Mountain biking Chavin was one of the coolest rides I’ve ever done, and yet another paradigm-shifting ride in Peru.  While the descent was “only” about 8,000 ft, it was super remote and the trail descends a spine/ridge all the way from the crest to the riverbed below, riding along ridges all the way down.  It’s actually difficult to capture in words!

After a very windy and long drive up the backside, the trail started in grassy animal trails – kind of choose-your-own adventure, but definitely a trail to follow.  After a bit, it popped out onto the ridge for a series of freeride drops – no trail, lots of features, ride what looked fun!  These super fun ‘bumps’ were connected by short climbs or at times traverse sections that rode more like a pump track than anything.  It’s as if they were made for bikes!  This style of terrain goes on for awhile and is super fun riding!

At one point, my buddy exclaimed that we should have used this place as a warm-up, at which point I reminded him not to underestimate Peru . . . and I was right!  After about 6500′ of super fun (though still plenty taxing) terrain, the last 1500′ are steep, loose, rocky technical riding that definitely was a challenge!  Tech riding like this is always difficult, and especially after a long day of riding in the sun!  All’s well that ends well, and we made it through just fine . . .

The closest town to the ride is Chincha, where we stayed the night before after riding Olleros.  I recommend staying local the night before as it’s a very very long day trip from Lima – as it was, the day was long by starting in Chincha and returning to Lima.

Apparently this trail was ‘discovered’ by some 70-year-old guys who likes bikes and likes exploring – what a find!  It’s so random and rad, but I have no idea how anyone would ever think to ride here!  That said, I highly highly highly recommend you do!  So unreal and fun.

This is, however, one of the most exposed rides we did . . . almost all the trails have a road that intersects them so the truck is avialble if needed.  Chavin does not – it’s truly remote for a long time and an injury here would be something to contend with for sure.

Peruvian version of game trails . . .

It started off so tame . . .

These traverse sections were so fun to ride!

The views didn’t suck! Big country . . .

Riding big ridgelines is so cool!

Of course the spicy section comes at the end when your legs are already spent!