If you want to enjoy some of the greatest trail riding anywhere in the world, then you should put the Andaluca Mountains in southern Spain at or near the top of your list. There, you will find some of the most breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain. Ciclo Montana Espana is the name of the tour business that I have used on a few separate times over the last few years when I travelled to southern Spain to go mountain biking. The primary reason I have continued to use this business is because they are very well organised and they accomplish what they set out to do, which is to provide their customers with a fantastic riding vacation, by providing their customers with an experience that is difficult to beat.

Because the Andaluca Mountain range has more than twenty peaks that are higher than 3,000 metres above sea level, it is the second tallest mountain range in Europe after the Alps. The Mulhacén, with an elevation of 3,482 metres, and the Pico del Veleta, which is located nearby, are the two highest points in the region (3,396m). If the weather is clear, people in Africa may be able to make out these mountains in the distance. They are enormous and stunning, and as far as I’m concerned, there is no better way to see them than while perched on the seat of a mountain bike. I hope you agree.

Getting there: Arriving in Spanish Andalucia

Ciclo Montana Espana is a family-owned and -operated company that operates out of the quaint town of Fondales, which can be found nestled in the Andaluca Mountains in the region of Southern Spain. Mark and Jacky Papworth, a couple from England who emigrated to Spain in 1992, are the owners of the business as well as the people that run it. Riders come from all over the globe to compete in the Ciclo Montana Espana because to the vastness of the countryside, as well as the fact that it has some of the greatest weather in all of Europe and some of the best riding in all of the world.

Before I was allowed to leave customs, I went through the process of retrieving my bicycle from the large baggage facility at Malaga Airport, where it had been stored during my last trip to Spain for a riding vacation. After walking past several local taxi drivers and getting a particularly strong smell of their cigarette smoke, I realised that I was now fully inside continental Europe. These idiots can’t even read the signs that say “no smoking” to save their lives!

Because Maria, our wonderful Spanish driver, was waiting with the Ciclo Montana Espana van, we were spared the ordeal of having to deal with these jerks, which was a blessing for us. She wasn’t particularly proficient in the English language, but the lads in the group did their best to engage in some light conversation with her, if you get what I’m saying.

Following the shore in a southerly direction, we loaded up the van with all of our belongings and got on the road. The arid, yellowish alpine environment was the first thing that caught my attention when I arrived. On the left were mountains that provided a stark contrast to the white Spanish houses that filled the right side of the mountain range. The shoreline was out to the right, and in the bright sunlight it presented a very alluring sight.

After travelling for almost an hour to the south, we made a sharp right to the east into the mountains and began the winding ascent to Fondales. After travelling for close to two hours, we finally arrived at the little Spanish hamlet in the midst of Andalusia, where Mark and Jacky were waiting for us outside. After such a long ride, we were more than ready to unload our bikes and take it easy for a bit. After a little over an hour of unwinding, dinner was brought out, and we devoured everything as quickly as possible. After a few peaceful drinks, we all slept off, each of us dreaming about the vast vistas that make up Andaluca. After travelling for almost an hour to the south, we made a sharp right to the east into the mountains and began the winding ascent to Fondales. After travelling for close to two hours, we finally arrived at the little Spanish hamlet in the midst of Andalusia, where Mark and Jacky were waiting for us outside. After such a long ride, we were more than ready to unload our bikes and take it easy for a bit. After a little over an hour of unwinding, dinner was brought out, and we devoured everything as quickly as possible. After a few peaceful drinks, we all slept off, each of us dreaming about the vast vistas that make up Andaluca.

Climbing the Andalucía

The following morning we woke to brilliant sunshine, ate breakfast, and set off on our first day of riding. The morning’s anticipation turned to sweat as soon as we rode out of the driveway. We cycled through the tiny white village and up a very steep section of road that linked the next highest village in the valley and kept climbing for what seemed like forever, even though it was only an hour. Eventually, we came into the town square and stopped off for a caffeine fix at the local coffee shop.

And thank God for that coffee because after our little break we were back on our bikes and climbing for another two and half hours. When the long, steep ascent was over, we rolled into Trevélez, the highest village in Spain. We stopped again to refuel at the local café for lunch — after the gruelling half day climb our bodies were screaming for calories. We gorged ourselves on pizza and Spanish tappas, and I will say I have never enjoyed the taste of food so much.

The smells and the tastes were intoxicating as were the views down the valley. The food was a blessing, and it was good that we ate as we did because we had no idea about what we were in for.

The way down: heavenly singletrack

After lunch we set off down the mountain on some of the sweetest natural single track I have ever ridden. Some of it was comprised of the GR7 trade route, which was an ancient trading route that was used to carry trade from Africa through Europe. Like a Michelin chef, our guide Mark carved our descent through rocks, gravel and old Roman roads. He skillfully linked up sections of singletrack on the GR7 with other local routes that just blew our mind. It was truly magical stuff.

We had about two hours of descending before we arrived back in Fondales and, by then, we were all completely exhausted from the day’s epic ride. Looking around at one another, no one in the group could wipe the silly grin off our faces — we were like a bunch of school kids who had just been told Christmas would come early.

The rest of the trip

Each day of our holiday was filled with similar epics: we rode out with an emphasis on climbing before descending back to our base in the afternoon. Every ride was filled with new trails and new challenges. On one particular day my buddy’s altimeter read 2000 vertical metres — now that was a tough day! At the end of amazing week there was much to reflect on, but two trails remain forever etched in my mind (the Elephants Tail and the Joker). Ask for them by name if you ever get to Andalucía.

And don’t forget to tell Mark and Jacky that Lance Armstrong sent you!

For more information about cycling in the Andalucía

Mark and Jacky Papworth
Tel: +34 958 765200
Ciclo Montana Espana