For Aldean Lim, mountain biking isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. From shredding local trails in the Philippines to tackling some of the world’s toughest events, his love for adventure recently led him to Trans Madeira. Held on the rugged Portuguese island of Madeira, this five-day enduro race is infamous for its diversity, intensity, and spirit of community. We caught up with Aldean to hear all about his adventure—from the journey to the trails, and his hard-earned advice for anyone brave enough to follow in his tire tracks.
Getting There: A Journey as Wild as the Race
“Getting to Madeira is an adventure in itself,” Aldean laughs.
Madeira sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa, and getting there from Manila took Aldean about 30 hours of travel. “I had to take four flights: Manila to Dubai, Dubai to Lisbon, and Lisbon to Madeira. But Madeira’s airport is notorious for gusty winds. My first flight couldn’t land, so we circled back to Lisbon for another try later. That meant one more flight than I planned.”
Arriving early was key. “There’s a good chance your bags won’t make it with you, so I wanted a buffer just in case. Plus, I needed time to do a shakedown ride with Freeride Madeira to tweak my bike setup and sneak a peek at some of the trails.”
For accommodation, Aldean kept things simple: “I booked a BnB before and after the race, but during the event, the registration fee covered tent camping and meals. It’s the dream—wake up, ride, eat, sleep, and repeat.” Sounds like our kind of dream too.
Why Race Madeira?
What drives someone to sign up for a race this challenging? For Aldean, it’s all about the adventure. “I love grand challenges. I love riding, no matter the discipline. And for me, a bike is a tool for exploration. My goal is to ride the best trails the world has to offer. Trans Madeira promised an unforgettable mix of adventure and uncertainty—exactly what I look for.”
The Race: 227 Kilometers, 30 Stages, Zero Repeats
Trans Madeira isn’t just a race—it’s a five-day odyssey across the island. With 227 kilometers of riding spread over 30 unique stages, it pushes riders to their mental and physical limits. Each day features 4 to 7 timed stages plus long climbs and descents, with a total of 5,295 meters of ascent and a jaw-dropping 15,800 meters of descent.
“The hardest part? It’s all blind racing,” Aldean explains. “You see each trail for the first time as you ride it—no practice, no pre-runs. It’s raw and unpredictable, which makes it even more exciting.”
The terrain was wildly varied. “The island is like a trail buffet—you ride everything from alpine paths to forest loam, from dusty cliffsides to rocky tech. The landscapes change every day, sometimes even between stages.”
The tracks change as much as the climate, sometimes even in one line
Each morning, riders caught a shuttle to 1,500–1,700 meters, where they tackled their first 2-4 stages before breaking for lunch. Afterward, another shuttle carried them back up to finish the day with 2-3 more stages. “It’s an adventure on two wheels, exploring the island while sampling every kind of trail Madeira has to offer.”
Even the event village was unique. “It’s a moving campsite,” Aldean says. “Every night, we camped by a new beach, except for the final night when we stayed at a 5-star hotel. The organizers really went all out—every meal was buffet-style, and we got a taste of local Portuguese and Madeira cuisine.”
Beyond the riding, the event felt like a giant mountain biking festival. “It’s more than just a race. Riders from all over the world, united by a passion for biking and adventure, come together on this island. The organizers, staff, and officials were all riders too, and you could feel their passion for sharing Madeira’s trails with us.”
Trail Highlights: Aldean’s Favorite Stages
With 30 stages, it’s hard to pick favorites—but a few left a lasting impression on Aldean.
Stage 1: Boca Do Risco
- Distance: 2.4 km | Descent: 450 m
- Tech: 4/5 | Physical: 4/5
“This one’s a classic, and it’s been voted the best EWS trail twice. The trail runs along an exposed ridge between the ocean cliffs and the mountains. The views were unreal—definitely one of the most memorable starts to a race I’ve ever had.”
Stage 12: Porto da Cruz
- Distance: 3.15 km | Descent: 415 m
- Tech: 4/5 | Physical: 5/5
“This was by far the most technical and physical stage. The first half was slick with wet soil and rocks, while the second half had steep, off-camber rock slabs. My run took 11 minutes, and the winning time was around 7-8 minutes. It was exhausting, but incredibly satisfying to finish.”
Stage 17: Folhadal
- Distance: 2.05 km | Descent: 415 m
- Tech: 3/5 | Physical: 2/5
“To reach this stage, you had to ride through Madeira’s famous tunnels and aqueducts. The trail itself felt like surfing—smooth, loamy soil and leaves that let you flow from top to bottom. It was one of the most fun runs I’ve ever had.”
Madeira Vibes: Beyond the Trails
Aldean found more than just epic trails on Madeira. “It’s a tourist-friendly island with cool weather, beautiful beaches, and super friendly locals. Whether you’re looking for affordable options or high-end luxury, Madeira has something for every budget. The food, the people, the vibe—it’s all part of what makes the experience so special.”
Well, You Wanna Go?
So, how do you prepare for a race as tough as Trans Madeira? Aldean has a few words of wisdom for anyone thinking about tackling it.
“You’ll be doing 5-7 downhill runs per day, each lasting 7-11 minutes. It’s not just about skills—you need endurance to keep going when your legs and arms are shot.” Climbing is part of the challenge too. “Expect to climb 1,000 meters a day with your enduro bike. The liaisons—those in-between transfers—can be more draining than the race runs themselves.”
Getting your nutrition right is essential. “You’ll be riding 6-8 hours a day. If your nutrition isn’t dialed, you’ll burn out before the race is over.” Aldean stresses the importance of reliable equipment. “A solid enduro bike—something like a Santa Cruz Nomad—is ideal. Mullet wheels help on those steep, tight sections. But make sure everything is in perfect working condition—you don’t want a preventable mechanical issue to ruin your race.”
Finally, the most important advice? Get comfortable with the unknown.
“Trans Madeira is all about blind riding. The more you practice riding unfamiliar trails, the better you’ll get at trusting your instincts. And yes, a solid ‘balls-to-skills ratio’ helps too—but that comes with experience. So, ride often and ride hard!”
Final Thoughts: Just Send It
Would Aldean do it again? “Absolutely. It’s an epic adventure you’ll never forget. It’s tough, but it’s also the most fun you’ll ever have on a bike. If you’re thinking about doing it, just send it—you won’t regret it.”
Trans Madeira isn’t just a race; it’s an experience that challenges you mentally, physically, and emotionally. From breathtaking landscapes to unforgettable trails, it’s an adventure that stays with you long after the dust has settled. For Aldean Lim, it’s another chapter in a life fueled by two wheels and endless trails—and it won’t be the last.
All photos provided by Aldean Lim, from OFFICIAL Trans Madeira photographers:
@carlodesantisphotography
@johndrfernandes
@madproductions
@szachimat
@theblackmountainphoto
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