Mountain Biking Spain

Day rides, in Murcia, Huesca, gpx Tracks, Cross Country, Duathlon Cross, Triathlon Cross.

In this quick blog I will out line some of the riding that is available, better seasons, races and where riding can be done without coming across hunters, fences and unwanted surprises.

Winter riding from October to April in the Murcia area is ideal with season low in Jan 5ºc first thing but 10-12ºc mid day. Some of the riding is close to the city however it is overloaded with local riders on the walking tracks so better to get away from the crowds, we have built up an extensive range of rides from 20km to 60km height gains from just a few hundred meters to over a thousand. And of course all the places to stop for coffee.  please email for more details.

lets look at some races, Alicante area; Santa Pola, right next to the airport holds a Triathlon cross race at the start of June and a duathlon cross at the end of September, be warned the temps are still high. distance 1km swim, 18km ride, 6km run.

Mountain bike riding in Cofrentes the Valencia area is a a real treat the local mountains about and hour from the city in a small town boasts an amazing range of sign posted tracks all marked with their level of difficulty in colours like ski runs however they cover a wide area so you get the feeling of freedom and the safety of not getting lost. They also hold a mountain triathlon in April.

Almeria, has great weather all year round and some amazing marathon rides, a regular on the calender is Velez Blanco in the autumn it can get cold as the village is at 500m but after a 55km ride you are provied with a huge sit down meal and all at the cheap price of 35 euros.

80km mountain bike rides in the Sierra Morena, Cordoba  Andalucia is a very challenging ride in March, cool conditions similar to those in UK. A marathon ride that also has a short 55km route but tough with over two thousand riders its difficult to keep up or get out of the way, only recommended to the serious rider. It is co run with the local infantry mechanised unit so food tent and bike wash are provided. It is slightly more expensive at 50euros.
Also in the same area is the very hard core Andalucia bike Race in Feb that is a week of cross country 60/70km rides and comes in at 400euros a head.

Xterra is a brand of triathlon cross that is getting bigger all the time last year the Spanish race was held in June in Cieza, Murcia, this year it has moved to may and La Manga area of Murcia. 1500m swim, 28km ride and a 10km trail run in the afternoon heat is a very tough challenge and it has a hefty price tag of 112euros.
Madrid is also hosting Xterra this year in July and with sprint distance too, making the experience more fun and less demanding. Another company is also holding a series of duathlon and triathlon cross races around the Madrid area although the distances are at sprint level all of this Madrid action is in the summer and rather hot for those used to colder conditions.

Moving north we can get into the famous La Rioja region, not for the wine, but for their well established tacks in the hills and mountains making riding worry free and free ;)

The big hills are where we might expect the down hill riders to be but the mountains around Huesca and Jaca and well into the Pyrenees, crossing over to the French side in Arrete can also offer some cross country riding without getting out of your depth also with established routes marked and free.

This summer I will be investigating some of the riding around the mountains in Navarra, Catalonia and also the French side. My knowledge of places and rides is growing fast and if you are thinking of heading south to get some sunny rides then please get in contact and I can help you find the right location.