- If bringing your own bike: We recommend tubeless tyres, to avoid pinch flats and sidewall cuts. Tyres have to cope with Sierra Nevada’s sharp rocks and thorns, so need to be durable, with strong sidewalls, rather than lightweight. A spare tyre (we have some tyres available to buy, too). Inner tube, just in case (we have presta tubes available to buy, too). Spare brake pads, lube, pump, mech hanger. See Bringing Your Bike page for info on preparing and packing your bike.
- Knee/knee-shin pads are strongly recommended. Shin pads or long socks are useful to avoid scratched legs from thorny plants. Elbow pads optional.
- Cycling shoes or sturdy trainers. Hire bikes have flat pedals.
- Please see below for a word on clip-in pedals.
- Helmet. You must wear a helmet at all times while riding.
- Buff. Skull cap in winter.
- Sun hat.
- Long cycling trousers and waterproof trousers if you have them (except June to September).
- Long-fingered cycling gloves (short-fingered gloves are not suitable). Warm gloves (September to May).
- Day pack.
- Hydration system/water bottle.
- Windproof and waterproof.
- Cycling shorts/tights.
- Chamois cream, if you have a tender behind.
- Mobile/cell phone, charging plug and cable. Socket/outlet adapter for two-pin Euro plug if needed. Free WiFi is available at the lodge.
- Sunglasses.
- Plenty of high factor sun cream and lip salve (the sun is very strong at altitude).
- For European citizens, an in-date European Health Insurance Card is essential and must be carried with you when cycling. In the UK this is now called a GHIC card.
- Passport/ID card, which must be carried with you when cycling.
- Travel insurance documents, which must be carried with you when cycling. See here for more details about insurance.
- Small first aid kit (we carry a complete first aid kit).
- Fleece.
- If you are coming from the UK, and you are a marmite, tea or golden syrup fan, it would be great if you could find space in your luggage for any of these popular, but difficult-to-find-in-Spain, items!
- Some Euros for bar stops, tips and emergencies. There are cash machines locally.
- If hiring a bike, the deposit of €150/£130 in cash.
Clip-in/SPD pedals. If you are new to these, or have only used them on non-technical terrain, please also bring a pair of flat pedal bike shoes/sturdy shoes, as well as your dedicated shoes with cleats. You may well find that on unfamiliar, technical trails, you are happier and more confident with flat pedals (which we can provide).
You can wash your clothes daily in our washing machine. They are usually dry (or dry enough to wear) by the following morning. We provide bedding, towels and soap.
Hairdryers, straighteners, travel kettles, travel irons and whatnot use huge amounts of electricity in the process of creating heat. Our solar power system can’t support them, so please leave them at home!