Boltin´ Benissa trails
Mountain biking Costa Blanca 13 - 17 November 2023
This is a tailor made programme for Karl, Peter and Roger. From Monday 13th November onwards we will take you on four MTB rides in the Benissa area. This programme is not carved in stone and may develop over the week taking into account both your wishes and experience as well as possible weather or other natural circumstances that may impact the rides. The main purpose of the programme is to give you a taste of what to expect and hopefully get you in the mood for some good riding on the Spanish Costa Blanca.
This is a tailor made programme for Karl, Peter and Roger. From Monday 13th November onwards we will take you on four MTB rides in the Benissa area. This programme is not carved in stone and may develop over the week taking into account both your wishes and experience as well as possible weather or other natural circumstances that may impact the rides. The main purpose of the programme is to give you a taste of what to expect and hopefully get you in the mood for some good riding on the Spanish Costa Blanca.
This is what we have in mind
Day 1 and 2: Warming up
The first day is all about getting to know the bikes and the terrain. To do so, on day 1 we´ve chosen some nice, flowy trails down to Calpe. The day starts with a good run down before we climb the Sierra Olta from where we have beautiful seaviews. Facing the Mediterranean we descent to the town of Calpe for a coffee / lunch break. After lunch we work our way back up to Benissa.
This day we´ll ride about 45 K with some 1.100 meters of climbing.
The first day is all about getting to know the bikes and the terrain. To do so, on day 1 we´ve chosen some nice, flowy trails down to Calpe. The day starts with a good run down before we climb the Sierra Olta from where we have beautiful seaviews. Facing the Mediterranean we descent to the town of Calpe for a coffee / lunch break. After lunch we work our way back up to Benissa.
This day we´ll ride about 45 K with some 1.100 meters of climbing.
On day 2 we start again from Benissa following some backroads to the town of Teulada. There we climb a big hill called Tossal Gros which means big hill in our local language ;-). From the top of the hill we should again have some beautiful views over the Med. We then descend for about 3 K, one of the longest continuous (off road) descents you can do here so close to the coast. The descent is not super technical but quite steep at some points. Once down we follow nice tracks to the village of Gata de Gorgos for our lunch break. After the break we take on some good tracks around Gata and finally make our way back to Benissa.
When we finish we should have covered another 40 - 45 K with some 900 meters of climbing.
When we finish we should have covered another 40 - 45 K with some 900 meters of climbing.
Day 3: Trail day
On this day we´ll ride the best selection of the rocky trails around Benissa. It will be a continuous series of climbs followed by descents. This is where the introduction to the terrain on the first two days will pay off, as well as the rest day on Wednesday. Although the ride - with around 40 K and 900 meters of ascent - is not that long, it will be demanding as a result of the interval between climbing and descending, as well as the terrain. Of course there will be time to stop for food and drinks.
Day 4: Finishing on a high
Our last stay starts not in Benissa, but in the village of Finestrat, a mountain village behind Benidorm. From here we have access to some really nice, flowy trails set in - you might not believe it maybe having just read the word Benidorm... - beautiful nature. The ride is approx. 35 K and 900 meters of climbing.
Our last stay starts not in Benissa, but in the village of Finestrat, a mountain village behind Benidorm. From here we have access to some really nice, flowy trails set in - you might not believe it maybe having just read the word Benidorm... - beautiful nature. The ride is approx. 35 K and 900 meters of climbing.
We break for lunch in a lovely Spanish village named Orcheta from where we climb a nearby hill and subsequently descend to a reservoir lake. We cruise around the lake and hit another set of good trails before arriving back in Finestrat.
Trail grade: challenging at times but nothing too crazy
A good fitness is essential as there will considerable climbing involved. As far as skills are concerned, the experienced XC or all mountain rider should be able to enjoy these rides. There will be technical descents, mainly due to the loose, rocky surface but don't expect black runs.
There will be no gap jumps or any other sections where our wheels need to temporarily leave the ground. However, Benissa trails are not known to be very forgiving. Some trails have sharp, pointy rocks where you don´t want to crash your knee onto. Others have loose, chunky gravel where you might struggle to find grip. Again, the experienced rider will be able to deal with these circumstances but you need to always be focused when riding. We also advise you to make sure you can always choose your own line - don´t stay too close to the rider in front of you and never ride "blind".
Wearing protection or not - other than a helmet - is a personal choice. Bringing knee (and maybe elbow) pads, especially for the third day, might be advised. A back protector is also a personal choice.
There will be no gap jumps or any other sections where our wheels need to temporarily leave the ground. However, Benissa trails are not known to be very forgiving. Some trails have sharp, pointy rocks where you don´t want to crash your knee onto. Others have loose, chunky gravel where you might struggle to find grip. Again, the experienced rider will be able to deal with these circumstances but you need to always be focused when riding. We also advise you to make sure you can always choose your own line - don´t stay too close to the rider in front of you and never ride "blind".
Wearing protection or not - other than a helmet - is a personal choice. Bringing knee (and maybe elbow) pads, especially for the third day, might be advised. A back protector is also a personal choice.
Some practical remarks
- On day 1, 2 and 3 we´ll start and finish in Benissa. The bikes will be transported to a car park near your accommodation. The exact meeting point will be send via Whatsapp on Sunday 12th. We suggest to meet around 09.30 am.
- On day 4 you and the bikes will be transported to Finestrat. And back of course.
- We might be joined by other riders on one or more days. They will be experienced enough to join the ride.
- My telephone number, should you wish to have it and / or pass it to next of kin, is +34 654852209.
- Around Friday 8th we´ll send the weather forecast. Sooner would not make sense as in this area - with land and sea so close as well as mountains - it is hard to predict the weather long in advance. However, we can already say it is advised to wear layers of clothes that can easily be taking off or put on. In this time of year the temperature differences between e.g. in the shade and wind early morning versus in the sun without wind in the afternoon can be huge. It is recommended to bring a back pack / hydration rucksack.
- Sun protection is strongly recommended.
- I assume you will bring your own helmets. Please let me know if you will also bring your own pedals, or not.
Looking forward to be riding with you all soon,
¡Hasta pronto!,
Mike
Snakebite MTB
¡Hasta pronto!,
Mike
Snakebite MTB