Southern
Odyssey

Does this sound like you? Your vacation time is precious and we want to be absolutely sure that you’re making the most of it. Be honest with yourself, if this adventure isn’t right for you, we have other MTB tours that may be a better fit for your mountain biking ability.

Please note: The skill level required reflects an overall rating for the trails on the trip but you should expect to find sections and obstacles that push your ability levels.

Skill level: Intermediate+

• You are generally comfortable riding most types of terrain in different conditions: singletrack, double track, muddy, dry, loose, bedrock…
• You can brake, use gears and corner instinctively
• You’ll have a go on moderate technical features, such as small rock gardens, small drops and steeper sections, but may get off and walk certain technical features
• You mountain bike two or three times a week throughout your biking season
• And the ‘+’ part of ‘Intermediate+’ means that you will be aiming to tackle more of those moderate technical features

Fitness level: 5/7 

• You have a good level of bike fitness, exercising at least three times every week throughout the year, for an hour at a time
• You can ride a mountain bike for up to six hours a day at a moderate pace, with snack and photo stops, for three or more consecutive days
• You can tackle two or three fairly significant climbs a day, up to 600 metres each

Typical trails you’ll be riding

• Double track: undulating forest roads made up of hard-packed dirt and small rocks
• Singletrack: mainly forested and ridgeline trails with roots crossing the trails; steep descents, some very flowing, others more technical; golf ball-sized rock gardens; dusty loose trails and purpose built MTB trails
• Some of the trails are ridden by very few people throughout the year, so there may be some forest debris and fallen trees to watch out for

Training for your MTB adventure in Greece

To get the most out of your mountain bike tour in Greece you should plan plenty of training in advance of your tour.

Pre-Tour Virtual Brief

Date : November 15, 2025
Mode : Online (Zoom/Google Meet – link will be shared via email)

Purpose :

• Introduction to the crew and riders
• Gear and packing checklist
• Route overview and safety instructions
• Q&A session

Day 0 – November 21, 2025 (Friday): Transfer to Chikmagaluru

Pickup Points in Bangalore :

• Indiranagar
• Hebbal
• Goraguntepalya
• Nelamangala Toll (Nice Road Exit)

Departure: Early morning (exact schedule will be shared with riders)

Arrival: Chikmagaluru by evening

Activities :

• Check-in at eco-friendly 3-star property
• Bike check and tuning
• Welcome circle and in-person tour briefing
• Dinner and rest

Ride Days – November 22 to 27, 2025

Day 1 – November 22: Chikmagaluru to Devarmane Base

• Ride through coffee estates and villages
• Stay in a nature resort near Devarmane foothills

Day 2 – November 23: Devarmane Base to Kalasa

• Scenic climb to Devarmane viewpoint
• Descend to Kalasa, a temple town by the river

Day 3 – November 24: Kalasa to Agumbe

• Enter Kudremukha forest zone
• Lunch with a local family
• Stay at a heritage homestay in Agumbe

Day 4 – November 25: Agumbe to Nittur (Kodachadri Base)

• Cycle along rainforest ridges and rivers
• Base village stay at the foot of Kodachadri

Day 5 – November 26: Nittur to Jog Falls

• Cruise through open countryside
• Visit Jog Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls

Day 6 – November 27: Jog Falls to Honnavara

• Final stretch to the coast
• Ride ends at a beachside venue in Honnavara
• Celebration and fresh-up arrangements provided

Day 7 – November 28, 2025 (Friday): Return to Bangalore

Pickup Location : Honnavara (post-breakfast departure)
Mode : Online (Zoom/Google Meet – link will be shared via email)

Drop-off Points in Bangalore (same as pickup) :

• Nelamangala Toll
• Goraguntepalya
• Hebbal
• Indiranagar

Note: Overnight stay at Honnavara can be arranged on request.

Bike Drop-off (Post-Tour):

Deadline : Before November 30, 2025

Locations :

• Bharat Bicycle Hub, Yelahanka
• Velostudio, Indiranagar

Practice Rides :

Start Date: September 22, 2025

Format: Weekend group rides in and around Bangalore

Purpose: Prepare riders physically and mentally for the tour

What can I expect on the tour?

• A scenic and culturally immersive cycling experience
• A supportive community of riders and crew
• Curated local meals and evening tea breaks
• Well-marked routes, strict safety protocols, and a non-racing atmosphere
• Memorable interactions with landscapes, people, and local culture

Is this a luxury tour?

No. This is an adventure cycling tour. While comfort and safety are ensured, the focus remains on exploration, endurance, and meaningful experience over luxury.

Who can participate?

Participants must be 18 years and above. Strava data may be required for fitness assessment.

Can I register offline?

Yes. Please contact the Velosaga management team directly for offline registration.

Is there a corporate or group discount?

Please contact us to inquire about current group or corporate offers.

What kind of on-road support is available?

• Motorbike patrolling team with basic hydration and nutrition
• Medical team with doctor, nurse, and ambulance
• Sweep vehicle at the rear of the ride group
• Physiotherapy support for recovery

Is there emergency medical support?

Yes. The tour includes a qualified medical team carrying essential emergency medicines. Participants are required to carry their own prescribed or personal medications.

What happens if I meet with an accident?

Immediately notify the medical team or any Velosaga crew member. On-site assistance will be provided promptly.

What if I encounter wildlife?

• Stay calm and do not approach the animal
• Maintain distance and wait for support
• Alert crew members if possible

What if there’s no mobile network?

Our motorbike support and sweep vehicle ensure safety at all times. The team is physically present and patrolling even in no-network zones. Stay on the designated route.

What kind of bike can I use?

All pedal-powered bikes are welcome, including road, MTB, hybrid, and gravel bikes. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are not allowed.

Can I use a bike box?

Bike boxes are not allowed. If used, all related transportation and handling costs must be covered by the participant.

How should I pack my bike?

Bikes must be packed in cardboard cartons. Packing services are available on a chargeable basis.

How is my bike carton handled?

Your bike carton will be safely transported from the start hotel to the end hotel by the tour team.

Who is responsible for transport damage?

While maximum care is taken, the management is not liable for any damage due to unforeseen circumstances.

Will spare parts be available?

Yes, the on-tour mechanic will carry basic spare parts. If you need specific parts, bring them with you and inform the team in advance. Parts and service are chargeable.

What transportation is provided?

An air-conditioned bus will be provided for travel between the start and end locations.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each participant is allowed one bag up to 60 litres. Please avoid extra or bulky luggage.

Can I bring laptops or gadgets?

Yes, but at your own risk. The organizers are not responsible for any loss or damage.

Can a family member or driver join me?

Yes, they can accompany you, but extra charges apply for their stay and vehicle if joining the tour entourage.

What meals are included?

• Day 0: High tea, snacks, dinner
• Day 1–5: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea, evening snacks
• Day 6: Breakfast, lunch, high tea, snacks

Meals are nutritionally curated for cyclists and will largely feature local cuisine.

Can I request a customised meal?

No. Due to the group size, meal customisation is not possible. However, please inform us of any allergies or medical dietary needs in advance.

How fit should I be to join the tour?

You should be able to:

• Ride 50–60 km per day at a steady pace
• Maintain a conversational pace for 3–4 hours
• Manage basic climbs if the route includes elevation
• Be familiar with hydration and fueling strategies

Should I train before the event?

Yes. Consistent training on similar terrain is strongly recommended for an enjoyable experience.

Will there be media coverage?

Yes. An in-house media crew will be present to capture the tour.

Will I receive the photos?

Yes. A curated set of watermarked photos will be shared post-tour.

Can I get unwatermarked photos?

Yes. Photos without watermarks can be requested for a nominal charge.

Can I use my own camera or GoPro?

Absolutely. Participants may use personal cameras or GoPros. Drone usage may require prior permission from the management.

What happens if the event is cancelled?

• If cancelled before the start due to unforeseen reasons, you will receive a 100% refund or your spot will be transferred to the next edition/rescheduled dates.
• If the event is interrupted after it begins or a ride day is cancelled due to natural calamities or force majeure, no refund will be issued. The management’s decision is final in such situations.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Please refer to our detailed refund policy shared in the Terms & Conditions at the time of registration.

Thessaloniki airport (SKG) is well-served by many major airlines.

We have some handy tips for travelling with your own bike, if you haven’t done this before.

Visas

Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to visit Greece. For more information on visa requirements visit the website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Arrival and departure details

Your mountain bike tour in Greece will start and end in Thessaloniki. We advise that you arrive the day before and book an overnight stay in Thessaloniki, in order to allow for any delays in flights and/or luggage.

If you are arriving the day before the tour start date, transfer between the airport and your hotel in Thessaloniki is included in the tour price and we will organise this for you. If you are arriving earlier, we can organise a transfer for you, at an additional cost.

We have created this handy guide to spending 24 hours in Thessaloniki before the start of your MTB adventure in Greece.

Our mountain bike guides in Greece are of the highest level in their country.

They are qualified in first-aid and they have the knowledge and experience to lead a group safely in these remote, wild and beautiful parts of Northern Greece.

Your head guide Achilleas was born and raised on the outskirts of Thessaloniki and this is where he started his mountain biking career.

He will be able to enhance your holiday with facts and fables on local history, flora and fauna. He’s also a genuinely nice person and will do his best to make sure that everyone in the group has a great time.

We aim to use the best, locally-run accommodation in each country, and that which is traditional to that specific area, whether it be city or mountain.

On this MTB tour in Greece you’ll be staying in a selection of different accommodations, from a cool, modern hotel in Thessaloniki, to basic lodge accommodation for two nights in the mountains, to a boutique hotel in Meteora. You’ll receive the warmest of welcomes from the families who run the accommodations, and staff who work there.

You will enjoy a wide array of delicious local food and drink on your MTB adventure in Greece, mostly Greek-style mezze, all of which is prepared with the greatest of care and skill, using local ingredients.

All lunches and most dinners are included in the tour price, and we will eat together as a group at each mealtime, in carefully selected cafés and restaurants. You will have a free evening in Meteora and your guide will give you suggestions on where to eat.

No vaccinations are required for visiting Greece.

We recommend you check with your guide before drinking tap water, but 99% of this is safe for consumption. Bottled or filtered water will be readily available throughout the trip.

Please let us know if you have any special food requirements, allergies or pre-existing conditions your guides should know about.

Your health and safety on tour is our top priority and when you travel with us you will be covered by Global Rescue emergency medical and evacuation services.

You should always consult your own doctor or physician before travelling to new countries to seek their advice on matters concerning your health abroad.

The official currency of Greece is the Euro. ATM machines are readily available in Thessaloniki.

Tipping

It is not compulsory to tip your guides or drivers in Greece, but if you feel that you have had a good service or experience on your mountain bike tour of Greece, you can tip at your discretion. We recommend around 5% of your tour price.

It is not compulsory to tip in restaurants, however should you wish to tip your servers, 10% of your meal cost would be acceptable.

You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks. In this policy you must include cover for mountain biking and we recommend that you take out a policy which covers trip cancellation, and baggage loss/ damage, including your bike.

The minimum fee for cancelling your tour with us is your deposit, so it is essential that you take out suitable travel insurance to cover you should something happen that prevents you from taking part in your tour with us.

We work with Global Rescue whose policies are specially designed for adventure travel and you can arrange your insurance cover directly with them. Global Rescue Signature Travel complements the cover you have with us as part of your booking.

You are covered through our Global Rescue membership for emergency evacuation to a local hospital, and have 24/7 telephone access to a doctor also. It does not cover the items mentioned above.