Deserts, volcanoes and mines: 7 bike routes in Spain and which bike to take on each

Fancy a landscape that looks nothing like your usual route? Bike routes in Spain also run through deserts, volcanoes and old mines, and a recent selection brings together seven of them for riding on an MTB, gravel or road bike. Here's the idea and, above all, how to prepare your bike and your ride so that unusual terrain ends up as a great photo rather than a breakdown.

Seven bike routes in Spain that look like another planet

According to Todo Mountain Bike, the list groups routes into three types of landscape: desert areas, volcanic settings and former mining land. The idea is to use them as travel inspiration and choose your bike according to the surface and type of route each one calls for.

If you want the seven specific routes, the original article details them. Here we get practical: what you'll find on each type of terrain and what's worth taking.

Which bike to choose for each landscape

There's no single bike for all these settings. Think about the surface before the destination:

• Desert and arid land: wide tracks, loose sand in places and little shade. A gravel bike with generous tyres or a rigid MTB work very well; if fast tracks are more your thing, take a look at second-hand gravel bikes.
• Volcanoes: volcanic gravel is abrasive and can be very loose. Here you'll appreciate chunky knobs and some suspension, natural terrain for second-hand mountain bikes.
• Old mines: these usually mix service tracks, rock and short but tough climbs. Gravel or MTB, depending on how technical the route is.
• Scenic roads: if the route follows tarmac through these landscapes, your usual road bike will do. And if you're after one for travelling, there are options in second-hand road bikes.

Before you set off: what to check

These landscapes have one thing in common: they tend to be far from everything. That changes how you prepare your ride.

• Plenty of water. In arid or volcanic areas there may be no fountains for many kilometres. Plan where to refill.
• Tyres and tubeless. Abrasive surfaces punish rubber. Check for wear and carry fresh sealant, plugs and an inner tube.
• Clean drivetrain. Fine dust sticks to the chain. A dry lube and a clean when you get back will extend the life of your sprockets.
• Offline navigation. Download the track: coverage can drop out.
• Sun protection and layers. The sun is strong on terrain with no shade, but at dusk the temperature can drop quickly.

Ride with respect for the environment

Many of these places are fragile: soil crusts in desert areas, volcanic slopes or remains of mining heritage. Stay on marked tracks and trails, don't take shortcuts and take home whatever you bring. That way they'll still look like another planet for whoever comes next.

Choose your landscape, check the forecast and get your bike ready without rushing. And if you're missing a gravel bike or an MTB for this getaway, have a look through all the second-hand bike listings: your next travel companion might already be waiting for you.