I'm sure some take for granted the well established MTB scene in North America and some parts of Europe, but in some emerging countries, biking is just getting started. Have a look at this user's take on riding in Macedonia as they trail blaze the scene in their country.
Bitola is the second largest city in Macedonia and is located in the southern part of the Pelagonia Valley. The city is dispersed along the banks of the Dragor river at an altitude of 2,019 ft (615 m) above sea level under Baba Mountain. Spreading on an area of 1,798 sq. km. and with a population of 122,173 (1991), Bitola is an important industrial, agricultural, commercial, educational, and cultural center.
Baba Mountain overlooks Bitola from the east. Its magnificent Mount Pelister(2601 m) is a national park with exquisite flora and fauna, and not so well-known ski resort.
Mountain Baba offers a lot's of trails where you can go Downhill or you can just go XC to the top of the mountain. There are epic views from everywhere especially from the top of the mountain from where you can see the Prespa's Lake and other summits in Macedonia.
It was Sunday when we all gathered and went for a ride on a local DH trail called Kopanki which is on the mountain Baba.
Some of us were testing the new equipment, new bikes and some us were taking video and photos from the bikers.
These are beginnings of this sport in Bitola, Macedonia, but from year to year, MTB's are getting better and better, trails are located on a mountain Baba (Pelister) and we are working hard to make them much better for DH and XC.
Here is the video of a Kopanki DH trail (thanks to www.ram-bikes.com):
i was just in Macedonia for a month seeing family. unfortunately i was unable to bring my bike i guess when i go next year i have to make sure it comes along with me.
xD