...The Riding

Takes place around the head waters and river basin of the Rio Segura, a broken mountain topograpghy of labyrinthine landscapes formed by ravines and precipices.  The riding terrain differs not only according to altitude, but also to season.

The lower trails through the pine forests are more travelled, the ground evened by passage and traffic, climbs are less technically demanding, but still a physical challenge.  The higher trails have a rocky, tundra feel, vegetation is more scrub like, with thorns like nails!  The loose, rocky quality of the trails means a greater technical level is needed both for climbing and descending; more so than the lower trails.  The changing gradients, terrain and landscape make these higher trails challenging and satisfying.  Less travelled, the high trails are more lonely and isolated.  Peaceful and tranquil, sightings of rare wildlife are much more likely.

The area is fertile growing land for a wide range of crops. Routes pass through huge expanses of wheat fields, glorious in early summer, dry and parched after harvesting.  Terraced valley sides are filled with Almonds and Walnuts on the higher slopes, Olives and Grapes at lower altitudes.  Where the ground lacks terraces, and is unsuited to cereal crops, Lavender and Eucalyptus are planted, with distilleries close by to produce the essential oils.  Riding, at any time of the year, provides a satisfying blend of physical challenges, inspiring vistas and unique fragrances.

The air at these altitiudes is crisp, clean and very dry, with a sharp contrasting light.  A high UV factor means bring the sun cream.  Summers are hot, but less so than the coastal areas.  The heat turns the caminos into hard dusty trails, offering a completely different riding experience to spring and autumn

The trails are mostly ancient caminos over the sierras linking market towns to growing areas.  These can range from recently renovated tracks (following large-scale forest fires that devasted the area); ancient droving routes and single-track sendas (footpaths) unused in decades.  We're cleaning some of these up to make them more navigable by MTB, but some portage is usually required.  After all, we only want to make them navigable, not turn them into pavements!

Routes are mixed terrain offering a mixture of hard pack, rock gardens, and roots and pine needles.  Most routes have technically demanding sections and all require a decent level of base fitness.  Climbs are physically demanding, especially so in higher temperatures, descents fast and challenging.  Rides are a mix of length and duration, with changes to suit group and conditions as required.  For a few sample route descriptions and profiles click here