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What is Reunion Island like for Mountain Biking

3K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Christine 
#1 · (Edited)
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Hi all,

I'm planning a trip to Reunion for some riding next year. I hear there is about 1400km of purpose built Mountain Bike Trail. I'm having trouble finding information on the internet, especially in English (My French is non-existent). I was wanting to know what these trails are like? Basically I want to know does the Island rock for Mountain Biking?

Anyway, if anyone has any information that they could share that would be appreciated.

Cheers
 
#2 ·
I have not been to Réunion yet but I plan to spend a bit over 4 month there next year.
I am still looking for some more info. I have spoken to peoples who used to live there but they were not into biking. It is very steep and the high peaks are often into the clouds, it rain quite a bit on the mountain and the west side has lots of heavy rain. It also can be very nice and warm on the beaches and freezing temperatures in the mountains. From what I have heard many of the XC trails have been left unattended and are overgrown. Down hilling is very popular, the Megavalanche race is held there. Apparently the traffic on the roads is horrendous, speeding, alcohol,...But there are also plenty of other sports to do.
Some links but they are in French.

I also heard that the sporting equipment is quite expensive on the island.

I got a little info on Velo Vert forum: http://www.velovert.com/

The local news: http://www.clicanoo.com/

MTB tours: http://www.descente-vtt.com/

MTB club: http://vttreunion.net/modules/news/

Try to find a Lonely Planet (Mauritius, Réunion & Seychelles) I could help you a bit with your travel plans. Speaking a litlle French would also help ;)

Maybe someone living there can give us a better idea.
 
#3 ·
A little late to be of help, but for anybody else researching: Speaking at least a little French will go a long way. One of the cool things about Réunion (for me) was the lack of American tourists, which forced me to speak French for two full weeks.

Unfortunately I was there in Feb (rainy season) and didn't bike as much as I wanted, but there seems to be plenty of tours and DH options especially. Even for beginner DHers like me and my non-biking friends.

Anyway I'd love to go back at some point, loved the food, the atmosphere, and Gouzu!
 
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