It’s amazing how a few Dirt Bike Pictures can speak volumes, isn’t it? They can instantly transport you to a place, showcasing an adventure and an experience in a way words sometimes struggle to capture. Looking at your photos of riding in southern Spain, it’s clear you discovered the kind of off-road riding I was hoping for when I booked a guided tour there myself. Unfortunately, my experience didn’t quite live up to the dream.
My tour, while in the same beautiful region of southern Spain, turned out to be a completely different ride. Instead of the thrilling trails I envisioned – the kind your dirt bike pictures hint at – we spent the vast majority of our time on fire roads. I’d estimate a staggering 85-90% of the riding was on these wider, graded roads. As someone who lives for singletrack, that was a real disappointment. It wasn’t the technical, engaging off-road experience I traveled to Spain for. Later, I learned about a Spanish law concerning motorized vehicles on trails less than 4 meters wide. While it seemed unenforced in the areas we rode, it certainly explained the constant fire road routes.
The bike setup also significantly detracted from the experience. Even simple, basic adjustments to the bikes were refused by the tour operator. For the price of the tour, I found this unacceptable. My foot brake lever, clearly bent inwards from a previous crash and protected by a clutch cover, was incredibly difficult to reach. Imagine needing to brake suddenly and not being able to easily find the lever! It was a constant source of frustration and hampered my control, especially in technical sections.
Furthermore, the guides displayed a surprising reluctance to tackle even minor hill climbs. Their concern about potential bike damage, even after I demonstrated my riding ability, was perplexing. It felt like every opportunity for a bit of challenging and rewarding off-road riding was avoided. This overly cautious approach further limited the type of terrain we could explore and ultimately, the enjoyment of the tour.
Seeing the Spanish countryside was undoubtedly a pleasant experience. The scenery was beautiful, but the lack of proper trails and the poorly configured bikes resulted in a rather underwhelming trip. It was a “meh” experience, as I mentioned before. Ironically, I had far more exhilarating rides on downhill mountain bike trails back home.
However, your dirt bike pictures and write-up paint a completely different picture. They showcase the kind of riding I was truly hoping for in Spain – genuine off-road trails, stunning scenery, and what looks like a much more adventurous and well-organized tour. Based on what I see in your photos and read in your description, if I decide to give a guided dirt bike tour in Spain another try, I will definitely be looking into the company you rode with. Thanks for sharing your experience and those captivating dirt bike pictures – they’ve given me hope for a better Spanish riding adventure in the future.
