ON YOUR BIKE!

You can choose the level of difficulty to suit your ability and Spring in Malta is perfect for outdoor activities; the countryside still green from Winter’s rainfall, the terraced fields carpeted with colourful wild flowers.

Most of the best bike riding is on the west coast of Malta, with trails, country roads and single track lanes, linking adjoining, sprawling villages. A fun morning or day out could start with a coffee and pastizz for breakfast (traditional flaky pastries, filled with mushy peas or ricotta cheese). Along the way one can stop and admire a few of the 365 chapels and churches dotted around the islands. A stop in a village square, where groups of the older generation sit on benches and chat in the sunshine, the men discussing fishing, and farming, the ladies, and what they’re planning to cook for lunch.

The best food after a ride is a delicious ħobż biż-żejt, (bread with oil) the local fresh ftira slathered with kunserva, (tomato paste) and filled with a mixture of chopped onions, garlic, tomatoes, capers, olives, butter beans and tuna. Little village bars have these stacked up, ready for workers who pop in throughout their working day, downed with milky tea, served in a glass.

The islands are absolutely perfect for more experienced and adventurous mountain bikers too. The landscape is similar to other islands like Cyprus and Palma de Mallorca, and never far from the crystal blue sea if you want a quick dip. Majjistral Park, in the North West is rough, rocky terrain. Linking to Miżieb, this area is the perfect setting for technical riders to play outdoors. Here, full suspension is recommended as opposed to hard tail bikes, which are otherwise adequate for most Maltese trails. A yearly international cross triathlon race, Xterra, is held in this area. Top athletes from around the World including the Olympic MTB gold medalist, marvel at the beauty of the park and the challenge that Malta has to offer off-road cyclists.

But back to the more leisurely rider, Gozo is also a great idea for a sightseeing fun day out. With less cars than Malta, one can ride onto the ferry which departs from Ċirkewwa, and is a mere 20 minute trip. Various trails with views of cliffs, bays and beaches are there to be discovered. The island has so much to offer! E-bikes are useful too, since Gozo tends to be quite hilly. Before you hit the trails, it’s important to make sure you have the right gear – otherwise your experience could be ruined. Here are some basics of what you need to know about off road cycling in Malta:

Terrain: The terrain in Malta can vary from rough, rocky trails to winding roads with steep inclines and descents.

Weather: Malta’s weather is temperate year-round, but in the summer months it can get quite hot. Make sure you stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing to protect you r skin from the sun.

Routes: If you’re new to off road cycling in Malta, it might be best to plan out a route before embarking on your adventure. There are plenty of great trails to explore, so make sure you pick an area that’s suitable for your skill level and interests.

Maintenance: Off road cycling in Malta can take its toll on your bike so make sure you check all components of the bike before each ride and perform regular maintenance like cleaning and lubrication to ensure your bike is in top condition.

If you didn’t bring your bike with you, you can rent one from thecyclistmalta.com