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Morning trail monkeys,
I am going to Spain in the not to distant future and taking my mtb with me. Will be staying in the mountains about 45 mins north of Alicante. I am in the process of stalking some local riders on Strava and borrowing their routes. I have noted ill only be 15 mins away from the LA FENASOSA bike park which is ace. Just wondering if anyone has any tips, advise or info they think might be helpful to know? Been trying (with marginal success) to find info about Spanish trail markings and hunting symbols etc. Also, I normally ride with full pack and water skin, but I’m wondering if I might be better with a bum back and multiple water bottles in the warmer climate??
All advise and info welcome!
Wikiloc and Strava Heatmap are great resources for discovering trails and routes in Spain. The former will let you download GPX files to install on your GPS.
Spain doesn't seem to have the angry anti-cycling contingent that the UK (sorry, 'England') has so the people you meet out and about on the trails are universally friendly. MTB (especially XC) is huge here and people are used to seeing bikes out and about on the trails. As long as you keep away from anything marked "coto privado de caza" or "finca privada" you won't run into any access issues. The hunting symbol is like a black and white rectangle. You'll know if there's active hunters in the area because you'll hear their dogs and guns long before you come across them.
I live in Madrid and this time of year requires a full 3 litres of water in my pack, as well as a 750ml bottle on the bike for a 3 hour ride. Don't underestimate the amount of water you'll need. It gets bloody hot! Lather yourself in factor 50+ suncream and insect repellent before the ride too.
Have a look at the regional routes...
https://www.foromtb.com/forums/rutas-y-quedadas.8/
Ooh good note on the insect repellant, I had over looked that bit Devash, thank you.
I think based on what you have said ill definatley take my full pack then 🙂
I have been luck so far in the UK, not had much hate from people, but i have seen and heard it. I do get a bit of flack when I have my dog with me as some people appear to think its mean on him, as he runs about living his best life!
ooh thank you Mackem 🙂
Been trying (with marginal success) to find info about Spanish trail markings and hunting symbols etc.
Also in Madrid... the hunting season is over, there shouldn't be any risk on that front until October. Any public land used for hunting should have signs up telling you when it's authorised. I'm not sure about access in that area - round here it depends on whether or not you're in the National Park, in which case you're limited to riding on paths that are at least 3m wide (i.e. fireroads).
oh thats helpful to know Mogrim, I had suspected there would be specific seasons for it, just had no clue what they might be.
Are there any aspects of wildlife I need to keep an eye out for? I have ran in the region before with no issues, the only think i needed to watch out for at the time was processionary caterpillars because it was the season for trailing accross paths etc. I dont think i actually saw anything else even moving!
Dunno about where you're going, but the fella guiding me down in Malaga said there are times of the year when it's simply too hot to ride, so prepare for very early morning starts 🙂
I've ridden in Spain with Ciclo Montana for a few years, which is a bit further south in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
One year we went in July as it was the only available time we could arrange. It was ridiculously hot - low 40degrees & very hard work. We were drinking a ton of water.
Other things to consider - tubeless is an absolute must due to the thorny nature of all the plants & rocky trails. Tough tyres are a good idea too.
I tended to wear elbow pads as well as full knee/shin pads. This was for protection from the inevitable tumbles, but also to protect my lower legs from all the scratchy grasses & stabby plants. I used to take an anti-histamine every morning, but my legs would still end up an itchy mess.
Are there any aspects of wildlife I need to keep an eye out for? I have ran in the region before with no issues, the only think i needed to watch out for at the time was processionary caterpillars because it was the season for trailing accross paths etc. I dont think i actually saw anything else even moving!
It's Spain, not Australia 😀
No, there's nothing to worry about around Alicante. If you're lucky you might see a snake, but it's pretty unlikely. If you see a sign saying "Peligro, reses bravos" don't go the field - they're warning you there could be bulls (as in the big black ones with long horns). But that's about it.
..plenty of nasty dogs I found.
I saw a foot long lizard and a load of ibex. They mostly just ran away though 🙂
It’s Spain, not Australia 😀
Ha, I think its urban tails from the local (ex-pat) residents on the estate that have got me expecting angry boar. They tell tail of getting chased out of the woods by charging boar! Im not even sure they have them in the local area to be fair!
I would quite like to see some wildlife, but im guessing they are sensible and stay hidden. I will be riding first thing though.
Other things to consider – tubeless is an absolute must due to the thorny nature of all the plants & rocky trails. Tough tyres are a good idea too.
I tended to wear elbow pads as well as full knee/shin pads. This was for protection from the inevitable tumbles, but also to protect my lower legs from all the scratchy grasses & stabby plants. I used to take an anti-histamine every morning, but my legs would still end up an itchy mess.
Oh yes, im all tubless! Good idea on the anti-histamine, my lower legs are largly all scar tissue and scabs anyway - lovely!
I've found TrailForks the most useful thing for finding trails in Spain and France.
+1 for the vegetation being pretty hostile here. This spring was horrendous for pollen rash / spikiness. Antihistamines for all!
Never had any problems with the wildlife. Seen quite a few amazing critters though (big snakes, lizards, ibex etc). Here's a couple of pics from a weekend hike we did earlier in the month;
Nice! 🙂