Mata Atlantica Bike Route (N2): Costa

Bikepacking.com has recently released the second segment, "Costa," of the ambitious Mata Atlântica Bike Route (MABR), a planned 5,000-kilometer bikepacking trail traversing eight Brazilian states. This latest section contributes to what will ultimately be South America’s longest and most comprehensive unpaved cycling route, stretching from Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul. The project, still under development, promises a significant new offering for the global bikepacking community.

This development is noteworthy given the increasing global appetite for long-distance, off-road cycling adventures, particularly in regions less explored by the mainstream cycling tourism industry. While established routes like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route have long dominated, the MABR signals a significant expansion of high-quality, curated routes into biodiversity-rich areas. Its scale and focus on unpaved terrain position it as a major future draw, potentially boosting local economies along its extensive path.

Ultimately, the MABR's gradual unveiling is a testament to the meticulous effort required to map and promote such colossal undertakings. One can only hope the route's eventual completion lives up to its considerable promise.