Cycling in Andalucia – the coastal route

Bike rental in Malaga

We’ve been meaning to rent bikes in Malaga for a while, but the weather needs to be right (not too hot, nor too cold, not too much wind or sun or cloud – we really are ‘fair weather cyclists’).  And last Thursday, everything was just right.  Forecast of 23 degrees, nice bit of sun, little wind.  So off we went to find a bike rental shop on the east side of Malaga, because we wanted to cycle along the bike path towards Rincon de la Victoria.  And we found one that was open, charging just €10 for the day for a basic model. 

Cycling without a mask

With my Dutch roots, I can ride almost any bike, as it’s a bit like driving a car – you never forget how.  So in a very busy Malaga street we jumped on, and made our way to the coast a few blocks away.  It was a lovely day, and so the boulevard was quite busy with people having a stroll and a chat, or stopping off at one of the many bars for a coffee, a beer or something stronger (it was 11am!).   

We spied what other cyclists were doing and realised that once you’re cycling, mask wearing is no longer obligatory, so we gladly dispensed with our piece of cloth during the ride, only to put it on when we stopped to take in the views or look at the map.  Rules change quickly, however, and since our bike trip two weeks ago, all bike riders are now required to wear masks in built-up areas.

A great coastal cycle path

The further we moved away from Malaga, the quieter it became, and seeing this piece of coastline from the vantage point of a bike was lovely.  We stopped for a coffee and a paddle, and found a supermarket for a hastily put together picnic lunch.  The cycle track didn’t fully go through all the way, and so there were moments when we suddenly found ourselves in an industrial complex or by a busy dual carriageway, but on the whole it was a very good experience. And of course mostly flat as it was following the coastline. 

It was only when we passed a couple of buildings that looked like old stations that the penny dropped: the track was built on an old railway line.   It’s great to see that Malaga province has invested so much to create this cycle path, though I would have loved to have made the coastal railway journey too!

Cycling in the hills

There are people who cycle in the local hills and mountains, and also on the many bumpy and stony tracks around us.  Often in the heat of the day, climbing slowly up to the top.  That’s real dedication for you.  I love a cycle ride, but more of the sightseeing, meandering, tourist variety.  And so when I found that there is a cycling track in the Subbetica mountains that – like the one in Malaga – is built on a disused railway line, I thought I would explore. 

And so we went to Cabra to rent bikes and explore the Via Verde.  But no luck so far, because every time we’ve been, the bike rental shop is closed – despite their Facebook page saying they are open.  We’ve now heard that you can hire bikes at the next town, so we’ll have to try that next.  Or consider getting our own bikes…

Buying an e-bike in Spain

Last month my family got me an e-bike for my birthday.  Well, that is to say, not exactly the bike itself, but a printed certificate promising to buy one.  I’d never have thought that an e-bike would be something for me, but with all these hills and bumpy tracks around, it makes sense to swallow my pride.  Testing out the e-bikes of our Swedish neighbours, I was amazed how powerful they were, and consequently how little I had to pedal, even going uphill on a track full of stones. 

So I’m a total convert now, but found that here in Spain there’s very little stock of e-bikes available due to an increase in the demand and a blockage in the supply chain caused by Covid.  Eventually,  I will be the proud owner of an e-bike, either when the supply in Spain has been restored, or when we manage to visit Holland and get one there – whichever comes first in these unusual times!