I spend most of my time in or around the mountains. Even when going on a summer family holiday, usually driving South to the Greek coast, we end up in a very mountainous looking Aegean landscape. I routinely bring my mountain bike with me, but usually I don’t get enough time and energy to do serious pedaling or trail riding, too busy baking in the hot sun or chilling in the turquoise waters.
This time around I was able to do some proper recky in the island of Andros, home of an extensive network of historical trails that went abandoned after the second world war, and that are coming back to life for hiking purposes.
I have contacted a local organization (https://www.androsroutes.gr/) beforehand inquiring about mountain biking options on the Andros trails and the reply I got was off putting. While not forbidden, the use of mountain bikes on the Andros trails was not encouraged in any way or form. It would be dangerous for the hikers, and it would also destroy historical trails that are maintained with plenty of efforts.
Being a hiker myself I totally understand their position. After witnessing the trails, hiking on them and also biking on some of them, I understood it better. However their fear is, in my humble opinion, without object.
99% of the mountain bikers would not enjoy the Andros trails. There is no flow. The trails were build hundreds of years ago to facilitate transit of persons and goods carried by donkeys, therefor there are a lot of steps. No rounded turns, no berms. No manicured jumps, no doubles, no table tops. Plenty of sharp corners, preventing you from going fast. No drifting. Carry biking sections are included in every descending trail, usually in narrow couloirs fenced by imposing stone walls, over big steps and through dense vegetation, making the use of e-bikes quite complicated.
I see no prospect of the Andros trails ever getting over crowded with mountain bikers. There are plenty of other places around the world were those 99% of the mountain bikers would have a much better time.
Leaving us with the remaining 1%. Those fewer and fewer mountain bikers that are looking for challenges, both physical and technical, that are more attracted to quiet and remote places, away from the noise of civilization. Those bikers that are respectfully sharing the trails with hikers, runners and, of course, the few locals still using their infrastructure for daily needs. Those bikers that are mindful of the historical heritage.
Well, for these mountain bikers Andros would be a dream destination. If you are on top of your (mtb) game, you’ll have a hell of a time.
This small number of mountain bikers would also help with the biggest problem I noticed while being on the island in June, 2025: the trails are barely used. In six days of roaming the area we’ve met a total number of hikers that would easily be accommodated by a small village taverna, with seats to spare.
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