Freeride

Be it the steep rocky and technical trails of the Val Argentina, the ski uplifts and manic descents of Col di Tende or fast bermed and jumpy trails of Finale Ligure we have a trail for you. Each of our descents are between 8 to 25km long and vary from steep technical singletrack to fast purpose built trails. The trails are mostly black and red grades.

Full vehicle uplifts are provided free of charge to take you to the trail head so minimum effort (climbing at least) and maximum downhill fun. Rivierabike offers week and weekend freeride packages, please see our price page for further details.

Below are a few examples of our trails. Please note that these trails are often used as part of a XC descent so are not solely for the gravity defiant.

Numero Uno   Distance: 11.5km Altitude: 1050m Grade: Red to Black.

As the name suggests this is a favourite of a lot of our guests. The trail starts at the foot of Mt.cheppo and immediately starts as a fast flowing loamy singletrack. The trail gradually gets steeper and narrower following the natural contour of the mountain. After 4km of fast fun the trail immediately changes in character, without warning you are suddenly  in a series of fast technical switchback s, rocky trails and old mule paths. Soon the trail arrives at the old hamlet of Aigovo…and this next section really puts the icing on the cake. 3km of natural half pipes, steps, switchbacks that test  your balance before finishing at an ancient roman bridge, ponte di Perriera. Then its back up the mountain again for another run. Photo Left: End of the ride..Ponte di Perriera

Col di Tende    Distance: 15.0km Altitude: 1200m Grade: Red with Black sections.

After taking the bus up 20km on a dirt road with over 40 hairpins, we arrive at Col di Tende, right on the border with France. The trail starts gently for 3 km with great views down Val Roya to the South and the Sski resort of Limone to the North, with the high alps further north. After arriving at the old fort Tabourd the real fun begins. Fast singletrack for the next 12km with plenty of technical sections to keep you on your toes. This trail really has an endless feel to it and after an hour you will enjoy that pint back in Tende. Normally when doing this run we also take advantage of the ski lifts over in Limone and many other runs. Photo Left: Final descent to Tende

The Cable Car    Distance: 16.0km Altitude: 1250m Grade: Mainly Black with Red sections

A stunning ride with fantastic over San Remo and the med from 1200m high but only 10km inland (as the crow flies). This trail follows the now dismantled cable car from San Remo to Mt Bignone (why oh why did they dismantle it!!) The route starts immediately steep rocky and twisty,with lots of slabs, drop offs to negotiate before arriving at Col Termini. For the next 5km the trail is less steep but just as demanding. Afterwards rocky and steep are the words again, and hold on whilst your tyres are fighting for grip and your brakes are smoking….all the way to a nice seaside café in San Remo. Also on Mt Mignone is an International DH regularly a training ground for Fabien Barel and Nicky Voulioz.

Descent from Mt. Bignone