Rides to do before you die - the comprehensive worldwide list

**dumpy** · 10-20-2010, 10:46 AM

I'm going to throw some east coast love in here so that we can have some singletrack that is dictated by actual trees, not just by where the grass has been worn down.

No particular trail, but a few days bombing around Kingdom Trails is about the most fun one can have on a bike and therefore, IMHO it is a must do.

**buttahflake** · 10-20-2010, 11:08 AM

^what he said.

**Canada1** · 10-20-2010, 01:03 PM

Pocupine rim at sunrise

Maroon creek Aspen to CB. (possibly illegal today?)

**stupendous man** · 10-20-2010, 01:58 PM

where are the kingdom trails located?

**biggins** · 10-20-2010, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by stupendous man

where are the kingdom trails located?

The Northeast Kingdom of VT.

**Empty Beer** · 10-20-2010, 06:24 PM

Tahoe Meadows to Mr. Toads on the Tahoe Rim Trail has gotta be right up there. 60 miles of excellent singletrack with views all around:

There's also a 36 mile trail that goes between I-80 and Hwy 49 in Tahoe National Forest that doesn't suck:

[ame="http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96240"]This One[/ame], which goes from Packer Saddle to the "A" Tree to Lavezolla Creek to Downieville ain't too bad either.

I 2nd the 70+ miles of the [ame="http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95045"]North Umpqua Trail[/ame].

The Oakridge, Oregon trail SYSTEM should be on the list, including Bunchgrass:

**rideit** · 10-20-2010, 10:40 PM

PFFFT.

Mountain biking is just a fad!

**m1e448** · 10-21-2010, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by dumpy

I'm going to throw some east coast love in here so that we can have some singletrack that is dictated by actual trees, not just by where the grass has been worn down.

No particular trail, but a few days bombing around Kingdom Trails is about the most fun one can have on a bike and therefore, IMHO it is a must do.

I'm going to agree, I'm not into name dropping trails or anything like that, but all you west coast wide open trail types need to come to the east and ride some twisty turny rocky rooty mossy slimy up and down goodness. I think that is a must do. The fall is a nice time for it.

**dfinn** · 10-21-2010, 09:06 AM

I'll second:

Kingdom Trails
Downieville
Le Brésilien
Just about any section of the Tahoe Rim Trail

**woodsskier** · 10-21-2010, 09:48 AM

In no particular order:

Kingdom trails, Flight of Icarus (Utah/Colorado border), Iron curtain or Fruita in general, Rose to Toads, Umpqua River Trial, Whistler, porcupine rim, Fight Trial (Halifax, Nova Scotia), Downieville.

**Ripzalot** · 10-21-2010, 10:24 AM

Here is another euro todo...2384m vert from glacier to venosc (les deux alpes)

And another glacier descent...alpe d'huez

**Jack Burton** · 10-23-2010, 04:30 PM

OTB to Deer creek with with light snow at the top and sun poking through light rain toward the bottom. Sweet!

**LightRanger** · 10-23-2010, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by dfinn

Just about any section of the Tahoe Rim Trail

Word.

I think The Flume Trail to the TRT back to Spooner should be on the list.

The Flume isn't technical, but it may be the most spectacular trail I've ever biked or hiked in my entire life. The TRT heading back south to Spooner is pretty technical. Mostly on the uphills.

**kevin267** · 10-23-2010, 10:51 PM

can't think of a specific ride on the sunshine coast that has the views and epicness, lots you can see georgia straight across to vancouver island, but the trails themselves are so well made and fun you can't help but start giggling like a little girl on some of them. Heard a tourist the other day say if tubes was the only trail he could ride for the rest of his life he'd be happy lol.

**LeeLau** · 10-23-2010, 11:43 PM

^^^^ Yes - if we were talking trail systems the xc loops in and around Roberts Creek would have to be in the category but they don't quite have the epic views. Maybe needs a trail off Elphinstone

**t.odd** · 10-24-2010, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Ripzalot

Here is another euro todo...2384m vert from glacier to venosc

TR: Super Mega Epic Pilgrimage to Les Deux Alpes - Teton Gravity Research Forums

I can't believe how steep that trail is down to Venosc, but the trails aren't that good imo....the views are second to none, but the trails left a bit to be desired.....rode some non-bikepark trails in the area, and those were much better! rad area though and would love to go back and explore more, my time there was limited to 3 days and we were kinda tied down to what the group was doing...

**Mr. Toad** · 10-24-2010, 11:56 AM

White Mesa on a full moon night. The gypsum reflects the moonlight almost as well as snow. Riding through the shadowy canyons gives the feeling of being in another world; as is the moonlight reflecting off the soda springs. The risk of being caught by a shotgun wielding rancher adds to the experience.

--- and of course Mr. Toads.

**frorider** · 10-24-2010, 12:37 PM

good thread to bump.

for me the criteria would include length, vertical drop (ideally, not always), short- and long-range views. bottom line: would you tell a friend Yep you should drive 10 hours to hit this ride?

living in tahoe has spoiled me...i wouldn't put downieville on the list.

-kingsbury / star lake / scott lake / toad's.

-umpqua river trail.

-kernville has some truly outstanding trails (in addition to the cannell plunge trail, which gives you around 7,500 vert feet of descent, there are some other unnamed trails in the area that are insanely good).

-mt elwell in the lakes basin near downieville:

**mmmm...pow!** · 10-24-2010, 02:04 PM

^^^Mt. Elwell makes the list for best place to take your bike on a hike. My list includes Rose to Toads on the TRT, all of the Colorado Trail (maybe hiking the Wilderness areas), Peaks Trail to Frisco/bikepath to Copper/up and over Wheeler Trail to Breck, Whole enchilada, copper canyon.
I've heard of rides on ancient Inca trails, and I'd love to do some rides in some tropical areas but don't know of any particulars.

**Ripzalot** · 10-26-2010, 04:39 AM

Originally Posted by t.odd

I can't believe how steep that trail is down to Venosc, but the trails aren't that good imo....the views are second to none, but the trails left a bit to be desired.....rode some non-bikepark trails in the area, and those were much better! rad area though and would love to go back and explore more, my time there was limited to 3 days and we were kinda tied down to what the group was doing...

it's the largest vertical descent in the alps, which is why i posted. not sure what your criteria is for being good but it is a series of connected downhill courses not a singletrack trail, if that's what you're after. but yes, better views are probably hard to come by.

**BushwackerinPA** · 09-03-2011, 05:50 AM

For sheer fun factor alone

Raystown Lake, Pa

**keipow** · 09-03-2011, 08:20 AM

[QUOTE=Marius;2550691]Zermatt, Gornergrat - Riffellake

The Matterhorn looks cool in the pic.

Is Interlaken on your list?

I liked parts of the Peruvian Andes. The trails may not be technical, but the altitude makes everything harder. The scenery is also great, especially seeing Machu Picchu from afar.

The trails in Denali could make it for me by scenery.

**Lindahl** · 09-06-2011, 10:52 AM

If the Monarch Crest is going to make the list, I'd have to suggest that the exit route be Greens Creek. You get the best alpine parts of the Crest and a much better downhill finish.

**goldenboy** · 09-06-2011, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by Lindahl

If the Monarch Crest is going to make the list, I'd have to suggest that the exit route be Greens Creek. You get the best alpine parts of the Crest and a much better downhill finish.

...but it's way shorter than Starvation, Agate, or Silver Creek to Rainbow, so it wouldn't be my choice. Just my .02