May 31 - June 7
Free
Join Sweet Skills and Big Mountain Bike Adventures for a dream trip to Europe!
Are you ready for a trip of a lifetime? One of the most incredible European destinations with all the makers of the best vacation you could imagine! Sweet Skills and Big Mountain Bike Adventures are excited to offer this popular trip again in 2024 for our 4th year.
Join us on a private motor yacht as we sail the turquoise Adriatic Sea and explore Croatia’s Southern Dalmatian Islands by bike. It’s one of the most beautiful destinations you can boat to in Europe – bonus we get to ride our bikes along the way and hang out with a super fun crew of women!
Ride fun and scenic trails with local guides and Sweet Skills coaches. Wander the historic harbour towns, rustic bars, and sights that we dock in. Time on the boat isn’t just about getting to our next amazing destination, we’ll enjoy the on-board gourmet meals, drinks on the deck, views, and swims in quiet coves.
Every day is a new island adventure. We usually depart the boat for a whole day which may include lunch in a small town partway through the ride or at the end, swims in the sea and lots of stops for amazing photos. The riding starts each day with a climb as we leave the boat at the doc. There will be quite a few miles on quiet paved roads, gravel double track, then finishing with rocky descents including some switchbacks. Riding along the shoreline, stopping for gelato and a swim and enjoying some history along the way are some of the daily highlights.
Skill Level: I-A Fitness Level 4+ *Ebikes available. If you’re fitness level is not high you should rent an ebike for the ultimate best time! Unsure if you’re fitness level and ability match this camp? Call Sylvie to discuss: 604-966-8330. See itinerary link below for details.
$2895 USD (land/boat costs/most meals) 25% deposit to book, payment will be with Big Mountain Bike Adventures. We are currently FULL! Sign up on waitlist or check out our September option.
Fill in the registration form below then we will contact you to finish the registration and deposit process with Big Mountain.
Article on 2019 trip by Elladee Brown HERE
8 days (7 days of riding), 7 nights on the boat
Day 1
Welcome to Split, Croatia! Board the boat at 2pm and set sail to Solta Island for a nice warm-up ride. We’ll ride alongside dry stone walls, olive groves, fig trees with sage and rosemary lining the paths. We’ll have a tour at a local honey operation then enjoy a descent on short trails back to the ship where we’ll enjoy our first night docked in a charming harbor town.
6km 300m gain
Day 2
Ride a combination of fun singletrack and dirt roads on the remote Vis Island and learn about its interesting history, good wines, and excellent seafood. Board the boat and enjoy life on the deck as we sail to the beautiful town of Vela Luca on Korcula Island.
25 or 39km, 670 or 900m gain
Day 3
Korcula is an Island paradise offering singletrack along the seashore through olive groves to the village of Blato. Morning cruise to the island of Korčula stopping for a swim from the boat. Today’s ride starts on coastal trails, then some asphalt and gravel roads to the archaeological site of Vela Spila and its incredible rock formations. After a coffee stop at the harbor we’ll continue on more singletack back to the ship anchored in the historical village of Vela Luka.
28km, 450 or 630m gain
Day 4
Another beautiful morning sail, this time to the beautiful town of Hvar on the island of the same name, know as lavender island. After unloading bikes we’ll start with a climb on asphalt and gravel and some nice trail sections. Halfway across the island we enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant before reaching the highest point before descending down to seaside Stari Grad, known as the oldest town in Europe, settled by tribes as early as 3500 BC.
29 or 38km, 350 or 100m gain
Day 5
While eating breakfast we cruise to Milna on the Island of Brač. Today is the trip’s longest ride and we start with a big climb to the highest peak of the Adriatic islands past olive groves, herb meadows and karstic formations to the 780 m high Vidova Gora with beautiful views of the mainland and Bol and the iconic Zlatini Rat Beach, one of Europe’s most beautiful. The descent is technical at first but then get more flowy, to the seaside town of Postira where we spend the night.
31 or 38km, 700 or 1000m gain
Day 6
Start the day with a cruise to the city of Split, Croatia’s second biggest city, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its palace of the Roman Caesar Diocletian. Today’s morning ride is mellow after yesterday’s big pull, through the Marjan forest park in the heart of Split with its short but fun trails. Or, you can opt to go to the beach instead and take a day off the bike. This afternoon we can explore this bustling city before dinner on the town. Overnight stay in Split.
37km, 850m gain
Day 7
This morning we enjoy our last cruise back to Trogir. Once in Trogir our last ride will take us across the bridge to Čiovo Island, often covered in flowers and the aromatic scent of wild herbs hangs in the air. Today’s ride is easier along gravel roads and some singtrack with wonderful views over the sea. This afternoon we’ll have time to relax in Trogir before our last night’s festivities to celebrate an amazing week!
20km, 220 or 410m gain
Day 8
Leave the boat in the morning and transfer to Split airport or stay on your own agenda.
*Trip itinerary may change at any time due to weather changes, boat logistics, or any other unexpected circumstance*
Within 1 week of registering, you’ll be emailed a ton of information including details on pack list, bike prep, directions, and FAQ sheet.
GETTING THERE:
Airfare, airport transfers and tax is not included in the price.
GEAR NEEDED:
High-performance rental bikes and eMTB’s are available on this trip. As it is on most of our trips it is recommended that riders bring their own bikes. A current lightweight full-suspension trail bike with 130-140mm travel that climbs and descends capably is best for this adventure. As the terrain is rocky tires should be tubeless, 2.30” or above, aggressive tread, one to two-ply casing for durability, puncture resistance and added control. Eye protection and knee pads that you can comfortably pedal in are highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory when on your bike. A 16L backpack is recommended.
THE BOAT CABINS:
The MS San Snova is an entirely oak ship that stands at 101- feet long. All 13 spacious cabins (eleven above deck, three below deck) feature air conditioning, private bathroom with shower and hair dryer. Cabins are 30 to 45 square feet in size. Two-person beds are 200 X 140 cm (slightly bigger than a double size), single beds are 200 X 80 cm.
WAIVERS:
Each guest will be required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement at time of registration, prior to start of trip. Click here to view and fill in the online waiver at time of booking. Participants are required to inform Sweet Skills of any allergies, medical conditions or injuries that might affect their riding or health and any medications taken.
AGE:
Minimum required age is 18 for our camps and clinics. Requests can be made on a case-by-case basis. It’s recommended for youth between the ages of 14 and 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
This trip is run in partnership with Big Mountain Bike Adventures. As they are taking payment, cancellation policy will be with Big Mountain. Please read their Cancellation Policy HERE