Mountain Bike - Spain

Gravity light/uplift assissted

Sun, sea, sand and of course SINGLETRACK.

Spain is famous for its incredible singletrack which is strewn all over the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and snakes its way to the beach where you can enjoy an ice cold beer and free tapas while you take a dip in the sea.

With a lift assist in the morning which gives us over 1000m of altitude advantage the majority of the ride home is a mix of fast, flowing singletrack with some technical sections as well as some good, challenging (although short) technical climbs. The hills are big and we know that whilst guests like to be out on their bikes all day, not everyone wants to do 1500m of climbing a day! (Although there is that option if you want!?)

Lucas hitting the berms at Global Bike Adventures

Quick Bits

  • Technical Dificulty: 5-7/10 - Optional
  • Fitness Level: 6/10
  • 7 nights / 8 days
  • €690 / $725
  • Maximum group size 10
  • Single Uplift: One uplift at the beginning of the day to get over +1000m in the bag! Then ride back.
  • No shuttle runs: Don't waste time loading and unloading your bike all day. Big mountain days out.
  • The bars: Free tapas with drinks, great food and large selection of beers and wine.
  • Exceptional singletrack: Spain is a Mecca for mountain biking for a very good reason!
  • The weather: I know that's a cliche, but it's true. Over 310 days of sunshine a year.
  • Custom Dates with no minimum groups size available.
  • April 6th - 13th
  • May 11th - 18th
  • June 8th - 15th
  • September 7th - 14th
  • October 5th - 12th

ADVENTURE DETAILS

Arriving at Malaga Airport

Once you have passed through customs control (and you have a nice new stamp in your passport!) you will need to collect your bike and any luggage you checked onto the flight from the carrousel.

Where to meet

We will confirm this with you beforehand but we usually all meet up at the Departures car park on the top floor

Transfer to Lanjaron

Once we're all together and have everything sorted, we will load the van and transfer to Lanjaron. The transfer time is approximately 90 minutes and we aim to do one transfer once we're all together.

Lanjaron Singletrack

Lanjaron is littered with singletrack everywhere you look. Today is the perfect opportunity to bed the bikes in, familiarise yourself with the terrain, including the bars, restaurants and local artisan shops while staying close to home and riding some exceptionally good singletrack.

After breakfast we load the van and bike specific trailer and drive to above Capileira. This gives us a height advantage of over 1300m

The ride back is over 90% singletrack and will take all day as we pass through the beautiful villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaneira

We then traverse the impressive Poqueria Gorge before a short climb into Soportujar to link onto another piece of great singletrack that takes us all the way into Orgiva.

Trevelez 1,476m

This uplift to Trevelez places us at the foot of some epic singletrack that undulates and snakes all the way back to Lanjaron.

Even in Trevelez we're not at the top and still have a 300m climb over 5km on dirt track. But it's most definitely worth it! You'll get to ride this singletrack again later in the week when it joins onto another epic ride. But this singletrack is so good you'll be desperate to get back on it - especially when you know what's coming!

Rest

You're now mid-week and we usually recommend a rest day so you can visit Granada which is host to the famous Alhambra Palace, Moroccan quarter, bars with incredible tapas and more. This also gives us a chance to bring the villa back up to par and restock.

Tello

If you're ultra-keen there is still the option to ride.

The ride is from the Villa door and whilst it's a 'short ride' is still tough. We have a good climb to way above the villa that takes us to the start of the singletrack in a loop back to Lanjaron. This singletrack is VERY technical, fast and fun. It only takes a few hours with the climb but it's more than enough for you to know you've been out on your bike!

100% Epic.

This is a door-to-door ride and a big one!

Starting a bit earlier we ride up to Pedro Calvo with incredible mountain views (you can sometimes see Morocco on a clear day) then traverse on dirt track to the start of the fast forest singletrack that drops us into Ninguelas where we have lunch.

After lunch we have a big ride into the mountain valley where plenty of stops and refuelling is strongly recommended. The 67 fast hairpin, 1000m descent from the top will take all your concentration as you try to kill the speed into each one! At the bottom your forearms will be begging for a rest.

Finish at the coast for a swim and Tapas

This is a firm favourite with our guests. Again, we load the van and transfer to Haza Del Lino at 1300m. Dropping down into Lujar on some technical singletrack before picking up the road for a 3km climb and another 6km singletrack traverse that drops us back into Lujar again. From here we have another short climb on the road that takes us to the top ridge with spectacular views of Motril to the west and Almeria to the east.

This final singletrack descent is over 1000m and finishes in Torrenueva. A popular holiday resort with the Spanish which means it's full of great bars with amazing seafood tapas, right on the seafront. The van will already be waiting with your towels and a change of clothing so you can have a swim in the sea and relax after the epic singletrack.

The transfer back to Malaga departs at 10.30am after breakfast. The transfer time is 90 minutes so you should be at the airport for 12pm.

If this transfer time doesn't fit your schedule let us know and we can always arrange an alternative, although there might be a cost involved.

mountain biking spain price
£595 / €690 / $725 per person.

Price includes

  • *All guiding except in Granada
  • *Airport transfers to and from Malaga
  • *7 nights accommodation
  • *7 Breakfasts
  • *5 Lunches

Price excludes

  • *Flights
  • *Evening dinners.
  • *Bike rental - This can be arranged at a cost of £280 / €320 / $340 for the entire trip
  • *Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • *Additional transfers outside the specified time

Skill Level

You will need to be able to corner and use your brakes instictively. Confidence on lose rocky sections is an advantage but we do not do big jumps or drops. You should expect to be challenged on some sections. However, if you're not comfortable riding anything, don't! It's a holiday, not a training camp!

Fitness

The fitter you are the more fun you'll have. But that does not mean you need to be a pro/elite rider. There are some large climbs and we are usually out on the bikes for 5-7 hours each day. Whilst there is a support vehicle we try not to use it except when really needed.

Arrival

The airport to fly into and out from is Malaga (AGP).

The transfer to Lanjaron upon arrival is when the majority of the guests arrive. For example, if 8 guests arrive in the morning then the transfer will be an AM transfer. However, if most of the guests arrive in the evening then the transfer will be a PM transfer when the last guest has arrived. If you arrive in the morning you can either wait for the evening transfer to Lanjaron with the rest of the guests or we can arrange an additional transfer for you. This costs 150€ and should be paid for in advance. If there is more than one person wanting an additional transfer the cost is split/shared between you, so the TOTAL cost is 150. If you arrive in the evening and there has been a morning transfer because that is when the majority of the group has arrived, we will usually include the transfer for free, but this is NOT guaranteed so please check.

Departure

The transfer from Lanjaron at the end of the week is in the morning of the Saturday to coincide with the first departing flight. If your flight is an evening one then you are welcome to leave your bags at our base in Lanjaron until you want to leave. You can transfer by taxi to the airport yourself. A transfer by taxi to the airport at a time of your choice is 150€

Hassle free, convenient, cheap flights

Flying to Malaga really is very straight forward, but there are some things you might like to know before you fly. And remember, it's part of your holiday so you should enjoy it!

  • *The airport to fly into is Malaga, Spain. Airport code AGP
  • *Your passport MUST be valid for at least six months from the date of departure
  • *Different airlines have different policies on luggage, please check and adhere to the recommendation!
  • *Toiletries, including gels, shaving foam, toothpaste etc.' must be in containers of 100ml or less
  • *If you're checking on a bike, give yourself plenty of time!
  • *You do NOT need a visa to fly to Spain
  • *The flight time from the UK is about 3 hours
  • *We recommend printing off the terms and conditions for bike carriage/baggage allowances

When you land

If you arrive early and you've beaten us to the airport please be assured that we will be there as soon as possible. However, for your own comfort and to make finding you a bit easier (despite your large box or bag!) we recommend that you take a seat and grab a coffee in the Santa Maria bar just outside the arrivals lounge.

First Aid

Each rider must have their own basic first aid kit. This should have items like: plasters, wipes, bandages, iodine and tape. We carry a complete first aid kit which contains items from syringes to sutra kits. Our kits do not contain any drugs or creams (pain killers, aspirin, antiseptic cream etc.') so we recommend you bring your own if you use them.

Inoculations

You do not need any inoculations to travel to Spain

Insurance

You must have your own insurance which should include helicopter evacuation and repatriation. A search on the internet will reveal a host of insurers to choose from, but please ensure that it includes extreme sports. We do not go above 3000m. In the past we have used companies like Sports Cover Direct who are expensive but seem to have a good reputation. Other recommended companies are Ski Card and the Austrian Alpine club although they may not include baggage insurance. If you're not sure, please check.

Cash, Card and where can I get it?

The local currency in Spain is the euro (€). There are plenty of cashpoints/ATMs in Lanjaron and banks wheere you can change currency but cards with chip and pin or contactless is used everywhere. However, we recommend that you check with your bank regarding fees for using your card for cash withdrawals and general transactions.

How much cash will I need?

We usually recommend 200€ / $250 spending money. Lanjaron is very good value for money with eating out. Drinks and a good meal, with wine or a few beers will cost in the region of 15€

Medical

You must have your own insurance which should include helicopter evacuation and repatriation. A search on the internet will reveal a host of insurers to choose from, but please ensure that it includes extreme sports. We do not go above 3000m. In the past we have used companies like Sports Cover Direct who seem to have a good reputation. Other recommended companies are Ski Card and the Austrian Alpine club although they may not include baggage insurance.

FYI

We are in the process of finding an insurance partner to offer the best coverage for our guests. As soon as we have these details we will update the website.

Who are we?

Global Bike Adventures was previously trading as Freeridespain. We have rebranded as the company has expanded to enable us to encompass all our websites 'under one roof'. These included Freeride Oman, Freeride Morocco, Road Ride Spain and Freeride Spain. We have been running trips in Spain since October 1999

How long have you been here?

We have been in Lanjaron since 2004 and know this area well. We also ride in and around Bubion, Lujar and Granada NOBODY knows this area better than us!

You'll definately need this!

  • *A helmet.
  • *Medical - A European health card is recommended. You can get one online
  • *Some sort of insurance policy for YOU and your gear
  • *Your favourite baggies and full fingered gloves
  • *UVA and UVB protection, a high factor sun block
  • *You do NOT need a visa to fly to Spain
  • *Spending money for lunch and dinner when not included
  • *Money for in the bar!

Bike

We recommend a 140mm+ full suspension bike (All Mountain Bike) for the most fun. However, that does not mean if you don't have one you should rush out and buy one. Yeti, Santa Cruz, Trek and other 'enduro' style bikes are very popular but lots of guests also ride bikes with much less travel and some even use hardtails. Please, don't bring a DH rig! You can do these trails with a single front ring but do make sure you've got a large cassette on the rear, otherwise it'll be a struggle in some places!

Tyres

We've used a selection of tyres over the years from semi-slick 1.8 to DH 2.4 The best, in our opinion is without a doubt the Maxxis High Roller 2.4 or something similar. The terrain is very rocky and technical in areas and the chance of a pinch flat is quite high. Thorns are not usually an issue, but you do need to watch out for cactus! I'm a big fan of tubeless tyres in Spain where it seems to be ok to just fit, inflate and leave them alone.

Pads

These are not compulsory but are most definitely recommended. If you have them, you might as well bring them!

The transfer to Lanjaron is when the majority of the guests arrive. For example, if 8 guests arrive in the morning then the transfer will be an AM transfer. However, if most of the guests arrive in the evening then the transfer will be a PM transfer when the last guest has arrived.

The accommodation is in our comfortable villa which has a pool, BBQ, outside seating/eating, workshop and all other modern facilities. The villa sleeps up to 10 in twin (or double upon request) rooms. If you would like your own room this available for a supplement of 240€ or we can arrange accommodation in a hotel nearby if you prefer.

Breakfast and Lunch are included throughout the week with the exception of lunch on the rest day. There is a large selection of excellent bars and restaurants in Lanjaron that vary in menu and price. An evening meal will cost in the region of 15€ including drinks. Lanjaron is exceptional value for money!

All riding is optional and you are welcome to take a day off and rest. The Villa has a pool and it's not uncommon for guests to take a day or two to relax and recharge.

Granada and Motril are also just down the road so if you fancy something cultural there is also that option.

MTB, Road or eBike?

We always recommend bringing your own bike unless you're coming on one of our eBike adventures.

If you do need to hire a bike please let us know well in advance and we can arrange bike hire for you.

For the trail

When out on the trail there are some items you should always take with you as you would if you were going out for the day on your bike at home. Please see the list below

We have NEVER cancelled a ride although there have been times when we have changed the route. Your safety is our prime concern and your guide will always have the final say. The mountains here go to 3500m and we know them well and as Mountain Biking is a dynamic sport and influenced by many factors such as fitness, ability, weather and other potentially unforseable events there may be a need at some point to amend or change a route or the itinarary.

Unless you're coming as part of a group or on a private tour/adventure the maximum group size is 10. We need a minimum of four to run a private tour.

Sign Up for our newsletter

Get information on new tours, special offers and exclusive events by signing up for our newsletter.

Recent Trips

Global Bike Advenutes MTB Spain
MTB, Spain

October 2023

Global Bike Advenutes MTB Spain
MTB, Spain

October 2023

Global Bike Advenutes MTB Morocco
MTB, Morocco

November 2023

Global Bike Advenutes MTB Morocco
Training, Spain

December 2023