Photo Shooting MBUK / Bikeradar Bike of the Year 2020

It is starting to be kind of a tradition that the MBUK and Bike Radar crew pay us a visit every year to shoot what is probably their most important article: Bike of the Year awards. This time, it was for Trail and Enduro categories. Together with photographer Dan Milner, the crew led by Rob Weaver and Tom Marvin, spent 8 days in La Sierra de Madrid ( Spain ) last February, shooting and riding our local trails. We had great conditions the whole week. A bit of mist in the morning that was rising and leaving excellent light and conditions before noon. 

The crew getting ready for a day of riding and shooting.

Cover picture for the Bike of the Year 2020 issue.

Riding the trails of Valdemanco, a hidden gem in La Sierra de Madrid

The huge variety of terrain and excellent weather in February, are the main reasons La Sierra de Madrid is chosen for the shooting of this article. This time,we decided to shoot mostly on the open and rocky trails of Valdemanco, in the northern ridge of La Sierra, and Hoyo de Manzanares, located in what we called " Pre Sierra". A smaller ridge full of awesome trails, closer to Madrid downtown than the main ridge. These areas are always a must in our regular MTB guided tours. 

Hoyo de Manzanares and its super fun trails

Technical rocky trails in Hoyo

The month before the shooting, we work on the locations and schedule, being flexible according to the weather and terrain conditions. 

Different terrain and location for this day. This time in Guadarrama, heart of La Sierra .

Making the most of the day... riding until dusk.

Hard to believe you have this riding just 45' from Madrid's downtown

One of our favorite secret trails in Guadarrama. Twisty and flowy, 100% fun.

Climb is always part of the game

The trails in Valdemanco are constantly crossing bedrocks.

Rocks shapes are impressive in this area. Mother nature adapting.

Sarah riding with style in Hoyo de Manzanares

Food is religion in Spain. Here some Spanish omelette and tapas to recharge the day.

Tom heading a technical trail in Hoyo.

Looking forward to working again next year on a new Bike of the Year shooting! 

Photos: Dan Milner

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