Road Cycling in Spain – 5 Things to Remember

When planning your road cycling holiday in Spain you will need to consider the usual things like, where to go, how to get there, how long to go for, guided or self led etc etc. Spain is a fantastic location for your cycling holiday and Andalucia, for me, is the best place to be. With over 320 days of sunshine a year and some of the best road cycling terrain there is something for everyone to enjoy. Road cycling in Andalucia, southern Spain is just like riding at home you will need to take the usual stuff, spare inner tube, tyre levers, mini tool, pump, camera/phone, snacks, cash, drinks the list goes on

However, here are 5 things you will need to know to keep yourself, your family and your riding companions safe whilst road cycling in Spain

1. Always Carry Identification. It is law in Spain for everyone to carry ID, this needs to be photographic ID like your passport or driving license. Your library card wont be suffice!! The Police can stop you at any time and ask you to Identify yourself, failure to do so can lead to a substantial fine.
2. Highway Code. Here are the main points.
   • It is the law to wear a cycling helmet.
   • You can ride 2 abreast on the road but not 3 abreast.
   • Do not drink (alcohol) and ride.
   • Remember to ride on the right hand side of the road.
   • The Highway Code also states that if there is an accident between a vehicle and a cyclist it is automatically assumed to be the vehicle drivers fault.
3. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration. After a good nights sleep we all wake up slightly de-hydrated (check the colour of your pee on your first wee of the day). So the most important thing to do to start the day is to drink. However, don’t just flood your body with water as this can slush out all the salts in your body. I’ll have tea 2-3 mugs full, fresh juice, water &/or isotonic drinks. Try to consume 1.5-2 litres before you go out or enough to have a clear pee before you go out. Don’t stop drinking once you get out on the bike. You should be drinking 1x800ml bidon per 30-40 minutes on the bike. Take two bottles one filled with electrolyte/isotonic/sports energy drink and the other just water. In the warmer months put one of your bottles in a freezer overnight to have ice cold water on your ride.
4. Protection. Apply sun cream to stop getting sun burnt. Trust me it is not pleasant having to ride the next day with sun burnt arms, so cover up. If you are prone to burning, I am, then you may even consider wearing long sleeve cotton tops to start off with. A cotton buff for the neck is good too as you can always soak this in water to keep cool. If you are out all day don’t forget to re-apply!
5. Keep Safe Whilst Riding. After a few days of riding on quiet roads where you see very few vehicles please do not start to cut corners, especially blind ones, stay on your side of the road. If by chance you meet a vehicle coming uphill whilst you are descending, they will generally be in the middle of the road, if you are cutting the corner this will leave little room/time to manoeuvre around said vehicle. Take your time descending, save your energy for the ups and keep on your side of the road.

Contact us if you want a safely organised cycling holiday in Spain.