Trail Report: Basque MTB in Hondarribia

Sometimes the best way to get back into something is to dive in head first. That’s exactly what I did with this week-long guided mountain biking tour in the Basque Country of Spain with BasqueMTB, based out of Hondarribia.

Despite not being in the best shape at the time, this trip served as the perfect kick in the ass to get back in the saddle as it were. The format was just forgiving enough: each day we’d get shuttled to a trailhead, tackle some challenging sections, break for lunch, hit a few more trails, and then return to town for well-deserved tapas. The shuttling cut down on the climbing a good bit, but there was still enough pedaling that I barely made it each day.

The trails were nothing short of incredible. Beautiful, seemingly endless, and genuinely challenging. Each section offered something new to learn, and the guides were exceptional at both leading us through the technical terrain and helping us improve our skills along the way.

What made this experience particularly special was the combination of world-class riding with the rich cultural experience of the Basque Country. The daily routine of hard riding followed by evenings of tapas and local wine created a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Total pinxos intake was probably in the 100s.

The guides at BasqueMTB were not just incredibly skilled riders but also excellent teachers and cultural ambassadors. Their knowledge of the local trails, combined with their ability to adapt to different skill levels, made the experience both challenging and accessible.

For anyone looking to experience some of the best mountain biking Europe has to offer, I cannot recommend BasqueMTB enough. Whether you’re getting back into riding like I was, or you’re a seasoned rider looking for new challenges, the endless trails and professional guidance make this an unforgettable experience.