Trans Andalucia Enduro
Pack in the best trails in Andalucia in 7 days of road tripping from one singletrack honeypot to another.
Sierra Nevada to the Atlantic coast.
Like the waters of Sierra Nevada we flow from the highest peaks on the Iberian Peninsula to the fine white sands of the Atlantic coast,Pico de Veleta to Europa Point. Starting at high altitude under the North face of Sierra Nevada we head south through the foothills then to the canyons and lakes of Malaga.
Gradually we get closer to the sea, riding through white villages and reaching sub tropical peaks while catching glimpses of the shimmering water. Finally we arrive at the Atlantic with a coastal singletrack taking us to the beach and the most southerly point in Europe.
Itinerary 1
Day 1Pick up from Malaga or Granada Airport and transfer to Monachil in the foothills of Sierra Nevada.
Day 2Ride from the highest peaks in the Iberian Peninsula through the ski resort of Pradallano where in summer months we can take advantage of the bike park chair lifts. Back on natural trail this diverse ride will take us through corkscrewing pine forest trails to wide open ridgelines with views of the fertile plains, before descending passed the world famous Alhambra Palace in Granada’s maze of cobbled alleyways and staircases. Stay in Monachil
Day 3 Ride the Watershed. The ridge that marks the rainfalls journey towards either the Mediterranean, on one side, or the Atlantic, on the other, is a trailriders treat. Narrow gravel singletrack cling to the side of the mountain and before barrelling down loose scree-filled gullies to the valley floor. Shuttle to Venta de Fraile where after a short climb we berm and pump our way through pine forest taking us into sinuous rollercoaster singletrack through almond and olive groves back to the valley floor. Stay in Granada
Day 44 Ride the Slick Rock. Transfer to the dramatic sporting arena that is El Chorro in Malaga province, home to the spectacular Camino del Rey and renowned climbing walls. Also known as Mini Moab, the rounded limestone forms fantastic shapes for rubber clad rims to stick to as we pass the ruins of Bobastro, the infamous rebel who controlled the area in its golden age. Four distinctive descents fill our day as we explore all sides of the valley around the hamlet. Stay in El Chorro.
Day 5 Transfer to the white village of Ojen that looks out over the Mediterranean – optional DH day would involve stopping at Benalmadena and buying a gondola lift pass; or day off on the beach or by the pool. Stay Refugio Juanar
Day 6Ride Big. Ojen’s famous enduro tracks. A day on the Cannondale Big Ride route with a few local secrets thrown in. Steep and twisty trails take us into a jump line into Ojen before a shuttle back up to Juanar. The next descent is a gravel infested drop, technically demanding, forearm burning to the edge of Marbella. Jerome Clements rides these trails, need we say more. Transfer to Tarifa in Cadiz Province where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic and Europe meets Africa.
Day 7 Ride the Northern pillar of Hercules. Shuttle up out of Tarifa to the windmills and climb up Sierra de la Luna. Our descent takes us through gnarly cork oak and lush forests on narrow singletrack with rock gardens, switchbacks and drops and with breathtaking views over Gilbraltar to Morocco and finally along the beach on the most southerly singletrack in Europe which takes us to Europa Point and back to Tarifa. Our final night in Tarifa we will draw on our last energy reserves to take advantage of the fabulous seafood restaurants and vibrant night life.
Day 8Transfer to Malaga or Granada Airport.
Accommodation on the trip is in self-catering apartments or 2/3 star hotel/hostals with breakfast included
Price 920 euros per person – group of 6 minimum/ 8 maximum
(Smaller groups can be catered for – get in touch for prices.)
This trip is for advanced/expert riders, you can expect tough climbs, technically demanding singletrack descents, and long days in the saddle. Recommended bike – tough build; 120-160 travel.
As we will be roadtripping, moving from place every other day, it is best to travel as light as possible. You will need all your normal riding kit. Open-face helmet will suffice, knee pads, full fingered gloves and long sleeves for added protection. You should carry spare mech-hanger and any other parts or tools specific for your bike (there are bike shops on route but they may not have what you need).
You need insurance which covers mountain biking in Spain and carry your European Health Card (if you are from the EU).