Spain, Portugal & Canary Islands
Spain is a huge country full of varying landscapes. The riding here is similarly mixed, predominantly based on the differing climate and geography of the north and south.
In northern Spain, the ski resorts can provide luscious pastures and
lift access reminiscent of Alpine riding, though limited compared to
French resorts.
In
contrast, the temperate climate of the south provides a perfect
environment for cyclists of all kinds and has long been a popular area
for road cyclists in training.
Until recently, the mountain bike scene has been reasonably low key in
the south but a major influx of downhillers looking for winter
training, and cross country riders wishing to rip up some of the worlds
best singletracks, has led to a real boom in the riding scene.
Such has been the explosion in interest, numbers and trails, this is
now the epicentre of Spanish, and perhaps European bike riding.
Spaniards are mostly laid-back and welcoming people and the riding
scene here is perhaps one of the friendliest anywhere. Turn up at any
track, trail or jump and make sure to say hi to the locals. Shake their
hands and you will be treated like royalty! The riders in spain live
for their bikes and love to build their own trails, which they will be
more than happy to show any weary traveller. Having said that, as
laid-back as they are, the spaniards also like to compete and there is
now a flourishing race scene that encompasses downhill, cross country
and particularly endurance events. There are several major series that
are based in, or visit spain, through the year so check the race
calendars and plan your trip around an event to get a full feel of the
fantastic race scene here.
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SPAIN, PORTUGAL & CANARY ISLANDS MOUNTAIN BIKE CONDITIONS
Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands offers some fantastic weather, not just in the summer but all year round. All the countries have some high mountains and backcountry riding. The drier areas generally
have deep, dusty and loose rocky trails.
1) La Molina
Winter sports have dominated in the La Molina area until recently when, they have been deleloping the 'summer scene'. La Molina is located in the Cerdanya valley, a fertile valley running east to west which allows for long sunlight hours in summer.
2) Malaga
The best thing to come out of the development of the Costa del Sol is the fact they built a gondola! Now open to keen bike riders wanting to get the most out of the year round sunshine.
3) Tenerife
The beauty of Tenerife is that it has year round sunshine and unique riding surfaces. Being a major holiday destination, there are plenty of options of where to stay.
4) San Sebastien
A new riding spot in the north of Spain, where the Pyrenees comes right down to the Atlantic ocean. It's recently been voted one of the top 50 places to ride in Europe by Dirt magazine. The riding is very varied but normally steep and technical. The resort is not lift-assisted but, uplifts can be arranged by local companies...