The autumn season is in full swing. Alpine bike parks are already closed. Local trail centers at Northern Europe also will soon be closing. Days are aleady incredibly short, and the weather outside isn’t inviting for riding. The alternative? Escape to the south of Europe. Almost everyone has probably been to Finale Ligurie and the surrounding area, but maybe something else? Spain has already been known for winter cycling trips other than enduro or downhill, but the Ride Southern Spain team is working hard to attract more gravity oriented bike enthusiasts. In March 2025, I managed to visit one of their local trails.
Ride Southern Spain
In March 2025, my wife and I found ourselves on a week-long campervan trip near Malaga. It wasn’t a trip with biking in mind. But when I was browsing the attractions, I came across the RSS team, and I thought maybe I could squeeze in at least a day of riding into our trip. I quickly messaged them to see if they were working and if they had a spare bike for rent that time. A moment later, I got a reply: “Sure, you’re welcome!” A quick online search showed me that the company had been operating there for quite a few years. They offer enduro and downhill riding, uplifted by shuttle bus service. The terrain and trails are varied. There’s something for both warm-ups and serious descents. At february 2025 it was the place chosen by the AON Racing DH World Cup team, led by Reece Wilson, for some test riding before World Cup season. Brendog and his happy crew also regularly visit Ride Southern Spain crew. The company was founded by Andy Weames, who enjoys downhill racing himself. He’s a Brit who moved to southern Spain to escape the wet winter conditions. The vast majority of guests here are riders from the UK, and that’s where this place is most popular. There’s already a lot of information about Ride Southern Spain from different media. I definitely encourage You to check it out, and later, of course give it a try yourself!
Ride Southern Spain – Andalusia – Lanjaron
Ride Southern Spain is based in Lanjaron. It’s located on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, about a half-hour drive from Granada. The easiest way to get there from the North of Europe is by flying to Malaga. It is about an hour and a half drive from the RSS base. The company offers bikers comprehensive packages that include airport transfers, accommodations, meals, daily shuttle buses to the trails, and, of course, guiding. Trips typically last 4-7 days. There are DH weeks, enduro weeks, women weeks or typical learning weeks. For those with a lot of free time but not necessarily a large budget, there are “Dig Week” programs.
Ride Southern Spain – Lanjaron DH
I visited the Ride Southern Spain team while they had a group focused on downhill training. The day I joined, the first half of the day was planned for the pretty easy, but interesting Lanjaron DH trail. It’s located on the slopes near the town. It’s described on Trailforks as La Yesera and offers just under 2 km of trail length and 311 meters of elevation. A shuttle bus took us straight to the start. There, I picked up a rental Commencal downhill bike. This is also where I learned that the RSS rental bike has “British” brakes. Meaning the front brake is on the right and the rear brake is on the left, so the opposite to what’s I’m used to. It’s good that it was a relatively easy trail and the conditions were good. We decided not to mess around with changing levers or bleeding brakes, but I just ride it easily. I rode the trail three times and managed to have some fun, and get a feel of the spanish trails. With one more bike defects I decided not to try the next trail which was black and really difficult. I’d definitely love to return here for a longer time and on my bike, as there’s plenty of awesome terrain to ride.
Ride Southern Spain – Perfect for winter season
The Ride Southern Spain team welcomes guests from October to June. Summer is too hot, and most riders are then in Morzine and other Alpine resorts. Various themed trips are available thru autumn, winter, and spring. You can gather your own bigger group. But registration is also open to individuals who will be included in group rides. Everything can be arranged directly with the RSS team. You can find the most up-to-date offers on their official website. Although a large ski center operates in the Sierra Nevada’s highest peaks during winter, the weather in the lower parts of the mountains is relatively stable. You’ll propably encounter more heavy dust, rather than mud. March 2025 was quite unpredictable weather-wise in Spain, with numerous floods and rains, but still conditions on the DH trail were very good. Choosing to go in early autumn or later spring allows you to easily combine bike rides with an afternoon swim in the sea. There is also a new project called Ride Trans Nevada. It is launched for the first time in the winter of 2025/2026. It’s a more relaxed, scenic tour of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. In short, Ride Southern Spain offer is an interesting alternative for winter bike riding.
About Ride Southern Spain
Ride Southern Spain is a company that allows You to have a good ride even at middle of the winter. Just travel to Malaga in Spain, and RSS will provide you with transfers, accommodations, meals, shuttle bus transportation, and guided tours along the best trails available in southern Spain. A combination of mountains, trails, and beautiful beaches. What could be better?
Official website: ridesouthernspain.com
Media: facebook, instagram