[Closed] a week in sierra nevada - tips?

make sure you spend plenty of time ordering beer in local bars

Beer..... ohh look free food.... im starving... better order more beer...

Round we go again 🙂

(I did road biking out there but its a lovely area, try and get up to Granada if you have a rest day)

Electrolytes. Lots of them, even if it's only for the placebo effect!

Make sure you go and ride the steps in Granada.

"make sure you spend plenty of time ordering beer in local bars

Beer..... ohh look free food.... im starving... better order more beer...

Round we go again "

yep, i was there last oct with switchbacks, and that advice above seems to be the way to go.

Prepare yourself for the rocky switchbacks. Put a pair of cones out fairly close and practice tight, low-speed figure-8s. The trick is to look over your shoulder at the other cone without overbalancing.

<homer)hmmm beer and bar food<homer> - if going out in Bubion, beer and barfood is all you will find anyway...

Bubion is the one!
I've heard good things about beer and tapas but great idea practising the switchbacks!

do you guys think i'll need mozzy spray/skinsosoft?

think i'll bolt on a 200mm rotor while i'm at it.

2.4 ust rubber queens ftw!

Prepare yourself for an ace time, but for UK riding to be rubbish in comparison when you return.

Nah, it's ok for Mozzies, too hot and dry for them. It's crcking good fun round there. High rollers are/were tyre of choice - I don't like the super taky as it is DRRRAAAAGGGG on the road climbs and I don't believe you get that much more grip than normal when it's that hot. Yes practice your switchbacks, just learn to counter your natural momentum to go over the bars - feather brakes and learn to hop a little - don't put 200m rotors on the back it's overkill and you will end up skidding everywhere. Work on your forearms with those 80's fist clenching things as they will get a very good work out.

Electrolyte / salt tablets for me are essential when I’m out there. Tubeless is beneficial, and I always take a spare rear mech and mech hanger. Also worth taking a basic first aid kit, nurofen tablets, puncture repair kit and / or tyre patches, brake pads & an EU EHIC insurance card.

I would question the need for super tacky high rollers front and rear. Speaking from personal experience I found super tackies to be far too draggy out there, so unless all the riding is going to be lift assisted I’d maybe consider running a harder compound tyre, at least on the rear. It’s generally very dry and grippy anyway so a normal compound tyre tends to work very well.

i'm not overly worried about the super tackies as I can take a spare pair of conti's and i'm a fit little bugger on the road!

i'm pretty sorted with electrolyte, nutrition and Spanish translation for "4 beers please" !

I've not yet done the foreign riding thing (and i'm long overdue) so cannot wait!

You're in for a treat then, the riding out there is awesome 😀

If the dates didn't clash I'd be out there again in September with Ciclo Montana.

Has anyone said knee and elbow pads yet?

Knee and elbow pads.

Don't get very drunk on the last night.

You WILL have to get up at 5 am for the airport transfer. You WILL have to stay awake in the van so you don't throw up. You WILL get the full effect of your hangover as it seeps into your brain.

Take a spare rear mech and mech hanger.

Good shout. It's rocky and I crashed loads when I was out there.

Went to Bubion with switchbacks a couple of years ago, you're in for a great time!

I took super tackies and regretted it, felt very sluggish on the climbs, especially when they bond with the melting tarmac!

I'd recommend some knee/shin pads to protect from rocks and thorns, elbow pads not so much but YMMV. Mike has some spare pads but they're a bit smelly.

+1 mech hanger also. Didn't need mine but was glad I had it just in case.

I've gone for some super tacky highroller 2's, factor 50 suncream and a long sleeve top but after that i'm entering the unknown.

Ditch the super tackys and the long sleves, it's too hot for long sleves and there's still a lot of climbing to do. I'd go with normal trail weight/dual compound tyres like Schwalbe Hans Dampf* or Spesh Eskars. I took super tacky high rollers, and while they were great on the downs (I'd not used propper downhill tyres before, they're so good it almost felt like cheating), they were properly, properly sucky on the climbs, and there are some big ones as a lot of trails aren't accessible directy from the public roads which nececitates riding up the last bits.

Factor 50's a good idea though!

I often ride with long sleeves there to keep the sun off my pasty anglo-saxon skin. The sun will be pretty intense this time of year!

I would take spares of what you can. The place is hard on equipment but getting replacement parts of things isn't easy. Think about what will stop you from riding if it breaks. Cables and tubes are easy to carry so defo take them. A spare hanger is a must.

Tubeless works well out there, so if not using then at least consider it.

Baggy long sleeve top is a good idea IMHO (contary to above advice). Not so sure about the supertaky's - it's your call but they'll drag and be worn in the week. Plus will they help that much on lose surfaces?

Pads are a good idea. As is insurance, first aid kit, and carrying your euro medical card with you.. 😉

A bit of Stan's fluid squirted into a tube with a removable valve core works great as a puncture deterrent if you don't have tubeless.

I've bought a couple of endura burner tops which are 3/4 length but also have sun cream to go with.

I was considering going tubeless using a stans kit but considering that its only next Wednesday, I think it might be unwise!

Proper pads - ie elbow/forearm and knee/shin pads are a must. Not for falling off but for protection from the razor sharp thorns!
I wore knee pads and was amazed at the amount of blood loss 🙂

right, troylee knee/shins sorted, now i'm wondering about elbows??!

I made a "definitive packing list" after my trip this year. This is a no expense spared type affair mind you. This is in addition to the guide's recommended kit list which included things like spare gear cable, multitool and so on.

Full shin-knee pads
Elbow pads with full protection
Hard panelled gloves
Sleeveless jersey
661 DH padded shorts
Glasses with clear/dark lenses
Larger Camelbak/backpack
First aid kit
Stan's fluid
CO2 canisters
Topeak Mountain Morph pump
Bike cleaning fluid
Cleaning fluid dispenser
4 x spare inner tubes
Fork lube
Chain lube
Rags
Torque wrench
Spirit level, or just don't bother with removing the stem/top-cap
Spare valve cores
Spare spokes
Mechanic's wipes
Baby wipes
Recovery drink powder
Isotonic drink powder
Flapjack bars
Man-servant if he is willing to travel in economy class

All the above and some light weight shin Guards that you can stick on for the decents through the over grown trails, shins cut to shreds try to keep up with mike from switchbacks, +1 for spokes mech hanger chain etc no bike shops nearby my pal had to hire an old enduro from mike due to an important bolt falling out mid decent, CHECK every thinks tight every day, the rocky decents have an ability to loosen everything in hours than would take months at a trail centre.
P.s it's amazing you will love it.

Take a spare rear mech and mech hanger definitely. I only took a mech but broke both. We also had broken wheels, torn tyres, broken frame.

Hugely jealous. It's awesome out there.
High rollers are gonna be a drag on the ups. Ignitors perhaps?
Bandana for yer neck?
Dry chain lube.
Mech hangar and mech are definitely useful: yes CRC [i]say[/i] they can get stuff there next day but in reality the Spanish couriers are a little more laid back than that.
Tubeless (stan's) or just stan's fluid is highly advisable. First year out there with tubes I must've had 20 punctures from the thorns. When I went back tubeless the flats simply never happened.
Spare brake pads (and another set to take with you while riding)
Camera for the views.
Enjoy.

Full shin-knee pads
Elbow pads with full protection
[s]Hard panelled gloves[/s]
Sleeveless jersey
661 DH padded shorts
Glasses with clear/dark lenses
Larger Camelbak/backpack
First aid kit
Stan's fluid
CO2 canisters
Topeak Mountain Morph pump
[s]Bike cleaning fluid
Cleaning fluid dispenser[/s]
4 x spare inner tubes
[s]Fork lube[/s]
Chain lube
[s]Rags
Torque wrench
Spirit level, or just don't bother with removing the stem/top-cap
Spare valve cores[/s]
Spare spokes
[s]Mechanic's wipes
Baby wipes[/s]
Recovery drink powder
Isotonic drink powder
Flapjack bars

Spirit level? It's so dry that high up your bike could be cleaned with a feather duster. Valve cores and 4 tubes, and stans fluid? Recovery drink might be a good plan, ditto high5 zero or similar, I'd not take sugary drinks though as you drink A LOT (hot, dry air) and stop a lot for coffee so your never far from real food.

I'm confused about the spirit level too?

Spare old rear mech to go with the spare hanger?

Because I'm a bit anal/paranoid about my stem not being straight 🙁

I didn't take all these things. They're just what I'd take in hindsight or if space were no object.

The cumulative fatigue over 7 days riding meant I bonked somewhere on day 5 or 6 just before lunchtime on a hike-a-bike somewhere with no real food apart from some Bloks.

I did take a spare tyre too. And my own Allen keys. I thought it'd save time on waiting for the communal tools to be free.

Should be fine with those tyres.

A dropper post will make life a lot easier if you have one.

All the usual spares listed above.

One thing not mentioned thus far is spare cleats - I had a cleat malf****ion out there, presumably because I was clicking in and out so much at the techy bits.

Also, pads that cover your elbows/forearms and knees/shins - lots of rocks and jaggy vegetation. And a rucksack that has straps you can fit your pads to - you do a fair bit of climbing in the heat so you won't want the pads on till you get to the start of the descent.

Sunglasses!

We destroyed our guide one day. He had to have a lie-down. So you might want to pack a spare.

Seriously, it gets hot and there's often very little shade and you'll be doing plenty of climbing. Be prepared.

It's a top place to ride though. Have fun. And make sure you do 57 switchbacks / Flowtastic

Kinda depends what riding you're doing, couple of times I've been it's been more gnarly XC than DH. Hans Dampfs worked well, def run tubeless if you can, I took a spare tubeless tyre + sealant as well jsut in case but didn't have to use them.
Took spare brake pads but didn't have to use, worth doing though
Didn't bother with electrolyte pish, water was all I wanted in my camelbak as can spray it over yourself then to
Took and ate a few energy bars and gels as we were out away from villages for a fair while each day
Take all the tools you need to assemble/adjust your bike obviously
One of the group should have a track pump
Elbow/knee pads well worth taking
Sunglasses, P20 a must
Can't say I remember many flies about, don't think I used DEET or anything.

From my experience there would recommend some type of sealant in your tyres/tubes. Loads of punctures in the group I was riding with. Some throny bushes out there that shed their spikes all over the trails.

curiousyellow - Member
Because I'm a bit anal/paranoid about my stem not being straight

As a fellow analist, I like the sound of this, but how are you doing it?

Learn how to say 'no salt on my tomatoes' in spanish!! Serious amounts of salt consumed over there. Great trails though 🙂 Go ride past the Alhambra down the various steps in Granada, makes you feel 5 years old blasting past hundreds of tourists. One of the highlights of riding a bike anywhere for me!

I often ride with long sleeves there to keep the sun off my pasty anglo-saxon skin. The sun will be pretty intense this time of year!

This! Make sure you don't get burnt on the first day, serious sunburn hurts...

And tomatoes need salt on them, the Spanish are right about that one.

At home I put the bike in the stand, grip the wheel with my legs, straighten the stem by eye as well as possible first. I then use the level to check if a line on the stem cap is in line with the head tube. There are markings on the bar to align the stem cap with the bar so that is simple to get in line.

I went through a period of thinking my bars were crooked for some strange reason. Sprit level soon confirmed they weren't.

"The cumulative fatigue over 7 days riding meant I bonked somewhere on day 5 or 6 just before lunchtime on a hike-a-bike somewhere with no real food apart from some Bloks."

I remember! A 1000 yard stare. Pouring water on your head. We were all a bit baked that day. Chris refers to it as his "bad day". It was the day I broke my mech too. The large late lunches were an issue. I normally eat a little every hour or so during cycling to avoid flagging. I also took too few trail snacks. I could have eaten double portions in the evening. No wonder Marco is so wiry!

Fanta Limon is for lunchtime for a sugary hit before the ominous first climb ( er traverse) after lunch.Camelbacks are great spine savers from experience and get decent knee and elbow guards. Take a few spokes as well, as light, but your stuffed if you break one or two. I haven't 'really' broken anything out there, but the days before tubeless meant 10 punctures a day, through thorns and tyres slipping on the rims and ripping valves. Organic pads are best, anything harsher just overheat and all you gain is speed and burning smells !!

No wonder Marco is so wiry!

Ha! The Marco phrase book:
"Just another 6k lads..." = It (the descent) is at the top of the next valley which we haven't dropped into yet. You may need crampons and/or a defibrilator.
"along this short traverse traverse..." = Up, a lot, probably hike-a-bike.
"If you think about it, we're already on the way back." = This is the warm-up from the car park. You have at least another 30k before lunch. Stop complaining or no Maxi-bons for you 😯

Awesome times. Really very sad not to be going this year.
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I feel a last minute stans-ing coming on!

Little hd camera is now also packed along with a wealth of spares and my thin buff to keep the sun off my neck.

Do they have a pool in bubion?

For elbows, try the hard shell 661 going cheap on CRC. [url= http://http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mobile/MobileModels.aspx?ModelID=72483 ]661 Comp elbows £18.99[/url]

Top tip I was given was that hard shells much more effective on dry trails, as the soft pads tend to grab and slip down, leading to trail rash. Seemed to work too.

Prepare yourself for 'Spanish time' by showing up late to everything before you leave, particularly in the morning 🙂

Big tyres, but not super tacky, set up tubeless. Elbow and knee pads. Chill pills ... enjoy it.

If it's Ciclo, some more Marco phrases might be helpful:

"Its all down ... apart from the ups"
"I don't know how they do it for the money"
"Flashing Amber"
"Four by two"

Sure others can add to the list. He is a bit of a legend.

I out here at the moment, without bike unfortunately.

Here is a tip. If a guy comes up to you in a restaurant in granada trying to sell lottery tickets, check he isn't fanning them out to conceal the fact that he is stealing you phone and wallet off the table from right under your bloody nose. And, if that does happen, do not expect the Spanish police to be even remotely interested. 👿

You will have a ball. We have, each time we have been over there, it will be out 3rd trip in September (a bit cooler then, but still hot hot). I have never broken anything, I have had 1 puncture, but that was using an old Minion on the back. I have got a couple of ST High Rollers for my next trip, but after reading some of the stuff on here, I might change my rear tyre for something more rolling. Dual Ply all the way though.
Hope you have a great time. Miles over there are different to over here, so forget about mileage, just enjoy the terrain.

Larson TT or Small bloc 8s or what ever they are called, stans mess, sunblock,and water lots of it oh and a feather duster if you want to clean the bike after....
Ciclo is must if you want a guide

Have you booked this with a company/guide, if so which one?