A Great Day Out in the Basque Country - Ascent and Descent of Ernio

While holidaying in South West France last month, a stone’s throw from the French and Spanish Basque country, I took the opportunity to hook up with my riding buddies, Carlos and Jorge for a back-country Basque ride on one of the local classics, just outside San Sebastian. I was to bring my camera along so Carlos and Jorge could write a piece for their local mountain focused magazine. Having recently indulged in a new camera so I could get some decent snaps of my mountain bike trips, this would be a great opportunity to practice taking the photos and also developing them in order to make them hopefully look good enough to publish. As this is my first attempt, please don't expect pro level photos!

I have to say (as everyone does, but I mean it) this was one of the best all-around days I have had on a bike – a lot of climbing, but manageable. A fair bit of carrying, but all walkable. And an amazing 10-kilometre descent with a wide variety of trails thrown in – from steep sheer jagged rock to UK style woodland flow. I wish I’d got more pictures through the beautiful sun-dappled, dusty woodland singletrack, but, you know. All in all, a great day! I hope you enjoy the photos!

The ride starts from here, a typical Basque hostel (venta) on a hillside – ideal place to fill our water bladders for the long day ahead…

The first part of the climb is easy fire road with the summit always in sight, but seemingly a long way away. And a long way up!

Stunning scenery is standard on this ‘ruta’!

Carlos masters a tricky section

Sharing the trails with friendly walkers is part of the MTB scene in Spain

The climb dodges in and out of the woods, where roots and rocks lie in wait to push you off the line.

A nice bit of easy singletrack before the hiking starts…

And time to admire the view

Then, it's up we go…

... and up...


A brief respite to pass the cross’s lucky hoops over us before the final ascent.


Then onwards...

Once at the top it’s time to drink in the view and admire our climbing prowess…


The Crosses at the the summit of Ernio.

Time to start heading down?


One last view.

The first part of the descent is a kilometre of uber-tech rock. I walked this particular bit. As ever, it’s harder, rougher and steeper than Carlos and Jorge make it look!


Wait for me guys


... and down...


And lo and behold after the toughest kilometre is done, a restaurant appears in the middle of nowhere, serving the most delicious home cooked food! Lunch is served. Bacon egg and chips (with basque peppers).


Yep, we've only done a kilometre!

As we enter the woodlands we get a reminder of the remoteness of these superb natural trails. Sculpture by Carlos.

The terrain changes to fast flowy, rock and root strewn switchback awesomeness!

Finally at the bottom – a handily placed bar! As usual, it’s never tasted better (excuse the iPhone remote release!)

Adios Amigos – for now!

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MENTIONS: @captainian

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