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Mountain Biking in the Alpujarras Kilometres of open ground. A mountain biker's paradise.. Mountain biking
and cycling are viewed as both serious sports and a relaxing pastime
in Andalucia. It is not unusual to be overtaken by a group of lycra-clad
cyclists tackling the steep mountain roads, or meet groups of mountain
bikers riding the many superb trails and fire roads, particularly at
weekends. In
Spain as a whole, cycling is a popular competitive sport, with over
5,000 annual cycling races and events staged at all levels throughout
the country. These include many professional races, such as the tour
of Spain (la
Vuelta, pronounced 'la Bwelta') held over three weeks in April
and May and is the third most important world cycle race after the tours
of France (Tour
de France) and Italy
(Giro d'Italia). The area is remarkably green throughout the year. This is due to the network of acequias that bring water down from the mountains in a complex series of channels to water the farmland and terraces lower down the hillsides. In spring, summer and autumn many of these channels are filled with running water. The acequias were built over a thousand years ago by the Moors who also cultivated the steep land using terraces. The combination of terraces, water and flat-roofed houses remind many people of the mountain villages of the Atlas mountains of Morocco. Just one of the many superb Cortijo's for rent that abound in the area. |
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