Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07

Just got back from a trip to Spain to ride some trails an hopefully improve some off-road skills. I have never ridden off-road proper in the UK, just a few tracks, done some off road-tours (well unsurfaced roads in reality) abroad but never had much instruction. So this trip was to have a holiday, ride some trails around 100 miles a day, and learn a thing or two. I'm no natural enduro or MX rider, but fun was had and I think I'll be better equpped next time the big pig goes offroad. Fortunately (and to my surprise) I was one to one with the guides. This meant it worked out far less expensive doing this in Spain (rainy Spain) than in sunny Wales.

I would guess Spain must have the biggest network of tracks and trails in Europe. You can almost literally ride anywhere. As its so rural these tracks and trails are an integral part of the infrasture. We saw only a few closed to bikes.

In no special order at mo, will sort that at some point.

Tilting at windmills


Making me look small (as usual)


We came up the little trail you can see leading onto the service road


Singletrack through the fields after the olive groves


The CRF230s we started out on. Nice little novice machines.


Miles of miles of tracks


Not too many bridges, so lots of little water crossings


Some loose descents (my personal least favourite...prefer uphill!). This imporived over the days. Well it had to....


Plenty of places to play about. I think I've had the GS higher I gave up trying to get more air after going over the bars. Nothing broken We decided to move on before I was sampling Spanish hospital food


Trev led on the Beta's. He's preparing to show me what I have to aspire too. Maybe in a few years. Like many things I wish I'd learned when my bones were made of rubber and I had less fear.


Trev can't resist one of his favourite hills. I did


Lovely gorges (on the Beta 450 here)


The Beta 450 makes me look small as well . These are KTM engined. Decent suspension and seem to take the punishment. Its typically rocky trails where the Beta's get used.


The end of the track. Straight down the mountain from basecamp at Competa


The simple life. Except when it comes to parking and getting the shopping home.


This fellow took 4 knobblies. Trev thought he had had it, but I picked him up and slung him onto the side and he shot off like a rocket.


Some more water was crossed


The tracks through the forests on the mountains were spectacular


Miles and miles of this. We rode over the mountain this day for lunch on the other side. Of course we had to come back again, so any tricky spots had to be revisited. Eeek.


Other water splashes were ****ed up.


There was much posing for the camera


Stuck in a rut. The line went here as did the momentum...the key on these trails. Keep it up and the Beta will just chug on up.


Views were taken in


Andy with the CRFs. He can't reveal his identity.....


Olive groves and mountains


Home for that latter part of the trip, Competa


Home for the first part of the trip, Trabuco


Orange tree pruning


Uncrowded Spain, about an hour from the Costas.


Beer was drunk and dogs were befriended.


A great time, and thanks to Andy and Trev for the tour guiding and instruction. Lots of miles, long days and it all went very well indeed.

www.andaluciantrailtours.com if anyone's interested.

Looks bloody great Rich. I must get myself off roading this summer.

I bet you were well knackered every night after that lot.

I really fancy taking the Blade down to Andalucia. The roads are fantastic and areas like Granada are wonderful. Bit hot mid summer though !

It was rather tiring. A few knocks as well. Bath, wine and ibruprofen

If I lived in the countryside there I wouldnt have a road bike, I dont think. I'd have a KTM....oh and a big ****-off quad

[Kylie]

Looks fantastic! Nice photos too.

I'd like to try some off road myself one day, but as someone who can only just get his toes down either side of my SV (and thats with the narrow seat option) I've always assumed a trail bike is a no-no. Only for tall folk?

I'm only 5'8'' on a good day but I have short legs. The sit down when you are on them and as they are light you can lean them a little. I could only get one foot down on the Beta, tiptoe when nuts on tank. But I'm used to an oversize bike and also to falling off it at low speed which helps For this kind of trails you need to keep going anyway

right, thats sold on me! might investigate if i can do it this summer

[DarrenSV650S]

Brilliant pics That downhill pic looks terrifying! Don't think I'm ready to try off-roading yet. Looks like you had fun though. Where were you staying when you weren't riding?

Looks like great fun mate!

I think we have all been to Spain, drank beer and befriended a few dogs haven't we?!

Originally Posted by nick_1871

Looks like great fun mate!

I think we have all been to Spain, drank beer and befriended a few dogs haven't we?!

They arranged B&B in the village and a hotel in Competa. All cheap and cheerful..well cheap and very nice.

Oh dear Dr.Bich. You not many too miles from that nice man Peter Henry and you not telling him you be in town? I sure he be very upsetted at hear this.