FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How is the process of booking a single day or bike holiday package?
You may use the inquiry form on our website or email us at [email protected].
The booking details are settled by email. We need to know:
- what type of tour you would like to book
- how many riders
- riding level
- if you need to rent a bike
- the bike sizes you need
If we confirm availability, we will send you a booking link for you to reserve what you need from us.
You are responsible for what you reserve online, including the type of tour, dates, number of riders, levels and bikes.
To secure your reservation, you are required to make a bank transfer of 30% of the total amount to our account.
No bookings or reservations are secured without paying a deposit.
We do not have a card machine, so card payments are not possible.
How is a typical tour day at Freeride Madeira?
On a typical day, you meet us at our shop at 8:50 to fill in the tour agreement form, make the payment and get equipped.
It is also possible to be picked up at CR7 Hotel at 9:10, if previously arranged.
A typical day looks like this:
- Meet at the shop at 8:50
- Optional pickup at CR7 Hotel at 9:10
- Departure to the mountains around 9:05
- Ride until lunch time
- Stop at a local restaurant for lunch (not included in the tour price)
- Ride until around 16:00
- Arrive back between 16:00 and 17:00 at the shop / Funchal
Can I book a bike holiday without booking accommodation with Freeride?
Yes, you can book only the guided tours, and as many as you wish.
You can also book only the tours plus airport transfers.
If I book accommodation with Freeride Madeira, will there be bike storage?
Yes, all the accommodation options available on our website have bike storage.
Does Freeride Madeira have bike storage available?
Unfortunately, we do not have space to store guests’ bikes.
Are all tours guided?
Yes, there is always a guide in front of the group.
If I rent a bike, do I get protection equipment?
Yes, we supply:
- open helmets
- gloves
- knee pads
- elbow pads
Full-face helmets and chest protection are not available.
How are groups organized?
Groups are organized by level.
You will be presented with a chart to help assess your level when you contact us to book.
Can I book only a shuttle to the trails?
No, we do not do shuttle-only services.
It is always a guided and shuttled tour.
Do I go in a group? How big is the group?
You go in a group with other riders of a similar level, if your group is less than 7 riders.
Our 9-seater vans can take:
- 7 riders
- 1 driver
- 1 guide
Most groups are up to 7 riders, but sometimes we can take groups up to 10 riders in our bigger van.
What’s the maximum group size I can book?
We have a bigger van that can take up to 16 riders, plus driver and guide.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes, we do private tours depending on availability.
The cost of a private enduro tour is €595, not including rental bikes.
By booking a private tour, you get:
- 1 van
- 1 driver
- 1 guide
- exclusive service for your group
Private tours are also available for cross-country and EMTB tours.
If I book a bike holiday, do I have to start on a specific day of the week?
No, you can start on any day of the week.
Can I book a bike holiday package with as many nights at the accommodation and riding days as I want?
Yes, just let us know when and how many.
Can I book half days?
No, we do not do half days.
Do I get picked up from my hotel or apartment?
We do not normally pick up riders, as that would reduce riding time.
If your group is 7 riders, we may pick you up depending on the location.
You can book accommodation anywhere on the island, but please keep in mind that you need to meet us at our shop at 8:50 on the riding days.
Where’s the best place to book accommodation if I’m booking it on my own?
You can book accommodation close to one of these two spots:
- Close to our shop, so you can meet us at 8:50 on the riding days
- Close to the Pestana CR7 Hotel, so we can pick you up at 9:10 on the riding days
If I book several days, will I ride the same trails?
Most trails will be different, but you may repeat 1 to 3 trails on a 5-day bike holiday.
Enduro Tours Details
Meeting and Departure
- Meet at 8:50 at the shop
- Departure at 9:10
- Or meet at CR7 Hotel at 9:10
- Riding begins around 9:45 east or 10:15 west
Parking
Paid parking is available near the shop.
Payment options include:
- €3.60 in coins
- Iparque Driver app
Lunch
A daily stop for lunch at a local restaurant is included in the schedule, but the cost is not included.
Arrival Time
Arrival back at the shop is around 16:30.
Groups
Groups are organized by level and are usually up to 7 riders.
Ride Details
- approximately 96% downhill
- approximately 120 metres of ascent
- total distance of approximately 30 km
- approximately 2000 metres of descent
- varied trails
- fast groups may ride more vertical descent
Route
The route is not pre-programmed.
The guide selects the best route after the first trail.
Shuttle Service
Full-day shuttle service is provided.
You can leave:
- a backpack
- a larger water bottle
in the van during the tour.
Skill Level
Beginner groups are not offered, as there are no beginner-level enduro trails.
The minimum enduro trail grade is Red.
Trail Characteristics
Trails include a mix of:
- technical sections
- flow sections
- steep sections
Half-Day Tours
Half-day tours are not available unless:
- you arrange for someone to pick you up
- you take a taxi back to Funchal
- or you book a private tour
Equipment
When renting bikes, the following is included as an offer:
- open-face helmet
- gloves
- knee pads
- elbow pads
Bike Wash
A free bike wash area is available for guests’ own bikes.
EMTB Tours Details
Meeting and Departure
- Meet at 8:50 at the shop
- Depart for the trailhead at 9:10
- Riding begins between 9:45 east and 10:15 west
Parking
Paid parking is available near the shop.
Payment options include:
- €3.60 in coins
- Iparque Driver app
Shuttle Service
One shuttle to the trails is provided.
At the end of the tour, the group rides back to the shop.
Lunch
A stop for lunch at a local restaurant is possible, but the cost is not included.
Groups
Groups are organized by level and up to 7 riders.
Route
The route is not pre-programmed.
The guide selects the best route after the first trail.
Ride Details
- approximately 65% downhill
- 400 to 1000+ metres of ascent
- mainly focused on Cross-Country and All-Mountain riding
Equipment
When renting bikes, the following is included:
- open-face helmet
- gloves
- knee pads
- elbow pads
Arrival Time
Arrival back at the shop is around 15:30.
Half-Day Tours
Half-day tours are not available unless booked as a private tour.
Cross-Country Tours Details
Meeting and Departure
- Meet at 8:50 AM at the shop
- Depart for the trailhead at 9:10 AM
- Riding begins between 9:45 and 10:15
Parking
Paid parking is available near the shop.
Payment options include:
- €3.60 in coins
- Iparque Driver app
Shuttle Service
One shuttle to the trails is provided.
At the end of the tour, the group rides back to the shop.
Lunch
A stop for lunch at a local restaurant is possible, but the cost is not included.
Groups
Groups are organized by level and up to 7 riders.
Route
The route is not pre-programmed.
The guide selects the best route after the first trail.
Ride Details
- approximately 70% downhill
- 400 to 1000+ metres of ascent
Equipment
When renting bikes, the following is included:
- open-face helmet
- gloves
Return Time
Return to the shop is around 15:30.
Half-Day Tours
Half-day tours are not available unless booked as a private tour.
