Fame

  Date correction: I completed this magnificent ride on 14MAR2020, not in April.
I’d heard about this downhill as one of the best on planet Earth, so it is definitely... read more going to happen for me, especially after being reTIRED 31DEC2017 from the World-class Ysleta ISD! My opportunity came during my Third Annual First Quarter Odyssey: Tierra del Fuego, 14JAN - 07APR2020 (COVID truncated to 16MAR). 12MAR2020, I was in CochabambaBOLIVIA when my much better half told me to return home ASAP, though I didn’t know why.
Not fully understanding the gravity of coronavirus, I straightaway book flights back: CPB > LPB > LIM > MEX > CJS, which included TWO nights in La Paz (LPB), specifically to take this amazing biketour. My overnights were both at the fabulous Onkel Inn, the first (13MAR) downtown for an easy GRAVITY BOLIVIA pickup by (06:30) on the 14th; the second at the airports for easy access to an early morning (15MAR) flight to LIM.
Since I arrived in La Paz early afternoon of 13MAR, after checking into Onkel Inn-downtown, I enjoyed the rest of the day on the unique aerial mass transit system, and slept well in preparation for the BIG ride.
I was a bit concerned as I waited in the pre-First Light darkness for the bus, but that was wasted energy because there was no mistaking my shuttle. It was an aging school bus with many bicycles stacked atop it. Likewise, the driver had no trouble ID-ing me—I was the only person on the Onkel Inn stoop. Once aboard, tour leader Garry offered (and I gladly accepted) coffee & chocolate for a morning starter. I was immensely relieved; thus is going exactly as I had been told the previous day when I verified my attendance & payment (which included the mandatory travel insurance policy) with Omar.
During the 3-hour motor up, Garry discussed aspects of this experience, our expectations as well as GRAVITY BOLIVIA’s expectations. Above the tree line/snow & ice along the road & mountains, we stopped at the staging area, where we received a heavyweight protective outer layer & thick gloves, as well as individual specially built downhill mountain bikes, along with additional more specific instructions. After anointing the front wheels with a clear solution (also drinkable if you can take alcohol), we began our descent on a very decent all-weather 2-lane road in very low/poor visibility.
Within an hour, we reached a turn-off into an extremely gnarly gravel road and formed up again, this time for a more formal group photo at the uppermost terminal of the fabled “Death Road”. We also received more specific instructions—always appreciated—and, even better, the weather appeared to be cooperating!
For the next several hours, it was an extremely pleasurable downhill experience—as long as I stayed away from the edge! What made it particularly delightful, besides Garry/GRAVITY BOLIVIA, was very little uphill = no pedaling for me because, well, I can’t; my hams/quads/knees forbid it. Also, fortunately, I’d already been in Bolivia for a week, so I was acclimated to the altitude; it usually takes me 24-48 hours, so I was OK. Most everybody needs that to adjust. I also ensured my international travel shot record was current.
GRAVITY BOLIVIA certainly has my coveted “iWheel of Approval!”

  Super fun day with Noel and Gravity. I was impressed with how well prepared Gravity was. I recommend this tour to adventure sports enthusiasts and general tourists who... read more understand their limits. Here are some comments which I hope help:

- Two weeks ago, there was a rock slide which has make it impossible for cars to pass through. This is good for the tour as there are fewer cars on the road. At some point, this may get fixed but it will likely be awhile.

- There is an element of risk with biking down death road. The road can be very rough with rocks...in other words, falling is not uncommon leading to bruises and even broken bones. Anyone doing this tour should understand this risk. Of course, going over the edge could be fatal...and there are several tourists who die each year. Listen to your tour guide, do not go too fast, maintain separation from other cyclers. Those lacking the physical strength to control the bike or are prone to panic may want to avoid this excursion as it is not for everyone.

- The weather will likely change 5 times from when you begin to when you end.

  THIS IS THE COMPANY YOU DO THE DEATH ROAD WITH... PERIOD!

thank you gravity for everything, easily the greatest day of my life... i am still comong down off... read more of my high! literally, haha. Noel was a superb guide, we felt safe and prepared the entire way. Alvaro took the greatest pictures of us that i will treasure forever. i saw a lot of groups up there that didnt ride on the quality bikes we had and they rode so close, it made me wonder if they were given a safety briefing at all. THAMNK YOU GRAVITY... travelers... make the smart choice. some things you just have to pay a bit extra for.

  I had no idea what to expect, but it exceeded all expectations. I had no idea how beautiful Bolivia was, but it is now in the same conversation as Norway... read more and Switzerland.

It is beautiful, but you really can die if you aren't careful. In some ways it felt safer than I thought it would be and in others it felt more dangerous.

Gravity Tours, especially Noel, Marco, and Guillermo, prioritize safety, while at the same time making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We were in good hands and I will be using them when I go back to do it again!

  This is one of the best trips you can do. Gary made sure that I felt safe while also having a great sense of humor. Would highly recommend.

  I undertook the Gravity Mountain Bike Tour of Bolivia's Death Road way back in June 2019 (and have been meaning to write this review ever since).

This was... read more a brilliant and unique experience that I would strongly recommend to anyone with a taste for adventure sports.

I travelled alone though it was very easy to meet and befriend the other bikers.

The days was well-organised and stress-free. Breaks were well-timed and the snacks enjoyable. I felt the guides were considerate of our safety also.

Neil was our primary guide and was a true gent, as were his colleagues.

Strongly recommended

  The Death road bike tour was probably one of the best tours I ever did and chosing Gravity was the right decision. Noel and Kenneth did a great job, always... read more looking for our security while still being loads of fun! Thank you!

  I did the Scree ride with Noel as my guide. Had an amazing time. If you're not familiar with scree, it's basically the loose gravel/shale/sediment you sometimes find at the... read more top of a mountain (I'm no geologist, so take that with a grain of salt). It's a very different feel from single track or trail riding. Think of it as similar to skiing or snowboarding without a trail: you know your destination, and you pick your way of getting there, freestyle.
When we went, it just so happened to be snowing at the top of the mountain. This created the added challenge of riding on snow as well as scree. I didn't regret it at all. Such a unique feel and experience. Kind of a mix of riding, power sliding, with the occasional technical or jumpy bits if you choose. No worries if you fall...it's much more forgiving than a single track, as everything is nice and loose.
Noel (my guide) and Gustavo (the driver) were great. Super accommodating, did a great job explaining everything (perfect English if you need it), and were really able to recognize my ability level. That meant we were able to push it to my limit and give me a challenge, while not taking it too far. We did multiple runs down the mountain, taking unique paths each time so each time it was a new adventure.
The views were amazing! Starting from the top at about 4800 meters (almost 16k feet) above sea level, it felt and looked like we were actually in a cloud. Taking runs from the snow-capped mountain into the little valleys and river beds, you could see all kinds of vegetation pop up. Then at the end, we took a dirt road and old mining trail back down towards the city of La Paz, passing by a beautiful reservoir that was nestled between the mountain peaks.
Definitely recommend you give Scree a try, especially if you are used to riding on trails or more technical single track; it's a great way to mix it up. My advice: it is very high up above sea level. So if you are not used to riding at altitude, give yourself a little time beforehand to acclimate, and stay hydrated! Have fun, be open minded, and be ready to slide!

  We had a blast with Gary on the worlds most dangerous road. Everything was well organized and save. They explained every rather dangerous part and took good care of us,... read more but on the other hand gave the opportunity to take passages on high speed for the more experienced riders,
All the bikes and the bus, which was following us with our equipment and personal belongings were in perfect conditions.

Would def come back and do the tour again with those guys,

  My wife and I did the Death road mtb tour and it was awesome! All three guys (two mtb guides and bus driver) were super friendly and professional. From the... read more start, everything ran smoothly, we got picked up, got a detailed briefing, met everyone else, got fitted out and set off. Lunch was provided and ample breaks were provided. At no point, did we feel pushed to go faster than we felt comfortable riding, we felt safe at all times and enjoyed it so much. Bike were good quality, much better than we had in other tours. 10/10, great day.