Mountain biking in Spain: Part two
Driving back down to the valley floor and past the hydro electric power station, we moved on to the north of the gorge for the second part of our ride.
In contrast to the dusty trails of the morning, the terrain was now rockier and more sharply undulating. Much of our route led across bare "slickrock", huge rounded lumps of limestone that poked out of the dirt across the hillside.
Jim rode in front, showing the line to follow, offering tips on body positioning and warning of hidden dangers around corners. Now the riding was closer to the black graded routes on Britain's man-made trails, slower but more involving.
The bare rock offered loads of grip and it was immensely satisfying to roll across or down off-camber sections, trusting the tyres and brakes to modulate my speed and deliver me safely to the bottom of a particular trail section.
Jim explained that the riding we were doing was roughly in the middle of his menu, in terms of difficulty - but that he tailors rides to the skills, fitness and taste of specific groups.
In fact, the huge variety and endless quantity of trails in Spain means there's pretty much something for everyone, from complete beginners to professionals.
It might be possible to do a Spanish mountain biking holiday without a local guide - but it might well end up a frustrating experience as you failed to find trails of the quality that an ex-pat professional like Jim can show you.
We stayed in Seasonally UNadjusted's finca in Alora, which is spotlessly clean, spacious - and has a well-stocked fridge.
* Holidays cost £325 for seven nights B&B, which includes airport pickup, bed and breakfast accomodation and guided riding each day (with one rest day), or £110 for a two-night weekend break on the same basis. Check out the website for more info.
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