WHO/ WHAT IS SWITCHBACKS?
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For the rider comfortable with red level tracks… Started in 2000 by Michael Saunders, Switchbacks is set to cater for the weekend warrior to experienced mountain biker who doesn’t want to waste time on geriatric trails or fire roads. Our holidays are for riders who want to push themselves to new limits on often technically demanding, twisting singletrack. If you have been riding for at least a few years and want to improve your skills we can provide excellent coaching which will get you riding trails that you never thought you’d dare try. We are registered in Spain fulfilling all legal and insurance requirements, our official registration number is AT/GR/00264.
WHAT IS THE RIDING LIKE?
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Mountainous and technical characterised by fast burmed sections, rocky chutes, endless singletrack and small drops. Your bike will have a good workout, as will your legs and lungs.
The best thing about the trails here is how you as a cyclist will improve. You may think that you have ridden great trails or had technically demanding rides but riding our trails day after day for a week will make you faster and much more technically capable, let alone making you want to come back for more!
INTERMEDIATE RIDERS AT SWITCHBACKS
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We get regular enquiries from riders with only a few years experience and/ or female riders and couples worried about the apparent ´extreme´ nature of our trails and that they might be ´too much´ for their skills. While Malaga is not for the inexperienced, with the appropriate coaching, a vast improvement in skills and confidence is what is found. ALL riders are pushed by some of the trails and/or corners here but the vast majority go away having overcome these and leave better mountain bikers.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE WILL I NEED?
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An Enduro bike with minimum 140/50mm of travel, knee pands and a full face helmet if you are more comfortable with one.
DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN BIKE?
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Riding in a new location means we highly recommend you bring your own bike. But if not, we have a small collection of bikes for hire. Please contact us for sizes and spec.
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 try to customise the week for you accordingly.
We will ride easier trails that, as the week progresses, will increase in severity in relation to your skill. 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, near 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?
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Your money takes care of transfers to and from Malaga airport, back-up vehicle and shuttles throughout the week, 4 Star Hotel accommodation, huge buffet breakfast, expert guiding, skills tuition (optional) and shuttling.
CAN MY NON-CYCLING FRIENDS OR FAMILY COME?
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Yes. There are plenty of activities for the non-MTBer such as walking, horse riding, lounge by the pool or trips to the beach (your own hire car).
WHAT KIND OF MEDICAL INSURANCE DO I NEED?
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For European citizens, a valid GHIC is required PLUS insurance that covers you for extreme mtbing. please note this insurance is for your comfort just in case. We can recommend SnowCard.
IS THERE A SUPPORT VEHICLE
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Yes. All runs are fully shuttled to the furthest extent that the van can reach. This means you will be driven to the top and collected at the bottom again. Each vehicle has a tool box and track pump.
DO I HAVE TO RIDE EVERYDAY?
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No. If you wish you can take a day off and lounge by the pool or enjoy the beautiful village of Mijas.
We are open in Malaga between the months November to end April. Please check out our Bubion Enduro site if you wish to join us between May and end October.