Early this morning I set off on my mountain bike in search of some more quality single track trails on the Sierra de Lijar. This is an area that I've ridden many times before but always taking the same singletrack route down into Algodonales. Recently, whilst out on my road bike cycling towards Algodonales from Montecorto, on the A374, I have noticed a zig zag path down the Sierra de Lijar which I have been meaning to get out and discover. Today was the day.

I had prepared well for a hard days ride, a good hearty breakfast, eggs, toast, cereals, fruit with plenty of water/energy drinks, a stash of energy bars in the Camelback which was fully loaded with 3 litres of water and a good smoothering of sun cream should stop me from burning up.

At 8am I left Algodonales and rode to the base of the Lijar, it was already 20 degrees, the sky was blue with not a cloud in sight and the sun was starting to warm the cool morning air. In front of me was 90 minutes of hard climbing on vehicle width forestry tracks to the summit. Half way up and I stop, for second breakfast, at a picnic table which has stunning views of the Peñon Zaframagon, a large limestone outcrop of rock on the Via Verde, which is home to a colony of Griffon Vultures. Back on the bike and the temperature is steadily rising. I reach the summit at 9.55am and have failed to spot any entry points for the singletrack that I was looking for. I am sat at one of the many launch sites, on the Lijar, for the local paragliding school and taking another breather whilst admiring the stunning views over Zahara, the lake, Las Palomas and the Grazalema Natural Park, I know that immediately below me is that zig zag track that I was hoping to ride, however, I don't much fancy the idea of riding straight off the edge of the mountain just to find it.

I'm well over half way through the 3 litres of water, the sun is beating down, the temperatures begin to soar and I'm starting to resemble a water fountain with the amount of sweating I'm doing. My plan was to be back down in Algodonales by 11am before it gets far too hot to ride. With this in mind I abandon my quest and ride back down the vehicle width track for 2.5km before picking up my favourite section of single track trail in this area. 90 mintues of hard climbing equals 25 minutes of singletrack heaven!!

I'm back in Algodonales but not before taking a tumble over the handle bars. With the heat draining my energy and concentration starting to stray I'm entering into a section of switchbacks and drop offs with a touch too much speed and, like many of the paragliders on the Lijar, I'm airbourne. A few scratches and bruises a dusting of mud dust and a broken back brake lever leaves me feeling shaken, but not stirred, and a tricky remaining descent with only the front brake.....which is never a good option on so much loose gravel and rocks. Oh well, back again tomorrow!

So, how much water/energy sports drinks do you need to drink when riding on a hot day in western Andalucia southern Spain?

Well I had a litre of drinks with breakfast, 3 litres of water whilst riding and a further 2 litres of water/recovery drinks at home during the day after the ride and thats not including cups of tea.

So when you head off out mountain biking, in the summer heat, be prepared, take plenty of supplies food/waterand make sure you stay hydrated. If you are riding in unfamiliar territory when on holiday I would always reccomend using a local guide who knows the area well.

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