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GETTING READY FOR CYCLING IN GUARA. TIPS FOR A PERFECT START
Having friends who are ‘hardcore’ cyclists can be a good incentive to take the plunge, although it can be a double-edged sword. Many of you tell us that you’d like to cycle around Guara but are worried you won’t be up to scratch. So today I’ve got nothing but good news if you want to get ready to enjoy cycling in Guara. I’m going to recommend specific routes tailored to those who want to get started, or to those of you who’ve decided you don’t need to be completely out of breath to enjoy a day’s cycling.
10 TIPS FOR A HAPPY AND SAFE START
Cycling through the Sierra de Guara can offer you unforgettable adventures, unique landscapes and the chance to visit villages that seem frozen in time – and it all starts with a ride:
Tip 1: Find the right bike.
The most common activity in Guara is mountain biking on all its slopes. It’s a versatile bike that’s a safe bet if you’re not sure which one to go for. A road bike will be your perfect companion if you prefer riding on tarmac. Gravel bikes are becoming increasingly common; they allow you to ride on well-maintained tracks or tarmac, depending on what suits you at the time. Gravel cycling is so popular that we even wrote an article about it at the time: https://bguara.com/actualidad-bguara/en-bicicleta-gravel-por-la-sierra-de-guara/
Tip 2: Make sure you’re properly equipped
Safety is essential. Buy a helmet that meets safety standards and make sure it fits properly. You’ll also need gloves to protect your hands and sunglasses to protect your eyes from insects, twigs or small stones. If you have any questions about bikes or equipment, we have a fully trusted partner: https://pedalstore.es/
Tip 3: Learn the basic techniques
Before venturing onto difficult terrain, master the basic riding techniques, such as braking, changing gears and balancing. Practise in safe areas before tackling bigger challenges. This is where friends can come in handy, but above all, it’s all about practice. Our family-friendly routes are perfect for this: https://bguara.com/rutas/ Complete the three routes we suggest and you’ll be raring to go to move up to the next level
Tip 4: Plan your routes
Guara is a beautiful place, but it isn’t a theme park. Do your research and plan your routes in advance. Start with easy routes and gradually increase the difficulty. You’ll find all the information you need in our suggested itineraries. If you’re feeling up to it and want more, you can combine several of them, download the track and enjoy the ride safe in the knowledge that you won’t get lost. This section between Colungo and Buera will allow you to view all the information we provide on our routes: https://bguara.com/ruta/rally/colungo-buera/
Tip 5: Start pedalling
It’s time to get started! Begin with short rides to get used to the bike and build up your stamina. Don’t worry about your speed at first; just enjoy the ride and the scenery – here, you can.
Tip 6: Keep safety in mind
If you’re out on the road, remember that you’re not Vingegaard in the Tour de France or Fernando Barceló in the Vuelta a España. Obey the traffic rules when you’re on the roads and be aware of your surroundings. Carry a basic repair kit with you and, above all, learn how to use it.
Tip 7: Explore and enjoy
You’ll discover some amazing places by bike. Enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings as you cycle. Stop, take some photos and breathe in the fresh air. I’d like to take this opportunity to suggest my favourite route: https://bguara.com/ruta/enduro/canon-del-rio-vero/ Mind you, this is for when you’ve already got plenty of rides under your belt.
Tip 8: Connect with other cyclists
Whether it’s your office crew, the local cycling club, or your brother-in-law… Cycling is more fun when you’re with others. And if you come to Guara as a group, you’re in for a treat. If you prefer to set off on your own and see what others are up to, there are apps like the ever-popular Strava, Wikiloc, Komoot and many others where you can check out other cyclists’ levels and discover the routes they take in each area.
Tip 9: Keep a record of your adventures
Keep track of your routes and achievements. This will motivate you to keep improving and set new goals. Here’s a link to over 40 routes: https://bguara.com/rutas/ but you’ll discover your own, combine them, and you can always return to your favourites.
Tip 10: Have fun and learn
99.9% of us are just weekend warriors. Some have higher ambitions than others, but they’re all cyclists at the end of the day. It doesn’t matter whether you complete the route in 1 or 4 hours; what matters is the fun you have along the way. And here, almost as an afterthought, I’ve suggested a few that are really, really interesting.
If you’re left wanting more and don’t know what to get up to on holiday, don’t miss the 207-kilometre road race that is the Vuelta a Guara. People go to the strangest places in search of cycling adventures, and that’s fine – as long as you’ve done the Vuelta a Guara first, either in one go or in stages. See you on the bikes! And don’t forget to say hello to your fellow cycling enthusiasts.
