HERO DIRT
Winter riding done right
The best riding spots in South West Bulgaria and Greece
Overview
5 Unique days riding
Free time activities including hot springs down time
90% uplift
3000-4000m descend daily.
Ideal for trail/enduro riders or for Off Season training
Tailored to fit wide range of abilities and fitness
Uplift day
We ride the finest trails across southwest Bulgaria, a unique region rich in history, incredible food, and outstanding wine. The terrain ranges from near sea level to over 2,000 meters on the southern slopes of the Pirin Mountains, where exceptional drainage keeps the trails riding perfectly all winter. With abundant sunshine and even the option of beach days in nearby Greece, this trip is the ideal escape from dark, gloomy winters elsewhere.
Based right on the Greek border, we’re plugged straight into a stacked network of enduro tracks, fast, steep, loose, and properly fun. Expect everything from big mountain descents to nonstop laps on prime forest singletrack, with serious vertical and endless line choices. When you’re off the bike, it’s all about recovery and local flavour: ripping through Melnik, hitting small family wineries and soaking in mud hot springs with a beer.
Hero Dirt
7 Nights
November - April
5 days guiding and uplifts
15000m descending, 2000m climbing
7 nights chalet or guesthouse accomodation
Airport Transfers
Breakfasts
£695 Per Person
Trails
This week includes a mixture of natural and purpose built trails. Be prepared for a wide variety of terrain and very long descents. Expect all conditions: rocks, roots, loam, jumps, berms, drops, speed and tech. There will be occasions where exposure will be evident and caution required. Some trails are very much off-piste and anticipation of hidden bumps, branches and boulders will be beneficial.
Skill level: Average and above. Although we have a number of difficult trails, all committed features are avoidable and easy options are available. The characteristics of these trails change drastically with speed, allowing confident riders of varying abilities to enjoy them. We would recommend being comfortable riding minimum UK red trails and above.
Fitness level: Moderate level of bike fitness. Some trails require a short pedal at altitude to access them. Most trails are considerably longer than UK trail centres, so some strength and endurance is required. This package does not require long days in the saddle, hike-a-bike or any crazy fitness events. Coffee stops can be frequent and lunch breaks can always be extended for those wishing to take a chill.
We will happily welcome riders of all speeds, catering the week for your enjoyment. A base level of skill is required to keep you safe in a dangerous mountain environment
We usually run this trip with three days riding out of Bansko and three days based near the Greek border, giving us access to the very best terrain in each zone and the killer trails linking them. It allows for mountain missions, lift-assisted laps, and deep forest singletrack all in one trip.
Because this is a fully custom setup, everything can be dialled to suit how you want to ride. Fly into Thessaloniki and add a few days in Greece for beach time and warm-weather laps, or include a few days skiing in Bansko before or after the riding. Late-season skiing here is often warm and sunny. Morning slush laps followed by afternoon trail rides make for an unreal combo day you won’t find many places else.
Big days, big variety, zero wasted time, built around how you want to ride.
5 nights in our mountain lodge and 2 nights in a local guesthouse
The lodge sits Lodge sits nestled in a private walled garden, facilities include a sheltered BBQ area.
Homely and spacious, the Lodge caters for up to 14 guests in our chalet-style cabins.
All rooms have an en-suite shower room, and
Comfy sofa
Egyptian cotton linen and towels
Hairdryer
Kettle and condiments
TV & Amazon Firestick
Price based on sharing a room. Single supplement possible, please contact to discuss.
All the accommodation has secure bike storage, Wifi and a small communal kitchen. We also keep on hand bike tools and proper cleaning kit so we can keep everything rolling smoothly.
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Sure, there is plenty here to keep any non-riders entertained. Drop us a message for more details and prices.
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All major airlines include a bike bag/box for an additional fee of around £60 (Ryanair)
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Yes. Due to the nature of modern bikes, most components are not interchangeable. We try to keep in as much kit as possible to keep you moving one way or another but personal kit is highly recommended. Think: pads, derailleurs, mech hangers, spokes etc..
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Yes please!
We can also organise fantastic vegan/vegetarian food.
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There is a huge amount to do here, attracting tourists all year round. Traditional restaurants and bars are a must. We also have natural hot springs, luxurious spas, outdoor pools and museums.
Need a day away from the bike? Book yourself onto an ATV tour or an all day session at a winery. There is plenty of relaxation and mischief to be had.
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Bulgarian Leva. Its pegged to the euro so you wont get ripped off getting some cash before you leave. We reccomend a travel card (Revolut, Monzo, etc) and just grabbing some carh here (We will tell you where).
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We think Spring and Autumn are some of the best times to ride in Bulgaria. In May and October temperatures normally run between 14- 23 degrees in the locations for this tour. Nights can be cooler, but often by 10am were riding in sunshine and short sleeves. That being said, in the mountains expect some showers, the grippy soil has to get wet somehow!
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Yes!
On top of normal travel insurance we recommend additional mountain sports insurance. This is one of the ones we use:
https://www.alpenverein.at/britannia/membership/Membership.php
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Not at all. Traditional food is full of familiar veggies, meats and fish. There are some more out there dishes too for the adventurous types. Bansko has plenty of westernised restaurants providing a proper global spread. We are also super close to Turkey and Greece so kebabs and Gyros are top notch.
Mountain huts have limited variety but will always have soups, salads, omelets, cheeses and meats.
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A number of reasons:
1) Not many people come here yet. This is the up and coming destination. Get in while its cheap and the dirt is fresh.
2) Bulgaria use the Cyrillic alphabet so you probably wont find much local content.
3) Nobody wants to give away the really good locations..
