With a surface area of 3,500 km2, the Pedroches Valley region is located in the northern part of the Spanish province of Córdoba. Its prime setting in the northern limit of Andalusia, bordered by the autonomous communities of Extremadura and Castilla La Mancha, grants it several unique identity traits, recognizable in its people’s manner of speaking and their way of understanding life.
During the Muslim era, the territory of Beturia was divided into various kuras. One of them coincided with the current Pedroches Valley region: The Fahs al-Ballut kura.
The meaning of Fahs al-Ballut should be no surprise to visitors: the acorn plain; as we find ourselves before the largest continuous holm oak pastureland in all of Europe, one of the most important trees in the Mediterranean forest.
Al-Ballut Bike Experience is a project born out of a desire to raise awareness about and protect the natural and cultural heritage of Pedroches Valley, through cycle tourism.
An initiative of natural collaboration between people who feel deeply about the identifying values of the region and who seek to draw attention to this land from the standpoint of using bicycles, as a way to channel local tourism.
The idea of the region as a territorial unit, is the focal point around which the whole project is organized. 17 interconnected villages through their network of provincial roads and thousands of kilometers of public paths, which enable you to carry out the trip in 3 cycling disciplines: Road, Gravel and MTB.
An invitation to athletes from all walks of life which allows them to get acquainted with this region’s traditional, peaceful life, while meeting the challenge of completing the 200+ kilometers that make up each one of the routes.
We have three different tours. One ideal for gravel bikes, another for road bikes, with very low traffic, and the longest and most technical of all, ideal for MTB bikes.
All of them pass through the 17 towns of Los Pedroches. And for all of them you have available the checking of the Waypoints.
“This care in the detail reminds us at various points of the trip of what we felt a few years ago cycling through the Tuscan fields, during the Tuscany Trail.”
Greeting whoever comes across your path is a magnificent way to connect with the route. If you do, you will experience the kindness and hospitality that characterizes the region. In addition, if you get lost they will be pleased to guide you and learn about your travel plans.
Al-Ballut travels on paths and public roads, and although we have planned to bring you on very safe routes, there are always risks when there is traffic, so respect road rules. Be cautious with your maneuvers and always yield to pedestrians who may cross your path.
The region’s livestock farming will provide you unique moments surrounded by animals raised in the countryside. Try not to bother them. Nature and the local farmers will thank you.
The paths, streets and roads that you cross don’t need any more impact than your tire tread. Be responsible and always pick up any waste that you create and, why not even pick up some extra trash you may find and leave it in the nearest bin?
Beforehand, look up the weather forecast and the establishments along the route in order to plan time for rest and for your meal breaks. There is at most 1 hour between each town. Keep it in mind when gathering provisions.
There is a Waypoint in each town on the route. Come and look for it, and step inside the life of each village. The GPX track that we have prepared will guide you along the route so that you can complete them all.
We recommend that you always travel with bikers’ insurance. It is extremely useful in the event of a breakdown or an accident.
Share your journey and your experience and tell us about it through the website and social media. Surely there are other riders who will want to enjoy the journey just like you.
This is the easiest part. The route is meant to enjoy biking as well as the scenery and its villages. Let yourself get carried away by the route!
We are here to help you in whatever way we can. But if you need some direction on route, a ¨good morning¨ to any neighbor will open doors for you and will be of great help.
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