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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 http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140777504-M.jpg Making me look small (as usual) http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140777546-M.jpg We came up the little trail you can see leading onto the service road http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140777605-M.jpg Singletrack through the fields after the olive groves http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140777284-M.jpg The CRF230s we started out on. Nice little novice machines. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140550524-M.jpg Miles of miles of tracks http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140777094-M.jpg Not too many bridges, so lots of little water crossings http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140776479-M.jpg Some loose descents (my personal least favourite...prefer uphill!). This imporived over the days. Well it had to.... http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140776098-M.jpg Plenty of places to play about. I think I've had the GS higher :oops: I gave up trying to get more air after going over the bars. Nothing broken :wink: We decided to move on before I was sampling Spanish hospital food:lol: http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140776036-M.jpg 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. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140779546-M.jpg Trev can't resist one of his favourite hills. I did :lol: http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140775370-M.jpg Lovely gorges (on the Beta 450 here) http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140774950-M.jpg The Beta 450 makes me look small as well :lol:. These are KTM engined. Decent suspension and seem to take the punishment. Its typically rocky trails where the Beta's get used. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140779785-M.jpg The end of the track. Straight down the mountain from basecamp at Competa http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140779246-M.jpg The simple life. Except when it comes to parking and getting the shopping home. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/141527423-M.jpg 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. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140779219-M.jpg Some more water was crossed http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140775175-M.jpg The tracks through the forests on the mountains were spectacular http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140778998-M.jpg 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. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140778950-M.jpg Other water splashes were ****ed up. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140778889-M.jpg There was much posing for the camera :lol: http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140778834-M.jpg 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. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140778651-M.jpg Views were taken in http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140778427-M.jpg Andy with the CRFs. He can't reveal his identity..... http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/141528829-M.jpg Olive groves and mountains http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/141528360-S.jpg Home for that latter part of the trip, Competa http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/141527292-M.jpg Home for the first part of the trip, Trabuco http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/141528577-M.jpg Orange tree pruning http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/141527814-M.jpg Uncrowded Spain, about an hour from the Costas. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/141528967-M.jpg Beer was drunk and dogs were befriended. http://richhelyer.smugmug.com/photos/140778033-M.jpg 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. |
Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
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 ! |
Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
It was rather tiring. A few knocks as well. Bath, wine and ibruprofen :lol:
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 :lol: |
Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
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? |
Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
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 :lol: For this kind of trails you need to keep going anyway :lol:
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Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
right, thats sold on me! might investigate if i can do it this summer :)
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Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
Brilliant pics:thumbsup: 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?
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Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
Looks like great fun mate!
I think we have all been to Spain, drank beer and befriended a few dogs haven't we?! ;-) |
Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
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They arranged B&B in the village and a hotel in Competa. All cheap and cheerful..well cheap and very nice. |
Re: Andalucian Trail Trip, March 07
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.:-?
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