“Very Difficult” 15-day Madrid-to-Lisbon epic

Self- or pro-guided adventure across two countries…

The numbers certainly are impressive:  15 days riding, 1,200km covered, 28,000m climbed.  “The biggest mountain bike adventure in Europe” traverses the Iberian Peninsula from Madrid to Lisbon, covering high altitude plains, Roman Bridges, portions of a windmill park, and villages “seemingly stuck in the Middle Ages.”  Not enough?  How ’bout canyons, waterfalls, eucalyptus forests, and a swing by the westernmost point in Europe?

Rated “very difficult” by its organisers, Madrid-Lisbon Mountain Bike can be ridden either as a professionally- or GPS-guided tour.  In both cases, accommodation along the route is in hotels and inns.  Meals, luggage and airport transfers, and mechanic support are also included.  For those who can’t commit to the entire fifteen days, either Spanish (8 days) or Portuguese segments (7 days) can be booked separately.  The guided tour is limited to twenty riders and runs from 14 to 28 June (13 to 27 June in 2015) and pricing is €2,750.

The self-guided option is a bit looser, including maps, GPS tracks, and telephone support.  In-event luggage transfer and airport transfers will be optional.  Dates for self-guided tours are flexible – between May and October – and pricing has not yet been set.   More on both options at bikemadridlisbon.com.