All Mountain trip Hidden Rioja
(and The Spanish Utah)
Ride red dirt trails at the Spanish Utah and two days of singletrack through abandoned villages and thrilling descents at Hidden Rioja.
Explore Low Aragón and Rioja on a guided weekend of mountain biking. We’ll ride “The Spanish Utah”, cast and clay trails that feels like riding in Mars and the very uninhabited Hidden Rioja making a tour through villages abandoned in the 60’s and two big descents from a ridge nested stone made town.
The Spanish Utah is in western Aragón close to Zaragoza. It’s a desert area formed by cast and clay from the tertiary age. It has geological formations eroded by thousands of years and it’s usually sunny with cool/warm weather.
Igea is located in the southeastern Rioja. As it’s very uninhabited we call it the Hidden Rioja because trails are only known by locals and us (of course) after riding many destinations in Spain we were invited to ride by the hostel owner and immediately we knew it was a top mountain biking destination. With trails meandering by alpine hillsides you’ll struggle to keep focused on the trail and not being distracted by the breathtaking vistas.
The abandoned villages tour will challenge your mind as you’ll have to believe your eyes thinking you are still in europe in the 21st century.
The Spanish Utah
We’ll pick you up at the airport (before 10am) or hotel and drive to the Spanish Utah where we’ll have a light lunch (not included) then ride for about 3 to 4 hours. Gravel road and canyon creek climb to reach our first descend by red dirt to “Mars”. Then push the bike shortly to reach the second climb by gravel road and hike-a-bike for 10 minutes to summit a plateau from where we’ll enjoy the vistas. Short steep descent for more vistas. Down by a creek to link the final thrilling flow descent.
Drive for Igea (La Rioja) to check in at our hostel, have dinner and brief the weekend. Driving from Madrid the Spanish Utah 2h. Driving from Spanish Utah to Igea 1,5h.
Abandoned villages tour
After breakfast we’ll ride a tour that passes by three old villages abandoned in the 60`s. It’s the more adventurous tour of the weekend as it goes along a river with some exposed cliffs (not high) and thick vegetation in some places. The trail is not very technical, but the feeling during the tour is of being deep in the backcountry. Although the distance is not long the tour might take more than 5 hours, we’ll make a lunch stop and as many photo stops as possible.
Let’s go down!
Previous days might have left us tired. So we planned two uplifts for sunday morning to ride a couple of amazing descents through a breathtaking hillside with fantastic vistas to the sierras. We’ll ride two alpine exposed trails starting from a stone village nested on top of a mountain.
After the last descents we’ll go back to our accommodation for lunch and pack to drive back to Madrid for 3 hours.
You will stay at a rural hostel in Igea (La Rioja). The hostel features rooms with comfortable new bunk beds, shared bathroom facilities, hot showers, a restaurant and wifi. Double rooms upgrades are available. The hotel is fully renewed.
This trip is perfect for mid level to expert mountain bikers looking for an adventurous weekend exploring the hidden trails of Spain.
Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.
- Flights
- Accommodation before and after the tour
- Mountain bike and associated gear – can be arranged by your host €55 per day
- Lunch on the first day
- Travel insurance that covers mountain biking
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your guides (optional)
November, 10-12 2017
+ Two nights fully catered accommodation in a rural hostel.
+ Three days guided mountain bike riding.
+ Airport transfers to and from Madrid
+ All transfers during the weekend.
350€ p/p
Book a place to Rioja
Arrive to Madrid the day before the trip or the same day before 10am. You will be picked up at a hotel (not included) close to Madrid-Barajas airport or the airport itself around 10am on Friday. We’ll be in touch before the trip to finalize details.
On Sunday you will be dropped off at Madrid-Barajas airport or hotel. You are free to book any flight after 20:00. We’ll be in touch before the trip to finalize details.
Madrid-Barajas is served by frequent, inexpensive flights, including well-timed direct flights from Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Geneva, London, Lyon, Munich, Paris, Zurich… You can get any flights that suit you, but make sure they fit the times above to take advantage of the included transfers. We will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 people, and a maximum of 6. Please note, if there are not 4 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled.
Sure can come on your own! A lot of people do, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
The hostel serves typical Spanish food. Meals center around pork products, beans dishes and vegetarian dishes are also available.
Can my dietary needs be accommodated? Absolutely! Just let us know at booking.
Weather is very pleasant in La Rioja. Temperatures range from 10 to 25 °C and it doesn’t rains often.
Pack your usual mountain biking equipment, as well as knee and elbow pads (the trails are rough), a light rain jacket, and a spare tube and other quick-fix repair items. You can borrow a helmet from your host if needed.
