitzbuehel Freeride trail. I'm still trying to work out how to get the sense of height and steepness into these photos. It is definitely more nervy when viewed on your bike from the top.

A look back to see where the trail winds down, out of the trees and onto the meadows below. An epic tour that leaves all tired by the end of the day.

Lots of photos of Lee mountain biking, running out of things to say about them.

As much as we like switchbacks and berms corners to test out our skills. Sometimes a nice long stretch of singletrack can be great fun. Plan for obstacles ages in advance, get some speed and enjoy.

Trails through farmland and across meadow.

Six Six One, Brand-X. Dainese or another brand. It is good sense to get kitted up.

Tight paths in the autumn months

A section of trail that is completely covered in roots (as seen in the distance), probably 300m of rooty fun. Or not so much fun if it was raining the day before.

A warm morning on the mountains in the Skiwelt area.

A confusing photo of the Freeride trail in Kitzbuehel. We promise you, it is in there somewhere.

The full range of the Wilder Kaiser from near Kufstein on the left to St. Johann on the right. Mountain peaks up to 2,344m in height.