Trail riding in Spain

[SteelerSE]

One of my resolutions for this year was to go and try some off road riding and see if I enjoyed it. I booked with the Yamaha school in Wales and then a few weeks before the course I had an email telling me that their workshops and bikes had been destroyed in a fire! With no other availability for that weekend I went camping with some mates instead.

Fast forward to now and after handing in my notice I've found myself with a week off in the most inhospitable time of the year - early January. So, much to Mrs Steelers annoyance (jealousy really), I'm going to Spain for a two day trail riding course with Lets Ride Spain. It would have been great with mates but nevertheless I think it's going to be the perfect head clearer before changing jobs.

It's also just me on the course at the moment which is ideal for a total offroad novice like me, but if anyone else is also thinking of taking the plunge then the course is on the 9th & 10th January 2018 and the website is https://www.letsridespain.com/

I can't wait!

[SteelerSE]

One week to go. I'm really excited, just need to get whatever kit together that I need.

[mchoody]

I've been with these guys before and just to say it's a very well run trip. I'll definitely be booking with them again. Have fun!

[Biker 1]

You lucky bugger!!! I went 5 years ago with this outfit: http://www.trailblazers-pro.com/index.htm

Sooooooooooo nice to escape the grim grey at this time of year.

[podman]

Be interested in your experiences, a friend of mine is thinking of doing this for his stag do later this year.

Cant go wrong by the look of it, very jealous myself..

[anonymous-user]

Got this penciled in for 2018.

Was thinking about Romania but price and Spanish beer tipped the scales...!

Also done the one in Wales you were meant to be on OP which is great but I reckon the KTMs I’m Spain will be a step up in the fun stakes.

If I can make a recommendation, check out some enduro training vids on YouTube. Lots of great basic info on there that has helped my riding technique a lot over the past few years.

Enjoy OP. You will love it and be completely fking knackered after it!

[BobSaunders]

I'm doing Romania this year.

Just signing myself up for some stuff in Spain later in the year, and will be focussing on Wales during our summer.

[Biker 1]

podman said:

Be interested in your experiences, a friend of mine is thinking of doing this for his stag do later this year.

Cant go wrong by the look of it, very jealous myself..

You can go very very very wrong if you're not careful!! A bloke in our group high-sided into a large rock & broke his leg in two places & also his wrists. Could be very dodgy if mixed up with stag-do alcohol & hangovers.....

[SteelerSE]

Thank you all - it was a spur of the moment decision and I'm excited but nervous as I'm an unfit novice.

The YouTube video advice is an excellent shout - I'll be doing that.

Any advice on what other stuff to take (layers etc)?

[LuS1fer]

I'd take some thin fleece layers as weather is not always guaranteed.
Not cold, more like a British summer but it can rain.
The higher the altitude, the less reliable the weather, you can go from sun to snow by climbing the mountains but Fuengirola should be fine.

[SteelerSE]

Thank you - that's exactly what I was wondering about.

[BobSaunders]

To be honest, i would call or email them - they should be able to advise you on what to take based on the conditions. It looks like most gear is supplied anyway. Just verify with them.

Enduro is f**king knackering if your trooping along at some speed in places or having to haul the bike around (ruts etc.) and your be up on the pegs all day. You will be warm on the bike due to moving around alot.

What they wont supply is base layers - look at the helly hansen stuff x2 / just wash in the shower/sink and hang up to dry. It will wick the sweat off and also keep you warm/dry/cool as applicable. Worst case the football/rugby under armour 'heat gear' stuff does the same.

Thin waterproof cycling waterproof thing (see Decathlon) to keep any wind off when stopped and retain some heat, and keep you dry-ish on the bike in any rain. No harm having it.

Are they supplying you with water? if not a small thinline camelback rucksack (for said thin waterproof and a snack bar) with tube/sucker. I'd stick some electrolyte tabs stuff in - SIS Go for example. If anything it might just help you keep going the next day :-)

Make sure your insurance is up to scratch and covered (i would call them) and you have your E111.

My first time i was battered and bruised and sore for days (after one day) and several 'off's'. Take some paracetamol/nurofen.

[Felters]

I live the other side of Malaga from Fuengirola - but was there yesterday. Weather here is warm and sunny on the coast but windy up in the "campo" where I guess you'll be. Try not to get cold when you stop for lunch/coffee etc.As has been said, base layers that wick properly are essential. Looks like great fun though. Hmmm....

[Biker 1]

Insurance: pay the extra & get specialist travel insurance that specifically covers off-road motorcycling. If memory serves, it was about £50 for a week. Whatever you do, do not ride beyond your capability &/or try to out-ride others. It always ends in tears.

[LuS1fer]

And don't forget you can only get paracetamol and ibuprofen in pharmacies where you will get severely rogered in the wallet. Best take 16p boxes with you.

[SteelerSE]

Got the kit pretty much sorted now thanks to all the suggestions. For anyone else looking Costco have full base layer tops and bottoms for £11 which worked for me.

Thankfully it's just me on the course so probably a very dull couple of days for the poor instructor. Can't wait though.

[BobSaunders]

Just remembered. Couple pairs of socks - if you can carry a spare in said small rucksack... No one likes wet feet.

[SteelerSE]

Good call - I think I can blag some skiing socks from somewhere.