Nobody there!
Illán de Vacas in Spain holds the record for the smallest village in the world - with just three inhabitants. Bike adventurer David Cachon visited the tiny village and found lonely single trails. Here, the bike acrobat jumps over a stone bridge that leads to an old monastery. The monastery itself - empty and deserted, of course!
Short interview Bike adventurer David Cachon: "More than just good trails"
BIKE: David, you've ridden on the Great Wall of China, in Jerusalem, in thin air in Peru, Japan and so on. How do you come up with such ideas?
David Cachon: It's my desire for adventure. It's easy to find a country that interests me, but it's difficult to find good trails. That's why I sit at my computer for a long time and check Google Earth - I'm always looking for trails. Unfortunately, the reality is often very different. But my adventures are about more than just trail riding - I want to meet people, experience culture and gather experiences away from the daily grind.
What has been the biggest challenge so far?
In terms of logistics and organisation, definitely the Great Wall of China. In terms of riding, it was my first ride in the Pyrenees on a gravel bike. The trail in Congost de Mont-Rebei is super exposed and dangerous, so I couldn't make any mistakes so close to the cliffs. Physically, the enormous altitude in Peru brought me to my knees. I struggled with headaches and balance problems in the thin air - because I live at sea level in Spain.
Which countries and trails are still on your bucket list?
My bucket list is incredibly long. (Laughs) I want to go to Egypt next. Cairo appeals to me and, of course, the pyramids. Hans Rey managed to ride down a pyramid many years ago. Let's see if I can get a permit for that.
You can be seen on a mountain bike, e-MTB, gravel bike, road bike - what's your favourite bike?
It always depends on the use, i.e. the right bike for the purpose. However, I now spend most of my time on the e-MTB. As a former competitive trialist, I'm attracted by the technical uphills that are almost impossible on a normal bike.
You also film web edits about your adventures for YouTube. Do you also check what the competition is doing?
Logical! I'm very interested in what others are up to. That's a good source of inspiration. I like Kilian Bron's projects, especially his latest action documentary about the Dolomites. Danny MacAskill, of course, and Fabio Wibmer with his fresh, young style. But I'm also inspired by edits from BMX, skateboarding and snowboarding.
The elephant
The highlight of the trails in Illán de Vacas near Burgos in Spain is the elephant rock. "The trail leads directly over its head," says David Cachon, "not quite as close to the abyss as I'm tumbling around there, of course, but the photo just had to be taken."
Winter dream
Top or flop? Bike rides in winter divide the scene. Some say: Great! Get warm and head out into the winter wonderland! Biking in the snow has a charm all of its own. Others say: Winter biking - what rubbish! Strap skis under your shoes instead of sliding around on rubber tyres! Which group do you belong to?
Landscape art
From a bird's eye view, this track by bike pro Braydon Bringhurst looks like the work of a land artist. But behind it is a tough course, called: Hard MTB League in reference to Hard Enduro in motorsport. The idea: the track in Idaho challenges all bike skills and only the best all-rounders can win here. The first competition is planned for autumn 2025. But Braydon wants to turn it into a Hard MTB World Series.
Comeback
Geoff Gulevich: "This was my first photoshoot after breaking my thigh in an avalanche earlier this year. I wanted to get back into the groove on the Trail Boogieman on Vancouver's Northshore. You can see my first one-foot table since I nearly died in the mountains. It was a great day because I now knew I would be back to full fitness in no time."
High in the north
Danny MacAskill (left): "Steve Peat visited me at home and of course I wanted to show the downhill legend something. I showed him an epic ride on my home island of Isle of Skye: the Totternish Ridge. A ridge ride from north to south over nine peaks. Here you can ride all over the place and find your own line. Ideal for this: E-Enduros, because then the uphills are all rideable. Our ride confirmed what I already knew: Totternish Ridge is one of the most impressive places in the world. But watch the YouTube edit and judge for yourself."
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
