NEW
FOR 2011
TWO CONTINENTS RIDE - THE PILLARS
OF HERCULES
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive Malaga airport and transfer to Tarifa, a coastal
town steeped in history and the most southerly point in
Europe famous for its expansive beaches and buzzing nightlife,
build bikes and prepare for next day’s ride. Spend
the night in Tarifa.
Day 2
At first light we ride out of Tarifa heading for the mountain
nearby known as “Sierra de la Luna” or Moon
Mountain. Climbing up passed wind farms on the mountains
lower ridges we see vultures circle high above in their
dozens. A forest track takes us up towards the peak and
on arrival at the top (837m) we can see over to Morocco
and the most northerly peak of the Riff Mountains, “Jebel
Musa” This is tomorrows ride but for now we concentrate
on getting back to the coast.
The descent takes us through breathtaking cork oak forests
on very narrow single track with rock gardens, switchbacks
and drops where a slack geometry and full travel is applied.
The mountain is humid so there is lush vegetation all round.
Following a river the trail clings to the side of the valley
and with North Africa visible across the Straits of Gibraltar
we stay off the brakes while rushing towards the Med in
anticipation. Our arrival back in Tarifa greets us with
a hot shower, more revelling and a good night’s sleep.
DAY 3
An early start with breakfast in Tarifa followed by a 25
minute transfer to the port of Algeciras. Today we cross
the straits of Gibraltar at the point where the Atlantic
meets the Med, Europe meets Africa, Christianity meets Islam
and El Levante wind from the east meets El Poniente wind
from the west. This crossing has been made by countless
peoples over the centuries but still the difference between
the two continents remains stark. Hercules is said to have
smashed a through a mountain here to create safe passage
for ships through the Straits of Gibraltar and the mythical
Pillars of Hercules. Tangier Med ferry port comes into view
and after only 35 minutes at sea we’re about to start
the African leg of our journey.
The beach at Beliunech is our starting point for the assent
of Jebel Musa. Mount Moses in English is stunning rock rising
directly out of the ocean to reach 852m; we start our climb
in this idyllic fishing village, the kind you don’t
get on the European side with the whole village busy fixing
nets or preparing boats. The climb is steep and rocky nearly
all the way up but effort is rewarded by the unfolding views
along the coast and across to Spain. One narrow ribbon of
single-track is all that remains of the old track it will
take a very good rider to stay in the pedals all the way.
At the pass a strong wind is guaranteed so we start our
final descent on exposed, narrow and very rocky single-track,
it’s bike handling at its most involving with switchback
corners, rock step ups and drop offs all within a few meters
of trail. The trail turns back on itself and we now ride
perfect coastal single-track with more views of Europe and
meetings with the local shepherds and their flocks. We round
the headland and roll back into town with the sun setting.
Tonight we spend in the cosmopolitan Spanish enclave of
Ceuta situated 2kms from Jebel Musa. Ceuta is a low tax
zone and we explore the melting pot of European and African
culture it offers.
DAY 4
Today we breakfast in Ceuta then hop on the ferry back
to Algeciras followed by a transfer to Malaga and your flight
home.
No-where else in the world will you experience such a unique
weekend on a mountain bike. This is a tough ride to complete
but taken over a long weekend we have more time to enjoy
the unique aspects of this part of the world.
For very strong riders the Two Continents can be ridden
in one day, this is an epic, a truly Herculean effort and
not to be taken lightly.
For information on dates and prices contact
shaun@ridesierranevada.com
More photos from this trip soon
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