In the sandpit
As if the steep descent wasn't tricky enough, David Cachon even folds his bike to the side to form a tabletop. That scores extra style points. The bike adventurer explored the Kingdom of Jordan - a country made up largely of deserts and mountains. Here, near the lost city of Petra, the trails are teeming - but only for those who can cope with the heat and hyenas.
Cross-border commuter
David Cachon drives through a labyrinth of rocks high above the Dead Sea - an area steeped in history. The Romans were here, Jesus, the crusaders from England. During the First World War, the legendary Lawrence of Arabia attacked the city of Aqaba and instigated an Arab uprising. A dangerous terrain, then as now. The West Bank begins on the other side of the sea. After Israel and Iran fired rockets at each other and Houthi rebels made the area unsafe, the German Foreign Office advises against travelling to the region. This is likely to prevent bike adventures such as David Cachon's or the planned Urban DH Race in Jordan's capital Amman, for which Red Bull athlete Tomas Slavik recently went on a reconnaissance tour.
The Dead Sea mountains are full of trails and lines. You just have to find them!
- David Cachon
King of the world
The 21-year-old Canadian Jackson Goldstone wins his third World Cup in a row on the legendary "Black Snake" downhill in Val di Sole. His lead over second-placed Troy Brosnan was 2.4 seconds. Goldstone thus equalled Danny Hart, who last managed a hat-trick in 2016. "I gave it my all, pushed myself to the limit - it was almost impossible to get down there without making a mistake," said Jacko after the race, feeling like the "King of the World". There were even more feelings of omnipotence shortly afterwards in the Aosta Valley. The Canadian won again and outdid the competition. Four in a row - only Aaron Gwin managed that in 2011. In the following World Cup in Andorra, Jacko rockets to the hotseat. The five in a row seemed within reach, a world record, because nobody had ever managed that before. Trembling, fearing, hoping - the last man on the mountain decides: Loic Bruni. And he decides differently, because Bruni takes the victory with a considerable lead. Goldstone only comes second, the record is lost.
Ridge on fire
The evening sun lights up the plume of dust behind the bike like a trail of fire, while the mountain bushes provide a shower of sparks. Richard Gasperotti roars over a ridge on the holy mountain of Gugu in Romania. In the past, "Gaspi" took part in the Red Bull Rampage, today he travels the world as a bike adventurer.
BIKE: Gaspi, you were in Romania looking for trails. Romania is not the typical bike location, is it?
Richard "Gaspi" Gasperotti: That's exactly why. Romania is rather unusual, which is why I was particularly interested in the country.
And your impression?
If you're looking for adventure, you'll find it here. The Carpathians reminded me of the Alps in Austria, but without the rules and restrictions. You can ride your EMTB anywhere. That doesn't bother anyone here. I say EMTB deliberately, because the Carpathians are steep. An EMTB is particularly suitable here.
Few restrictions - which is why the Red Bull Romaniacs - a cross-country moto-hard enduro rally - takes place there. In the Alps, they would throw up their hands at an event like this.
Romania is the Wild East. Remarkable: as soon as you get out of the city, Romania becomes really rustic.
There are even bears in the Carpathians.
And wolves. Yes, the fauna and flora here will blow you away. You can still find real wilderness here.
There are supposedly vampires there too.
Laughs. Yes, I know. Everyone talks to me about Dracula when they hear Romania - about the most famous Romanian in the world: Count Dracula. But he lived further north.
Why did you choose the Retezat Mountains - fear of vampires?
I had heard that this region was particularly wild - and full of trails.
And?
There are many good trails. This is also due to the fact that this mountain range is criss-crossed by many hiking trails and is quite well developed. You can do wonderful tours here. There are huts everywhere and good food - lots of meat of course, spicy, hot sausages and bacon. But for my next trip to Romania, I have set my sights on the Fagaras Mountains. Also because of the series: Top Gear. And of course I want to visit Dracula's castle.
Carnivore
"You don't have to worry much about catering on bike trips through Romania," says bike adventurer Richard Gasperotti. "Especially not if you like smoked meat." Tip: Don't forget a clove of garlic - Count Dracula lived not far from here. Romania's brown bears recently made the headlines. An Italian motorcyclist was fatally injured while taking a selfie. Caution: As cute as the little baby bear looks, mum is usually not far away and certainly not in the mood for photo jokes.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
