A first ATV tour usually raises two questions: "Will I manage?" and "What exactly happens when I arrive?". The answer to the first is yes: if you can ride a bicycle and have a sense of balance, that is enough. The second we answer here, step by step, the way an ordinary first day with us in Lyulin mountain actually goes.
Arriving at the base near Bankya
The KVM Extreme base sits in the Klisura area of Lyulin mountain, about 10 minutes by car from Bankya and a short drive from Sofia. You do not need to plan a whole day around it. The tour itself is 90 minutes; with gearing up and preparation, allow around two hours in total. Arrive 10–15 minutes early so you are not starting in a rush.
The only thing you must do in advance is book. Booking is required, either online at /booking or by phone, and a member of our team calls to confirm the time. That way, when you arrive, your machine and your instructor are already waiting.
Gear: what you get on site
You do not need to buy anything special. On site we give you a helmet, a neck gaiter, knee pads, a balaclava and a rain jacket. If you own gear you feel more comfortable in, bring it along.
From you we ask just two things: comfortable clothes you do not mind getting muddy, and closed shoes. Trainers or hiking shoes are perfectly fine. We have written separately about clothing by season, but for a first tour the rule is simple: clothes you can move in freely.
The briefing before you set off
Before the group leaves, the instructor walks you through the machine: where the throttle and brakes are, how to sit, and how to shift your body weight in a turn and on a climb. We also cover the rules on the trail: one person per machine, keeping your distance from the rider ahead, stop signals. The maximum rider weight is 120 kg, and everyone rides at their own responsibility, so listen carefully and ask if anything is unclear. There are no silly questions, only unasked ones.
Practice on flat ground
This is the part that reassures beginners the most. Before you enter the forest, you ride a few laps on a flat meadow next to the base. You start, stop, turn in both directions and feel how the throttle responds. The instructor watches from the side and corrects, most often your posture and your eyes (look where you want to go, not at the front wheel). When everyone in the group feels confident, you set off.
The Forest Mix route
For a first tour we recommend the Forest Mix route. It was built precisely for people with no experience: it combines forest trails with flat open terrain, with no rocky sections and no steep slopes. The terrain is relatively easy, which does not mean dull. There is mud, roots, narrow stretches between the trees and plenty of places where you will feel why an ATV has four wheels.
The instructor rides with the group the whole time and sets the pace to suit the least experienced rider. Nobody races and nobody gets left behind. If you feel unsure anywhere, you simply stop and wait for instructions.
What you will see along the way: mixed forest, meadows with views of Lyulin mountain, and muddy trails that become especially fun after rain. The 90 minutes fly by, and at the end most people are already asking when they can come back for a harder route.
The memories: We GoPro!
We capture the adventure on a GoPro camera. You do not need to think about photos; focus on the riding. To see what that looks like in practice, have a look at our gallery.
Who can take part
Almost anyone. No motorbike experience is needed, no special fitness is required for the beginner route, and the machines suit women just as well. There are a few conditions, the same for everyone: you ride alone, as two people on one ATV is not allowed; you weigh no more than 120 kg; you can ride a bicycle. If you have a health condition that physical effort or bumpy terrain could aggravate, check with your doctor first. The beginner route is relatively easy, but it is still off-road. And finally: arrive rested and sober. That is not a formality but a condition for having fun safely.
What happens after the tour
You return to the base, take off the gear, change into dry clothes (bring spares, the mud does not ask) and usually the first question is "when can we do it again?". For most people the next step is The Beauty of Lyulin Mountain, a route with rocky forest trails and two breaks in beautiful spots, which your first tour will have prepared you for. And if you want to bring friends or a partner, a gift voucher from /gift-voucher is the easiest way to convince them.
Three instructor tips for day one
- Do not grip the handlebars. Relaxed shoulders and arms make the ATV far easier to control.
- Look far ahead. The machine goes where your eyes go.
- Ride at your own pace. Nobody expects you to be fast. We expect you to be careful and to enjoy yourself.
If you still have questions, the most common ones are answered in our FAQ. And if you are ready for your first day on an ATV in Lyulin mountain, book at /booking or call us on +359 882 69 3073.