Let's get something clear, I'm not very good in the heat, I never have been. It's probably why even having travelling all over the world I still live in the England where it rains a lot. Don't get me wrong, I love the sun and it seems to love me. I don't need to sun bathe and with just a glancing dash of sun my skin turns the colour of a Colombian blend espresso. But in spite of an Italian heritage I'm more at home in -18 on an Austrian ski slope than I am by a pool in +35 degrees temperatures. I'm also known amongst friends as someone who doesn't sit still. I'm always going somewhere, doing something, taking photos or riding bikes.
Regardless of this, I find myself boarding a scheduled flight to Murcia on the Costa Blanca in Spain for a weeks rest and recuperation. It's been a busy year since going self employed and it's time for a proper break.
The apartment we're being loaned for the week is on a golf course. I'm not into golf, nor did I intend to learn in 40 degree heat so before we left I decided to spend an evening researching the local area to see what we could do when not sitting by the pool reading a book or whatever else you're supposed to do when relaxing. First click was Google Maps to see what the surrounding area looked like. Much to my delight the satellite view showed that dotted around the area where we were staying were forest covered peaks. Closer investigation showed up National Parks well worth exploring.
After doing my best to decipher Spanish local tourism sites I eventually came across a page talking about the Sierra de Espuña. It was described as a mountainous region covered in forest with features such as 'pozos de la nieve' (snow holes used to store ice) and monasteries worthy of a visit. Hiking seemed to be the main activity recommended but there was a suggestion that mountain biking would be good. I also stumbled across a post on a mountain bike forum talking about the area. A few people were discussing that they'd heard that the legendary Steve Wade, one of the founders of Orange bikes, hung out in these parts too. Nothing verified but it seemed like local folklore. An hour later and I'd organised some bikes and the trip was taking shape. I never could resist an opportunity to ride!
Murcia is an area in the South East of Spain just below Alicante and Benidorm. All along the coast are settlements of identically styled town houses, sharing small pools and never far from a golf course. They're mostly owned by British and Norwegians who built on the land previously used by fruit farmers. Despite some famous seaside resorts which attract huge numbers of tourists, the inland Murcia region is relatively unknown and has maintained most of its original Spanish heritage. Whilst Murcia airport is at San Javier on the coast, the city of Murcia is about 45 minutes inland. It hosts a wealth of historic architecture along a winding river and I'm told is the best place in Spain to enjoy Tapas.