First some background

 

Let me start with some context. I’ve been to the Mecca of MTB—Whistler, of course—a couple of times, plus Quebec a handful of times (SDM, Massif, Valee Bras du Nord, Domaine Kanawe), not to mention trails all over Ontario from WEBC to Horseshoe to MTB Kingston. After all that riding, I’ve started to get a feel for what great trail building looks like.

 

So with that baseline, how can I describe Madeira MTB?

 

In the most general terms possible: it’s utterly unique.

 

The Real Talk: Logistics and Cost

 

Before we talk about the experience, it’s worth reviewing the logistics. As an outsider, you’ll want to pre-plan with one of the shuttle companies. We went with Freeride Madeira and can’t recommend them enough. They plan your day based on the trail styles you’re into and handle everything—shuttle service, guiding, picking the lunch spot, local knowledge about both the trails and the island, plus a ride home and a bike wash station. If you’re lucky, your driver will share his take on the best poncha spots too.

 

Let’s be honest, getting to Madeira from Ontario isn’t exactly a weekend trip. You’re looking at flights (often through Lisbon or London), plus accommodation and guided tour costs. Take the exchange rate into account, and this trip gets pricey in a hurry. But here’s why it’s worth considering for that once-in-a-while epic adventure.

 

Every Day is Shuttle Day (And That’s Amazing)

 

One look at the Trailforks map tells you everything about Madeira’s trail culture. This island is overwhelmingly mountainous—peaks rising over 1,800 meters—which means the trails all point in one glorious direction: down.

 

While there’s a lot of variety in the trails, there’s definitely a specific theme: raw, rugged hand built singletrack. There’s rocky tech, some decent-sized jumps, and steep sections with tight switchbacks that’ll test your skills. While some trails might feel familiar, many are completely singular experiences that couldn’t exist anywhere else on Earth.

 

What Makes Madeira Trails Special?

 

The island itself defines the riding.

 

Want a fast flow trail through a eucalyptus forest? Madeira’s got it. Feel like tackling a steep, 2km-long off-camber rock garden with a lookout over the Atlantic Ocean? Yep, that’s there too. Want to share a trail with cows and sheep? Welcome to Madeira.

 

If these were your local trails, you’d be one of the luckiest riders on the planet. Picture this: you and your buddy drive (or take the city bus!) to the top of the island, then ride down to the nearest village for lunch. After a good meal, you catch a ride to a different part of the island with its own microclimate, and do it all over again.

 

The Eternal Question: What’s the Best Bike?

 

Freeride Madiera has a rental fleet, which are reasonably priced, and saves you from having to ship your own bike. Having written that, everyone in our crew brought our own bikes. Many in the crew live by the n+1 rule so they have a trail bike and an enduro/DH option in the garage. Those who had the option brought their big bikes. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to ride the Marin Alpine Trail XR AXS. This 170mm/160mm award winning enduro rig handled everything from gnar to flow with ease. The best bike for you is always the bike you have. However, if you have the option to bring or rent a big bike, you should. The Alpine Trail is a great option. 

Is it Worth it?

 

Here’s the thing…  Madeira’s best trails are super fun. 

 

However, as a group we decided that they are not definitively better than our best Canadian rides (A-Line, Crank it Up, Copeland Downhill, Growler, Histoire Sans Fin).

 

So why spend the euros and vacation days to get there?

 

Because you’re riding trails on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Because each peak and valley has its own microclimate. Because your shuttle driver and trail guide are genuinely stoked to show off what they spend their free time building. Because you’re in a European city that isn’t trying to be European—these people are Madeiran through and through. Because you get to ride the same trails that World Cup riders shred. And finally, because places like Madeira are exactly why bucket lists exist. 

As my brother-in-law Gilles said “I will cherish and show off the Madeira dirt on my bike for as long as I can.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

 

Have you ridden Madeira? Planning a trip? I’d love to hear about your experience or help with any questions about planning your own adventure.