Reviews & Guestbook
At Singletrack Safari we are absolutely committed to providing our clients with the very best mountain biking holidays available. Whichever of our fantastic holidays you choose, we will take you to ride the very finest trails available in Europe, accompanied by the most friendly and professional guides in the business. We believe that our facilities, vehicles and service and second to none – and from the very outset our guests seem to agree that we have created something really special and different!
Please have a read through what people are saying about Singletrack Safari below, and feel welcome to leave your comments in our guestbook.
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Reviews
"Surely the best value guided tour of the Alps. Covering all the must ride locations and a few secret ones too! Martin as owner/operator gives you a personalized tour of the best on offer in the Alps, he knows it so well. But where he really deserves accolades is his willingness to help. We were a group of 6 Kiwis and he helped us with insurance, bike builds, blown fork seals, a lost passport, translating and police reports! Yep we challenged him and he just kept on delivering help and amazing tracks every day. It was like riding with a friend for the week. He is a fast skilled rider both up and down. We descended over 35,000 feet in 6 days and loved every minute of it. Great guy and amazing value!!
(Downsides?) Absolutely None. But make sure you let Martin know what type of riding your into so that he can customize each day to your style. Nothing is set in concrete on this trip and you get the most out of it, letting him know your preferences. Just make sure you include the Passport and the Mega...I've never done a guided mtb tour before, but can't imagine that many could have offered the service that Martin did. He has accommodation sorted in two great locations, is friends with the locals and enables you to really live the Alps lifestyle. With Ultimate Safari being relatively new Martin doesn't expect the trip to follow the same format as the previous 100 groups. He really gets to know you and what sort of riding you prefer. He puts a lot of effort and thought into each day, changing the format depending on weather forecasts, rider fitness, skill level etc. And even caters for different skill levels in the same group. On the day off he was able to put together a loop for us to follow which got us to some great singletrack and an extra day on the bike. This isn't just a job for Martin, he shares the same enthusiasm for each trail as if it was the first. He has decked out the best van & trailer making it quick and easy to load and shelter if its wet. He knows bikes and was able to help us out with tech issues. Other guides would have been lost in the mechanics of 3 sets of dampening units spread across the bench top... Not Martin.
Surely the most important aspect of any guide though; can they get you to the absolute best trails?? Singletrack Safari got us to: Les Gets, Chamonix, Flegere, Morzine, Passport Du Soleil, Megavalanche, Les Deux Alps, Alpe D'Huez and more... I travelled around the world for 35,000 vertical metres in 7 days. And it was absolutely worth it. Treat yourself - Do it!!
Cameron from New Zealand - Ultimate Alps August 2010
"Singletrack Safari is very flexible at accommodating and meeting the needs of their clients. We wanted 4 days not a week - no problem. We wanted to do one location not two - no problem. We liked beer and good food - no problem. We wanted epic rides - no problem. We (6 of us) had decided to ride Chamonix but the guidebooks and websites were not clear on where we could ride other than the valley floor, sides and downhill areas in July. So we decided for the first time that we needed a guide. Martin's approach of providing you with planned routes GPS, maps and then accompany us the official photographer and first aider was first class. It may strike others as semantics but this is a very sensitive issue in the Alps. We were collected at Geneva airport and driven to a basic but pleasant French hotel. We rode a great selection of trails the most memorable being the "Border Patrol" ride over La Tour and down into Switzerland (the most amazing route I have ever done) and "The Twister" from Les Houches to St Gervais (some hilarious falls on hidden single track). We definitely would not have found these routes from the published materials. We were then driven back to Geneva where the beers in the airport were fairly quiet as the exhaustion kicked in. So the approach worked and we had an epic few days. Now planning 2011 in Andalucia.... yes with Singletrack Safari!"
Adam from Berkshire - Ultimate Alps July 2010
"A fantastic trip with a fantastic guide. Our group arrived in the Alps from all over the world and without Martin's expert help we would've struggled to get anywhere near the quality of riding by ourselves. The flexibility Singletrack Safari offer is probably the greatest thing about the trip. Martin goes out his way to make your whole experience one to remember. The way in which he dealt with all our questions and many, many vast and varying issues throughout the week (and even afterwards) was nothing short of superb. To get the most from your week it’s important to let Martin know your riding preferences so that each day can be tailored to your needs, you can obviously revise this on a daily basis. As with any biking area, local knowledge is the key to ensure you find the hidden gems maps won’t tell you about and to know which places are going to be best in which conditions – Martin certainly has this knowledge. Transportation throughout the week was very efficient and painless, saving time – plus you and your bike ride in style. The accommodation was spot on; functional, well located and had great bike facilities. It’s not 5 star hotel luxury, but you’re going on a holiday to ride your bike, not laze by a pool working on your tan. Martin does a great a job with the camera so you don't have to worry and can get on with your riding. Great value too, it’s hard to imagine that anyone could offer any better service for cheaper, or just better service full stop." 5 out of 5
Fraser from London - Ultimate Alps August 2010
"This new mtb holiday company reflects the personality of its owner - intelligent, responsive and resourceful. The Spanish Tapas Trails holiday offers a fantastic range of riding from easy through to challenging and all of it fun. The guiding is excellent, backed by sound knowledge of the routes and just the right level of riding tips and encouragement."
Jo from Leeds - Spanish Trail Tapas May 2010
"Martin took us places we would never have found and may never have had the courage/ability to get up or down ! This was our second mountain biking holiday in the alps. The first time we had done our own thing and had enjoyed ourselves. Our experience with Singletrack Safari was a significant step up however. We got what we wanted at a very reasonable price, we didn't have to worry about anything much after getting ourselves to Geneva and we rode trails we would never have found ourselves and probably would not have had the confidence to attempt without a professional guide. The evening tours around local restaurants and bars were just as enjoyable. As long as we can negotiate the pass-out from home we will be back with Singletrack again this year!"
Andy from Berkshire - Ultimate Alps July 2010
"This was my first cycling holiday, hastily arranged at the last minute and I didn't really know what to expect. With a year's mountain biking experience under my belt I thought I knew a thing or two but 200m into the first day it was painfully obvious, literally, that I didn't....however, I needn't have worried. Martin was immediately there with tips and advice on how to navigate the steep, rocky trails which were so unfamiliar to me. Quite simply, I couldn't have done it without Martin's help and encouragement....the week just got better and better with a great mix of riding tailored day to day to suit our ability, experience and how tired the legs were! The scenery was fantastic and we were blessed with the most amazing weather. Martin's guiding was faultless and his detailed knowledge of the routes was remarkable which meant no nasty surprises around the next corner. There were so many highlights.... I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend Singletrack Safari to anyone, their attitude, organisation and experience was first class and I hope to ride with them again."
Tim from Chatham - North Wales Explorer April 2010
"Martins enthusiasm for riding is evident from the first time you meet him over a beer when you arrive in resort. He also made us very welcome and made sure we were comfortable throughout our holiday. The riding was excellent as was the guiding and we were pushed to our limits both technically and physically which was very rewarding. Chamonix was stunning and Alp d'huez was a challenge (especially in the wet) but our favourite days riding was our last in Les Deux Alp. A lung busting climb to the bottom of the glacier followed by some of the sweetest flowing single track I've ever come across and it went on for hours! Will certainly be using Single Track Safari again in the future. Almost forgot, Martin provided a fantastic record of our holiday by taking numerous photos and a superb quality edited video of our adventures!"
Robin from London - Ultimate Alps 2010
“The mountain biking available in Scotland was amazing. The trails chosen were varied and challenging, and very rewarding. There are a variety of trails to suit all tastes and some of the routes really blew me away. I thoroughly enjoyed riding in Scotland with Martin and his team - they know where all the good riding is, and can offer advice depending on ability. A very, very enjoyable biking holiday”
Julian from West Drayton – Scottish Stanes
“We’ve always preferred natural riding, but around Chamonix it is so hard to find the best trails without a good guide. The routes up over the border and down into Switzerland were just amazing. A huge 12k rocky, switch back-ridden, technical descent...what more could you ask for? Then a quick train ride for an uplift, followed by more incredible rooty descending for over 16k back to Chamonix. Possibly the best days’ riding I’ve experienced anywhere! Great to be based in a real town, and one with so much mountain history, rather than a half empty ski resort or somewhere that feels like a Brit 18-30 holiday (you know where I mean...) Loads of bars and restaurants to chose from. If you time it right, you can also take in the Climbing competition in the town or the Alpine Guides week. Great week, the most varied I've had anywhere in the Alps. Really tested lots of different riding styles. Have already been to Spain with Singletrack Safari since and will consider Andora next year..."
Stuart and Jo from Bristol – Ultimate Alps August 2010
“I’ve ridden in lots of places, including the Alps, but I was really amazed at how good everything is in Andorra. The mountains are big, the people are friendly, the food is cheap (and really good) and the trails are fantastic! The Singletrack Safari team have got some amazing routes, and they gave me some coaching that helped me whilst riding my XC bike on the challenging DH trails at the incredible Bike Park. Highly recommended!”
Pete from Worcester – Andorra Altitude
‘My biking holiday in Spain was simply fantastic. The routes chosen were varied and challenging but not too daunting, and got me even more hooked on mountain biking. There was also great scenery, stunning sunrises, and a really enjoyable way of life. Local knowledge from the guides allowed us see and experience trails we would never have found otherwise. Would definitely go back again!'
Julia from London – Spanish Trail Tapas
"Amazing....!!!! This trip has it all....every type of riding you want...and then some more....each day can be tailored to what you want want.!! Downsides? Honestly....NONE. Went on this trip as a last minute decision on my own. Can't really fault any of the trip to be honest, great to meet up with like minded people who share my love of the bike. Biking on the best trails I have ever been on any that really tested my fitness and skills. The Mega just went on and on..!!Even got to cycle up Alp d'Huez (nutter - Ed.) which was the icing on the cake to what was the best week of biking....don't think there is anyone else out there that is offering a package like this..!!"
Feargal from Dublin - Ultimate Alps 2010
Reviewed: 18 February 2011
Great challenging rides in Chamonix which are not in the guide books.
He wears white storm trooper body armour!
He always catches you on camera having the only crash of the day...
We (6 of us) had decided to ride Chamonix but the guidebooks and websites were not clear on where we could ride other than the valley floor, sides and downhill areas in July. So we decided for the first time that we needed a guide. Martin's approach of providing you with planned routes GPS, maps and then accompany us the official photographer and first aider was first class. It may strike others as semantics but this is a very sensitive issue in the Alps. We were collected at Geneva airport and driven to a basic but pleasant French (Australian run) 2* hotel. We rode a great selection of trails the most memorable being the ride over La Tour and down into Switzerland (the most amazing route I have ever done) and Les Houches to St Gervais (some hilarious falls on hidden single track). We definitely would not have found these routes from the published materials. We were then driven back to Geneva where the beers in the airport were fairly quiet as the exhaustion kicked in. So the approach worked and we had an epic few days. Now planning 2011 in Andalucia yes with Martin..
