Author: Victor Bosselaar
Trail riding in Spain offers a unique opportunity, a departure from your regular tarmac riding experience. It’s a chance to explore hidden corners of the countryside that are otherwise inaccessible on a regular motorbike, venturing deep into nature’s backyard. Whether you’re on a motorcycle tour and want a break from riding tarmac or a tourist looking for an adventurous detour from typical sightseeing, trail riding adds an exciting dimension to any Spanish adventure.
The beauty of trail riding in Spain is its accessibility, both geographically and in terms of skill level. Contrary to what you may believe, trail riding isn’t exclusive to expert riders. Anyone with basic motorbike skills can participate. And it’s something we make sure when we take riders out on our tours, we match trail difficulty with riders’ skill level.
A short ride out of cities like Barcelona, Valencia or Tarragona provide top rated off-road trails. Venture north an hour from Barcelona and you get the foothills of the Pyrenees. Thirty minutes north of Tarragona and you get the Prades Mountains.
What Defines Trail Riding in Spain?
In Spain, “trail riding” primarily refers to riding on unpaved public roads. While riding completely off-road or on designated hiking and biking trails is generally restricted unless you have permission on private land, there are still numerous areas where the terrain lends itself to off-road exploration, leading to secluded, “off-the-grid” locations with stunning scenery.
The Ideal Time for Trail Riding in Spain
Off-road riding demands a different kind of physical exertion compared to riding tarmac. Considering Spain’s sometimes intense heat, especially in certain regions, timing your trip is crucial. Fortunately, the best trail riding seasons often coincide with the shoulder seasons for tourism.
Generally, aim for spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). However, regional variations exist. Mountainous areas like the Pyrenees can get quite cold at the beginning and end of these periods, with shorter daylight hours impacting visibility and temperature. Avoid riding in July and August due to the potential for extreme heat in the interior of the country.
Trail riding can benefit your road riding
Trail riding offers a unique set of challenges that significantly enhance your overall motorbike riding skills. By venturing off-road, you encounter diverse terrain, including gravel, mud, sand, and rocks, forcing you to adapt and refine your bike handling techniques. Steeper inclines and descents demand precise throttle control and braking, while navigating tight turns improves your balance and coordination. These experiences build confidence and a deeper understanding of motorbike dynamics, making you a more skilled and adaptable rider on any road. Ultimately, trail riding translates to improved control, smoother cornering, and increased confidence on paved roads.
Outside of the skills benefit, adding a day of trail riding within a larger motorbike tour provides a break from the potential monotony of thousands of kilometers of tarmac riding.
Can I rent motorbikes for trail riding?
Most rental agencies don’t allow you to take their rental bikes off road, they have strict policies against it. However, some companies offer trail riding as a guided-tour option in addition to off-road worthy motorbike rentals, this ensures increased liability protection for the rental/tour company. We operate similarly, our guided tour packages are €120 for a full day of trail riding and the motorbikes are included. Or just €100 if you book our apartment rental for your stay. This includes use of motorcycle, kit if required, third party road insurance and guiding. Riders must hold at least an A2 licence and be over 25.
If you do plan to rent, regardless if it’s for off-road or for tarmac, make sure it’s from a reputable agency. A Google Maps search for motorbike rental agencies in “X” city will result in a hodgepodge of options, many of which either don’t rent motorbikes (motos can be considered Scooters), moto-sharing options which are short-term rentals, or sub-professional operators where you need to be careful with motorbike condition and return of deposit. Here’s a resource for motorbike rental agencies in Spain located in major tourism destinations.
Prime Trail Riding Destinations in Spain
The good news is, you can find excellent trail riding opportunities throughout Spain, particularly in mountainous regions. Choosing where to focus your research can be based on secondary factors or travel hobbies.
Foodies might gravitate towards Northern Spain, perhaps the Basque Country, where the western Pyrenees meet exceptional cuisine. Alternatively, Southern Spain’s Andalucia region is renowned for its vibrant tapas culture.
For history nerds, the area around Tarragona and southern Catalonia is your best bet. Tarragona was once the capital of Hispania Tarraconensis (Spain), a Roman province, serving as a major administrative and commercial hub. Evidence of its status as a major hub can be witnessed from the many sites of preserved Roman sites, including a large amphitheater, the Roman Forum the venue for public and administrative activities and the well-preserved city walls underscoring the city’s strategic importance.
And 45-minute east of Tarragona, the backcountry trails take you through many Spanish Civil War sites. The town of Corbera d’Ebre is survived only by its foundations after being destroyed during the decisive Battle of the Ebro.
The value of a local guide
While independent travel has its appeal, when it comes to trail riding, a local guide can significantly enhance your experience. Even for those who typically avoid guided tours, there are compelling reasons to consider one for off-road adventures:
● Local Expertise: Guides possess native knowledge of the area, ensuring you don’t waste time on dead-end trails and leading you to the best riding experiences. Digital navigation often proves unreliable in remote areas.
● Hidden Gems: Discover breathtaking viewpoints, charming secluded villages, and authentic local restaurants that you might otherwise miss.
● Safety: Accidents and mechanical issues can occur. A local guide can provide assistance, especially in remote areas where language barriers might pose challenges.
● Cultural and Historical Context: Spain is rich in history. A guide can paint a contextual background, sharing insights into the region’s past, from Roman times to the Spanish Civil War, adding a deeper dimension to your journey.
What gear do I need for trail riding?
You don’t need specialised dirt bike gear for trail riding; your regular motorcycle riding gear is usually adequate, as long as it meets basic safety requirements. However good boots, body armour and decent gloves, plus a suitable helmet of course, are important as the ground can be hard and rocky in places. Our tours are designed for all skill levels, and we maintain a safe and enjoyable pace for everyone. On our rides, we don’t push the ride pace and difficulty to a place that could be potentially hazardous, but we do recommend additional protective gear for our riders.
Conclusion
A trail riding adventure in Spain is highly recommended for any motorcycle enthusiast, regardless of skill level. It’s an activity more accessible than you may think and costs a fraction of what many motorcycle tours cost—€120 for our day tours including the motorbike. Whether you’re an experienced off-road rider or just beginning to explore the possibilities, venturing off the grid offers a unique experience, a departure from typical tourist activities and a chance to see a side of the country you wouldn’t otherwise encounter.