Photographer Derek Frankowski collage.

A collage of memories from professional mountain bike photographer Derek Frankowski on our Costa Rica mountain bike trip. That's Wade Simmons high-fiving the local children btw, besides being amazingly talented on his bike, he's a rock-star diplomat of all things mountain bike.

One scenic pic-nic and 100 goats.

Joe Schwartz and I were guiding a road cycling trip for our sister company Cycleventures in Tuscany, Italy in mid-September a few years ago. That's right, scenic rolling hills of golden earth, cypress lined roads, quintessential hilltop towns and perfect roads for road cycling - bella Toscana. And, yes, the same Joe Schwartz from Rampage and NWD films and all-round mtb shredding. Joe's not afraid. One day we decided to treat our group to an epic Italian lunch in a random field along a remote road south of Pienza. Sounded like a good idea we thought. That morning at map session, we gave them a rough idea of the location of said spread, and sent them on their way down the hill behind town. Next stop was the local mercato to pick up the ingredients: fresh tomatoes, bocconcini cheese, bresaola dried beef, balsamic reduction, fresh basil, a few melons, some prosciutto, some fruit, bread, other cheeses, and drinks. Done. We headed out and found a seemingly perfect grassy field just off the road in the middle of nowhere and began to chop and prepare the feast before the first cyclists arrived. Then we heard a strange whistling and some random calls in the distance. What the? Next thing we knew a heard of sheep emerged to our little sanctuary and they began taking over our perfect plan...

Joe and the impressive spread.

Some crazy sheeps where running, seemingly oblivious of the bounty ahead.

Schwartzy, casually guarding the bocconcini.

Catastrophe averted.

Good living.

Riding Huchuy Cusco: new Peru video.

Interested in mountain biking Peru next year? Our Inka DH trip might be what you need or for the all-mountain-with-a-heavy-influence-on-DH riders...how about our Unforgettable Andes trip?

Into thin Air.

Inspired by the European Alps.

Enjoy this collection of mountain bike photography taken on a Cloudraker all-mountain trip this past July.

Each summer we return to ride the Swiss Alps with the excitement of school children on the last day of classes before summer begins. Each summer we explore, scoping new lifts that lead to new trails. Some make the cut and others don't. Our all-mountain trip, Cloudraker, is a showcase of the best of the best that we've found in nearly a decade of scoping. The challenge each summer is to choose what epics to ride with those who join us. No matter how we shake it, each trip is always one to remember.

Spark of Progression.

Mountain bikers love to gather and watch their peers on the big screen. Rider Stephen Matthews rolled out the red carpet for the Calgary contingent last week. This is what went down.

Being able to witness the spark of progression in a rider’s eyes is inspiring. To be able to sit back and watch the faces of the amazed as they view mountain biking’s most recent landmark maneuvers is as entertaining as the production itself. For me, hosting movie premiere’s is great for just that. This year, I put on Secondbase Films’ “From the Inside Out”, and am able to boast an attendance of over 240 people, all of which left with a grin from ear to ear. The organization of a Calgary premiere landed me a premiere date of November 10th at The Plaza Theatre.

The film is an effort made by the much admired Coastal Crew, from the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. I’m lucky enough to call these boys friends, as they are some of the most inspiring people i’ve met in mountain biking. Dylan Dunkerton, Curtis Robinson, and Kyle Norbraten are not only unbelievable cyclists, photographers, videographers, and builders. But they are some of the most genuinely hardworking and positive people i’ve met. Working with action film industry leaders, Anthill Films on this one, “From the Inside Out” was destined for success!

It’s hard to pick out only a few shining moments of the film, because to me every section was a stroke of genius. I love seeing the Coastal Crew ride, because they are very pure with how they exemplify how much fun you can have riding a bike. Kenny Smith came out with a non-stop, edge of your seat kind of section (wasn’t expecting anything less!). I’ve seen most of the lines in person, and I can assure you they are insane. Thomas’ “Ride to the Hills” throwback hit it home for me as well, as it was the flick that got it all started for me.

             Calgary Cycle, Pure Cycle, and BigMountain Bike Adventures filled the guests’ hands with swag, and thanks to their support and vision for community involvement, we had some great draw prizes along with the usual blitzkrieg of DVD’s.

Photos: Shayne Saskoley

Coming soon to a theater near you!

Want to mountain bike Nepal? We're posting our 2012 dates soon, stay tuned here.

Larger than Life.

Thanks Bicycling Magazine for featuring our Whistler & Chilcotins mountain bike trip in your latest issue's feature "Larger than Life: 10 trips to the World's most iconic mountain bike destinations don't just point you towards the knife's edge of adventure. They blaze the path. You'll eat really well, too." We're honored to be gracing your fine cycling pages.

Ride Dirt & Ride Waves this winter.

It's about time.
We're elated to announce that we've partnered with Peaks n' Swells Surf Camp on two of our Costa Rica mountain bike trips this winter. What does this mean for you? It's simple, and it's really tasty: join us on our new cross-country Peaks and Beaches trip from Feb 25 to Mar 3 and then leave your bike stuff and fly out to the coast in a little prop plane for five days of surf instruction, bonfires on the beach, morning yoga sessions, organic eats, epic accomodations and beach life.
Come on, how does that sound? Big Mountain clients receive $100 off the Surf Camp. We're also offering this on our March 10-17 Pura Vida DH trip. Yep, rip dirt then rip waves and chill out with some assisted stretching and organic eats and cold beers while the sun sets...
Or, meet your non-mountain biking partner out on the beach???

Peaks n' Swells Surf & Yoga Camp Extension Details:
Dates: March 3-8 (post Big Mountain XC trip) and March 17-22 (post Pura Vida DH trip)
Cost for Surf & Yoga Camp: $1395 USD (usually costs $1495 USD!)

What's included?

• beachfront house with pool and epic jungle in backyard
• professional surf instruction with video analysis
• high performance surf boards
• daily yoga classes
• daily fresh & natural breakfasts
• professional surf photography - your best surf shot!
• happy hour with drinks and fresh snacks
• fresh snacks at the surf break including freshly cut coconuts when you return from surfing
• transport to the breaks
• pick-up & drop off from Tambor airport

Want more info? CLICK HERE for the post XC trip and HERE for the post DH trip camp PDF. Or just send us an email!

How good does that feel after a week of riding?

Easy waves for the whole family.

Learn how to do this!

Super comfy digs with nothing but the sound of waves when you drift off to sleep...

Relax and re-charge. We all need it.

Wake up to a surf session, then a swim and some fresh fruit smoothie every morning!

Trail X.

We can't stop laughing because we're having so much fun! Check out this super fine photo essay on bikemag.com from Bike Magazine Assistant Photo Editor Anthony Smith who went on our legendary tropical downhill mountain bike trip in Costa Rica, dubbed Pura Vida. Did he have a good time?

Not a DH rider but still want to ride Costa Rica with Paulo Valle? We've got a new cross-country trip called Peaks and Beaches that's suitable for a strong intermediate mountain bikers, and higher. Come and ride Costa Rica with us!