Mountain Biking Collection by Ostbelgien
Stoneman Arduenna – old-school mountain biking in East Belgium
2 routes
15:52
178km
3,560m
Those that long for mountain biking in its purest form, find it in the Stoneman Arduenna, with 176 kilometres (109 mi) and 3,900 metres (12,795 ft) of elevation gain through the East Belgian Ardennes. There are no smoothed loops or artificially sculpted trails here. Instead, you’ll discover terrain that's not so easily tamed. It’s raw, technical and sometimes taxing. Expect long climbs through dark forests, rooty or rocky sections and descents that put your mountain biking skills to the test. Here, the Ardennes are at their best: untouched, varied and uncompromising.
Together with his good friend Ralph Hoffman, photographer and content creator Nas-Raddine Touhami took on the challenge for us. They decided to ride the route in two days (the ‘silver’ undertaking), with an overnight stay in Sankt Vith. With their luggage already safely stored at a Stoneman partner hotel, they took only a backpack with their basic provisions and spares. After a short transfer by car, they were ready for departure in Büllingen.
What followed was the kind of start you’d dream of and hope for, a first flow trail through the forest, sunlight sparkling between the pines, the smell of resin, and the almost hypnotic buzzing of their liberated freehubs. Grinning, they realise: this is why we’re here. Speed and performance did not matter. It was about the moment, the adventure, the camaraderie, the freedom of being outside in a magnificent setting. Exhaustion and relaxation tied together. The physical challenge created much-needed head space. Nothing had to be done, except to enjoy the journey.
And then that silence. Not emptiness, but welcome stillness. A green oasis full of variety. From dense coniferous forests to open plateaus, from stony descents to soft forest soil – every hour revealed a different landscape. Along the way, they met other mountain bikers with the same goal. All progressed at their own pace, with their own motivation, and yet connected in that common journey.
For Nas and Ralph, the Stoneman Arduenna became much more than a physical challenge. It was a mini-escape from the bustle of everyday life. A reminder of why they started mountain biking in the first place.
Two days full of nature, discovery, friendship and pleasure, with just enough space.
Together with his good friend Ralph Hoffman, photographer and content creator Nas-Raddine Touhami took on the challenge for us. They decided to ride the route in two days (the ‘silver’ undertaking), with an overnight stay in Sankt Vith. With their luggage already safely stored at a Stoneman partner hotel, they took only a backpack with their basic provisions and spares. After a short transfer by car, they were ready for departure in Büllingen.
What followed was the kind of start you’d dream of and hope for, a first flow trail through the forest, sunlight sparkling between the pines, the smell of resin, and the almost hypnotic buzzing of their liberated freehubs. Grinning, they realise: this is why we’re here. Speed and performance did not matter. It was about the moment, the adventure, the camaraderie, the freedom of being outside in a magnificent setting. Exhaustion and relaxation tied together. The physical challenge created much-needed head space. Nothing had to be done, except to enjoy the journey.
And then that silence. Not emptiness, but welcome stillness. A green oasis full of variety. From dense coniferous forests to open plateaus, from stony descents to soft forest soil – every hour revealed a different landscape. Along the way, they met other mountain bikers with the same goal. All progressed at their own pace, with their own motivation, and yet connected in that common journey.
For Nas and Ralph, the Stoneman Arduenna became much more than a physical challenge. It was a mini-escape from the bustle of everyday life. A reminder of why they started mountain biking in the first place.
Two days full of nature, discovery, friendship and pleasure, with just enough space.
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Stoneman Arduenna
180km
3,570m
3,570m
Last updated: June 9, 2025
Do it yourself!
Premium
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Activities
98.0km
08:39
2,110m
2,210m
79.7km
07:12
1,450m
1,310m
Collection Stats
Activities
2
Distance
178 km
Duration
15:52 h
Elevation
3,560 m
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