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Mountain tracks and paths link with a dense network of local roads that connect small and large villages. Or you can start from mountain bike centres and discover the comarques (local districts) of Lleida, which offer you an almost endless range of touring options.
There are three very different types of terrain in which to discover the beauty of Lleida:
Mountains
The high peaks of the Pyrenees rise to more than 2,000m and are covered in snow for much of the year. During the summer months Lleida’s roads offer more than 70 category 1 and 2 mountain passes, with gradients up to 15%. Once you’ve made your way to the top of the mountain passes, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views as you ease down the rapid descents of up to 10km.
Forest trails
Away from the main roads, countless forest tracks offer testing terrain in which to push your riding limits. Lleida’s four MTB centres offer a wide range of signposted routes, from technical trails that weave into hidden corners of the mountain landscapes, to family-friendly trails that run along the valleys.
Valleys and peaks
Further south, in the ridges of the Pre-Pyrenees, the complex geology has created an intricate series of valleys and peaks, dominated by large rocks and rocky cliffs. This space, and its milder climate, will allow you to lose yourself along minor roads and tracks that offer sudden changes of slope and include stretches of technical difficulty.
This area hides several of the most technical mountain passes which lead off to small villages and lesser known destinations. For mountain bikers, the two MTB centres of the Pre-Pyrenees offer routes suitable for beginners, but also several highly technical trails.
The 144 km-long Canal d’Urgell - the backbone of Lleida - separates the wide plains from the rolling hills of the dryland area. Here, you can do your speed training surrounded by fruit trees, riding along predominantly flat roads that connect the local settlements. This area formed the frontier between the Christian and Muslim worlds and you will come across small fortified villages, towers and vantage points nestling behind the waving fields of crops.
So whatever your speciality, Lleida has plenty to offer both the adventurous rider craving a challenge or the family group looking for a leisurely break.
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