Mountain Biking Holidays
Posted on January 14th, 2010 in Nice Place | No Comments »
Basque Country, sitting partially in the north-west Spain and partly in the south-west France, is hosting an absurd combination of visitors, all of the surfers, the promises made by one of the world’s best ads, surfing the rich Spanish and French looking for a pleasant climate, magnificent beaches and sophisticated cities, to make them here.
The country is certainly beautiful, with its lush green mountains, almost crossing the long sandy beaches and dipping their fingers in the pure blue of the Atlantic. These mountains, which, throughout history, ringed the Basque Country and kept it separate from the rest of Europe, which contributes to its culture, language and, to some extent, genetics, different. In addition, these mountains, which are beginning to attract lovers of mountain bikes in the region, seeking to find somewhere new to ride.
In the Spanish Civil War, Franco is rumored to have banned the bikes in the Basque Country and it is easy to understand why this may be true; bikes can get to places that would be impossible in a jeep or even a horse, and fast enough to get into hidden valley too far from civilization as to be accessible on foot, it certainly is a major advantage for the Basque rebel forces. It also makes a great mountain bike.
Meeting of the Pyrenees, the Basque mountains and ridges along the long coastline, means that is unparalleled diversity of mountain biking in the region. Sandy SingleTrack along the sea cliffs and steep technical switchbacks to a great mountain setting, within fifteen minutes of each other. Driving in this area can be adapted to riders of all levels, from beginners to a number of professional racers, but that’s not all about horses, it would be a shame not to rent a surfboard and try the local breaks after a hard day on the bike, the same way it would be impolite do not take in some local pintxos, (Basque tapas), and Sidre, (local cider) in a bar in San Sebastian.
The Basque Country is well served by transport links with major airports in Bilbao, Biarritz, for those of you who have decided to fly, the ferry terminal in Bilbao and Santander regular ferries from the UK, as well as the TGV line from Paris to Biarritz which takes just over four hours.
Best time to visit the Basque Country are totally dependent on what you’re here. For experienced surfers, later part of the year brings big waves, so, starting in September will have more time. For those of you who intend to lie on the beach in hot weather is from mid June to August. For the rest of the climate very pleasant from March to October, of course, a great temperature for active sports like mountain biking without hot depressing, as in other parts of Spain. Winter can be very wet and cold, though it is probably best to avoid the time, if possible.