BikeSkiDrink
Medlem
Ride report- Malaga,Spain with Switchbacks
While early fall in Stockholm can be very nice, reality quickly sets in when the latter part of fall hits and the sun goes into hibernation with the zest of a Englishman looking for beer. The tougher part of my riding group, everyone but me, suit up in their wet winter gear, strap on their lights and soldier on like it is still midsummer. I tend to stay inside and wait for that one nice day that never seems to come. Luckily, thanks to an invite from my friend Mattias and the blessing of a very understanding wife, I was able to escape the doldrums and extend my riding season by taking a November trip to Malaga, Spain.
Mattias booked us a trip with the fine folks from Switchbacks who promise great trails, fantastic company and a chill environment to escape from the fifty shades of grey in Stockholm. Despite a 6 AM flight, I stepped off the plane with a hop in my step, smelling the earthly smell of the Spanish landscape. A short time later we were rolling through the countryside with Lucky(Luki) at the wheel taking us to our spacious villa at the base of the bucolic Adalusian mountains. An hour later we were transported to fire road and pedaling in those same lush Spanish mountains. Our guide Michael, who is also the owner of Switchbacks, swaps with ease between an expert storyteller, a seasoned coach and a well traveled guide. In fact we learn that he has been at it for 17 years, crafting the perfect mix of days for travelers from all over the world with various abilities.
Soon it begins and we are pointing downhill with shit eating grins permeating our faces. The loose rock keeps us on our toes as we quickly learn where the name Switchbacks comes from. A few tips from Michael and we are able to build some rhythm as we progress to steeper and more technical terrain. Before we know it, we have taken multiple laps and we are all ready for our relaxation time back at la Casa Grande.
Our fantastic villa brought us new friends each day with arrivals from all over the world and each night is filled with Cervesa and tales from the day. Our little village had an abundance of restaurants and after dinner it is a short walk home to digest the day before happily throwing yourself on a bed to sleep.
Each day brings with it new adventure. Whether it is an epic run across a mountain range or sessioning a killer flow trail with multiple shuttle laps, you find yourself becoming one with the lifestyle, as if the dream will never end. The sun, the food , the company, all work so well together that you can easily forget all the stress of the daily grind.
Unfortunately it had to end at some point and we all had to get back to reality. It is easy to see why Switchbacks has been around for so long as the second I was away, I was already planning the return for next year. I also have plans when I get home to drag out my lights and my cold weather gear. If I do actually get out there in the darkness of Stockholm, I will most certainly have a picture of the sun and dirt of Malaga in my head to make it all better.
