5 BIKE ROUTES THROUGH THE DESERT IN SPAIN

Una ruta en bicicleta por el desierto puede ser un desafío sumamente emocionante. El 28 de abril comienza en Marruecos una de las competiciones ciclistas por el desierto más exigentes del mundo: la Titan Desert Morocco. Se trata de 6 días de superación y "constantes desafíos deportivos y personales". Recorrer el desierto en bicicleta es un desafío que implica lucha y superación. Sin embargo, ¿sabías que no es necesario salir de España para disfrutar de increíbles rutas en bicicleta por el desierto?

Whether you are looking for challenges or to discover incredible landscapes of film (Hollywood scenarios, literally), today we present you 5 incredible bike routes through deserts of Spain. You may not see camels, but you will be transported to faraway places.

LAS TABERNAS DESERT: BIKE ROUTE THROUGH THE AUTHENTIC DESERT AUTHENTIC

If we talk about deserts and Spain, Tabernas is the name. With a bike route through the Tabernas Desert you will immerse yourself in landscapes that seem to never end. Tabernas is the only desert in Europe: mountain ranges, peaks, trails, rivers and even an oasis like Lawrence of Arabia.

This bike route through the Almería desert includes iconic settings from the history of Western cinema, such as those in Gérgal and El Cóndor, as well as Old West theme parks like Mini Hollywood and Fort Bravo. And it wasn't clickbait – iconic Hollywood movies have indeed been filmed here. Undoubtedly, a territory worth exploring: a mountain biking route through the Tabernas desert is an unforgettable experience.

More info about the route here

BICYCLE TRIP TO THE LOS MONEGROS DESERT

Actually, Los Monegros is the ultimate destination when it comes to biking routes through the desert in Spain. With thousands of kilometers of trails, Europe's living desert becomes the ideal place to enjoy biking routes of all difficulties and levels through an immense landscape of stone and sand.

It hosts the Orbea Monegros, a marathon of over 100km by bike through the desert or nearly 80km in its short version. If you don't feel prepared to face such a challenge (don't worry, we don't either), we recommend exploring any of the stages of the Transmonegrina: a series of non-competitive tests and cycling routes through the Monegros desert of medium difficulty to explore one of the country's most special environments.

BARDENAS REALES NATURAL PARK: BIKE THROUGH A HYPNOTIC DESERT

Undoubtedly, a bike route through the semi-desert of the Bardenas Reales is one of the most spectacular cycling excursions in Navarra. We will explore all the points of interest of the Bardena Blanca such as the Castildetierra to reach the castle of Peñaflor. This bike route traverses a desert unique for its peculiar and hypnotic shapes and colors. Passing through the Paso de los Ciervos and from the top of the Estorza, you will inevitably be transported to the Grand Canyon of Colorado. You can follow the Lagunas del Blecho for a moderately difficult bike route or step up the challenge and dare with El Rallón and La Ralla. Whatever your choice, you will be amazed by this route with fascinating landscapes.

More information about the route here.

CYCLING ROUTE THROUGH THE GORAFE DESERT: DOLMENS AND BAD LANDS

Cycling through the Gorafe Desert isn't just about biking through the desert; it's about immersing yourself in emptiness and exploring one of the largest megalithic parks in Europe. Amidst gullies and dolmens, "Los Coloraos" and the bad lands plunge you into a landscape reminiscent of African scenery. Passing by the Don Diego viewpoint, it's worth taking the small trail to behold unimaginable views. For many, the Gorafe route is the most beautiful desert biking route in Spain.

More info about the route here.

LANZAROTE, A VOLCANIC DESERT: FROM PLAYA BLANCA TO HACHA GRANDE

The Canary Islands are well known for their tropical climate, and Lanzarote for its volcanic and rocky landscapes. This bike route through the Ajaches desert is tough, mainly due to its route and demanding initial ascent from Playa Blanca to the peak of Hacha Grande. But also because of the harsh weather conditions, scorching sun, and lack of shade. However, the descent through ravines towards the coast (avoiding rocks and probably a few goats on your way) suddenly turns it into an extremely fun extreme route. Returning via the beautiful beaches of Papagayo amidst volcanoes and cliffs makes it a unique biking excursion.

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR BIKE ROUTE THROUGH THE DESERT IS, MAKE SURE YOU'RE PREPARED.

There are things you don't need to say when you start a bike route through the desert, like carrying more water than usual and considering extreme weather conditions: summer heat, but also cold and possible snowfall in winter. And something many forget, enhance antipuncture protection. On irregular and dry terrain full of stones, it's vital to protect against punctures. If it's unpleasant to get a flat tire and be stranded on any route, imagine doing it in the middle of nowhere in the desert.

TANNUS ARMOUR AND TANNUS TUBELESS: YOUR BEST DESERT ALLY

Protect yourself against punctures with Tannus Armour and avoid 90% of your punctures if you ride a bike with inner tubes. Conversely, if you use a tubeless system, the new Tannus Tubeless Pro is the best puncture-proof option.

Tannus Armour is the first semi-foam puncture and impact protection for bikes with inner tubes, ideal for MTB and gravel. It allows you to ride through the desert with low pressures to increase grip and safety on off-road terrain. Ride through the desert with your bike, but don't let a puncture stop you.

Many athletes rely on Tannus to compete in major desert races. Like Fran Herrero, who protects himself from punctures with Tannus Tubeless Pro during the almost 600km of the Titan Desert and in the UCI MTB World Championships in the XCO Cross Country Marathon discipline. More information on our website. With Tannus, a puncture doesn't stop you, and you can focus solely on enjoying the ride!