Mata Atlantica Bike Route (N1): Chapada

Bikepacking.com has announced the imminent full publication of the Mata Atlântica Bike Route (MABR), a monumental bikepacking itinerary stretching nearly 5,000 kilometers. Tracing mostly unpaved roads, the route will connect Bahia in the north to Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, establishing one of the longest continuous off-road cycling paths globally. The initial segment, N1: Chapada, has already been released, with the complete route expected in the coming days.

This ambitious project signifies a growing trend in adventure cycling, moving beyond established European or North American routes. The MABR's scale and focus on unpaved surfaces cater directly to the burgeoning bikepacking community, offering a truly immersive, long-distance challenge through diverse Brazilian landscapes. Its completion could position Brazil as a premier destination for off-road touring, potentially boosting local economies along its vast expanse and setting a new benchmark for route development.

Five thousand kilometers of unpaved road through one of the world's most biodiverse regions. One suspects the term "bikepacking" might just be an understatement for what's truly required here.