Ask us when the best time to ride an ATV in Lyulin mountain is and you will get the same answer from every instructor: autumn. From late September until the first snow, the forest above Bankya changes every week, the ground is exactly as muddy as it should be, and the temperatures let you ride for a long time without being too hot or too cold. Here is what to expect and how to prepare.
The colours: why autumn beats summer
The forest above the base has plenty of broadleaf trees that go through yellow, orange and red in October, while the dark patches of conifers stay on for contrast. On The Beauty of Lyulin Mountain route you come out onto open spots with a view across the whole slope, and at the break by the Druzhba reservoir near Meshtitsa the colours are reflected in the water. In summer everything is green and lovely, but uniform; in autumn every bend looks different.
Add the light: the sun is lower, its rays cut diagonally through the trees, and in the mornings there is often mist in the low parts that lifts as you ride. This is the season when the GoPro footage looks its best.
The mud: part of the fun
Autumn rain softens the trails. To beginners that can sound frightening, but it is the opposite: the ATV was built for exactly this kind of ground, and mud makes the riding more interesting and teaches proper technique, with smooth throttle, eyes ahead and body weight in the right direction. The instructor shows you how to get through a muddy section during the briefing.
The practical conclusion: you will get dirty. That is good news for the memories and bad news for white trainers. Wear clothes that can get muddy and bring spares for the drive home.
Temperatures and clothing
Autumn in Lyulin has three different "weathers" in a single day: a chilly morning, a pleasant midday and a quick cool-down in the late afternoon. When riding, the wind brings the felt temperature down further. So:
- Dress in layers. A thermal T-shirt, a fleece, and a windproof jacket on top. Easy to shed a layer if it gets warm.
- Gloves. Fingers on the handlebars are the first to get cold. Even thin gloves make a big difference.
- Closed, sturdier shoes. Hiking shoes or boots, preferably waterproof.
- Long trousers in a heavier fabric. Protection from mud and branches.
Helmet, neck gaiter, knee pads, balaclava and rain jacket come from us. In autumn the neck gaiter and balaclava are not just protection but real warmth; you will appreciate them within the first few minutes.
Which route to choose in autumn
For a first time, Forest Mix: forest and flat terrain, with colour all around you and mud that beginners can handle. With experience, The Beauty of Lyulin Mountain, for its two breaks in beautiful spots. For those after a challenge, the route to Chuchul Peak in autumn gives the farthest, clearest view, as the air is cleaner than in summer. All routes last 90 minutes.
How an autumn day with us goes
You arrive at the base in the Klisura area, about 10 minutes from Bankya, 10–15 minutes before your slot. You get your gear, go through the briefing and practise on flat ground. In autumn the instructor spends a little more time on riding in mud, because that is what you will meet most often. Then you set off: 90 minutes with the instructor alongside the whole time, setting the pace to suit the least experienced rider in the group. You come back, change into dry clothes and you are free. Bankya is minutes away, Sofia is close, and the afternoon is still yours.
No experience needed: you need to be able to ride a bicycle and have a sense of balance. One person per machine, maximum rider weight 120 kg. More answers in our FAQ.
Autumn for couples and groups
This is the season when couples and groups of friends come most often. The colours and the cool air make the tour more enjoyable for people who did not come just for the adrenaline. For two, the combination of Forest Mix plus lunch in Bankya afterwards works beautifully. For a bigger crowd, an autumn team building with ATVs, Sur-Ron and horse riding, with a spot at the base for food and drinks after the ride.
A few autumn tips from the instructors
- Book a morning or early-afternoon slot. The days are getting shorter and the afternoon light goes quickly.
- Wet leaves on roots and rocks are slippery. Slow down in those sections and do not brake sharply.
- If it rained heavily the day before, call us. We will tell you what state the trails are in and whether to switch routes.
- Bring a flask of something hot for after the tour. Not essential, but nice.
Autumn in Lyulin mountain is short and worth it. Book your ATV tour at /booking or call us on +359 882 69 3073. If you want to treat someone to an autumn adventure, the gift voucher is valid for a full year.