5 of the World’s Most Epic Bike Rides in the Southern Hemisphere

Biking can be a great way to connect with nature and even discover a new city. Still, many of those who enjoy cycling also like to try out various types of trails in all season. From muddy trails in the spring rain to snowing trails in the winter, biking can be a great way to explore and stay healthy. In this article, we are going to show you 5 of the most epic rides you can take in the southern hemisphere, so you can hit up one of these places while on vacation to challenge yourself!

New Zealand

New Zealand is already known as a place where extreme sports thrives. In New Zealand, you can choose either the North or South Islands for mountain biking. On the South Island, you can head to Queenstown for one of the best locations in which to bike in the entire country.

If you head to the Queenstown Bike Park at Ben Lomon Recreational Reserve, you will find some of the best trails out there. Here, you can find many specialist outlets for biking that will inform you about the trails and various bikes.

You can head to cities near Wellington for some awesome trails to bike. You will have your choices of many, including heading to Auckland for the Woodhill Bike Park, or Napier at the Pan Pac Eskdale Mountain Bike Park. You won’t be disappointed!

Australia

If you have an Enduro bike, then head to Australia for the competitions and events they have for Enduro racing, such as the annual Cross-Country Marathon National Series, which is only held in Australia. This race spans 4 states and 2 territories, at nearly 600 km long!

If you don’t want to compete, you can head to Stromlo Forest Park for some great trails by yourself or with friends. This 5-stars rated park boasts a network of trails that are perfect for beginners or those who are advanced. You can find this bike park in Canberra and you can explore every bit of it!

Sparrow Hill, also in Canberra, is another great park that has many trails to explore. This is an intermediate skill area that has single tracks about 32 km long. The Hillside Dams area of this park is great for those that like a different terrain as it has many rocky areas and winding paths with lots of shrubberies.

Bolivia

If you are an avid mountain biker and you have heard of biking in Bolivia, then you may have heard of Death Road. Located in La Cumbre, an hour from La Paz, Death Road is known as the world’s most dangerous road. You will start out in an area in the Andes that is located over 15,000 feet above sea level. You will see Huayna Potosi, which is the highest peak, and it’s snowcapped.

You will start on Death Road on a 40-mile trek that will decrease your altitude by nearly 12,000 feet. You will be riding through rain, on a mountain where the road is very narrow and only fits 2-way traffic. Safety is a concern, but with a guide, you will be lead safely.

Most of this trail is downhill, and you will pass through villages and see various animals like llamas. You will pass by cliffs, rock overhangs and a ton of beautiful vegetation. Luckily, there are places to stop and rest and get something cool to drink. Just before your biking ends, you will pass by a beautiful, cooling waterfall. Just past that is the end, where you can relax at a wildlife refuge!

Argentina

Argentina is known for its beautiful landscapes and scenery, which you will get a lot of if you go mountain biking here. In San Juan, you will find Tres Marias, an advanced single track that starts at the bottom of the mountain and goes east or west, depending on where you want to go. The trails range in terrain and you will enjoy getting to the top of Tres Marias!

If you choose to take a biking tour, you can go around Buenos Aires, specifically the districts of San Telmo and La Boca. This tour will take you to various landmarks around Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo. You explore many of the popular areas as well.

Chile

Head to Santiago, Chile, and bike at Cancha Carrerra! This is a difficult circuit for advanced bikers as it has many types of terrain. It is touted as one of the best downhill trails in Santiago. In many areas, there are rocky areas and rock gardens and many curves. As you continue, you will encounter gaps, jumps, zigzags and sharp turns.

Once you get to the end, you will pass through the forest, where you will continue to zigzag and enter rocky territory. Take your GPS with you as it is easy to miss a turn, and there are several roads that go in other directions!

Enjoy the beautiful views this circuit has to offer. You can see the fog that enters into the mountains, and on clear days you can see for miles and miles!

El Huinganal is also in Santiago and is an advanced single track that is nearly 1,000 feet in elevation. You will start off around Establo el Huingal, where you will pass by horses! On this trail you will cross 3 creeks and enjoy a flat area to bike on that has some rocky parts to it.

Conclusion

Are you ready to plan a trip yet? Hitting up these trails and the many others in the southern hemisphere will excite you and test your limits. Going mountain biking is not only a great way to stay in shape, but to explore nature and different areas. With these trails, you will surely enjoy yourself and maybe learn a thing or two! See you on the trails!

2 Replies to “5 of the World’s Most Epic Bike Rides in the Southern Hemisphere”

  1. I think you missed one of the best countries for cycling: Southafrica. The most popular sportive all over the world is held in Cape Town, 35000 people assisting. Cycling in Cape Peninsula, Garden route and of course Chapman’s Peak is a privilege.

    1. With so many awesome countries for cycling in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s definitely hard to narrow it down. I’ve never been to South Africa for cycling, only running, but I will add it to the bucket list.

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