In Late September I embarked on an exciting 6-night bike tour of Andalucia, a fascinating and beautiful area of southern Spain with Trek Travel. I did their “Classic Climbs” tours twice before a number of years ago and I thought it would be fun to travel with them again. Our group met at the train station in Seville with transport for bike fittings and lunch at an old olive oil mill which was founded in 1755. The Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir looked beautiful in the valley below.

Chiara, one of our Trek Travel guides, explains the process of making olive oil. They still use the hydraulic cold-press method perfected in the 19th century.

After a nice lunch, we changed into our bike gear for a bike fitting. Our bikes were the “Trek Domane SL 7” with disc brakes and electronic shifting, the best bikes I’ve used on over 15 cycling tours! They also offer electric bikes which are gaining popularity! It was now time for the ride up the hills toward the ancient town of Ronda.

Our base in Ronda for the next few days was the beautiful Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria. The view overlooking the Tajo gorge was magnificent! Watch this great video from Rick Steve on Ronda.

Our guides Kyle and Chiara were sensational! Chiara lives in Ronda so her knowledge of the region was fascinating. Trek Travel really outdid themselves on this trip with the hotel selection and cuisine.

I’m sipping a nice wine from the region while our guides give us the lowdown on the week ahead. I found it hard to concentrate on the orientation as the view of the sunset was so wonderful!

The countryside in this region of Spain is beautiful with olive trees everywhere! Our cycling group was avid cyclists mostly in their 40’s & 50’s. I spent a lot of time cycling alone so I was happy to have a “Garmin Edge” GPS computer with today’s route loaded on it!

We cycled up the hills to Grazelema, a “Pueblos Blancos”, or “White Village.”

Grazelema has a fascinating history. During the Muslim rule in the 8th century, the population was primarily Berber in origin. I walked down to this square for a small “Cruzcampo” beer and some assorted tapas.

I love the faces on this fountain.

Ernest Hemingway and Oscar Welles both spent time in Ronda. Statues for both men are in the Paseo de Blas Infante. Hemingway loved Ronda & Anadalucia and some of his novels take place here.

Speaking of Hemingway, the “Real Maestranza” bullring was a place he knew well! It was built in the 18thcentury. Many in Spain want to outlaw bullfighting but it is still popular in southern Spain.

Ronda’s famous “Puente Nuevo” bridge was built in 1793.

I would love to return to Ronda and spend more time exploring. The views of the valley are fabulous.

Tour companies are preparing for the morning rides. Along with Trek Travel, there were Backroads and a group from Montreal.

“I know this hill has to end sometime!”

We road down to one of the most unusual towns I’ve ever seen, “Sentinel de las Bodegas.” Many of the buildings are literally under and into rock overhangs. The town’s history dates back at least to the Roman period and possibly thousands of years earlier.

Patrons in this tiny cafe are “between a rock and a hard place!”

After a quick beer and some explorations, I crossed this enchanting arched bridge and went back to my bike.

After passing through this town I really messed up and took a few wrong turns. I kept hoping my Garmin GPS would get me on track. About 30 panicky minutes later I found the correct route.

For our last two nights, we based out of the fabulous La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. The hotel is designed like a village on 900 acres and features gorgeous Moorish style architecture. Everything is wonderful from the deluxe rooms, the pools, and the restaurants! I was so comfortable and relaxed I didn’t want to leave on the day’s ride!

If you watch the video I think you just might put this on travel radar list! La Bobadilla video.

Our last night celebrations before dinner. We were a very happy group!

I can’t thank Trek Travel and our superb guides, Chiara and Kyle, enough for showing us the wonders of Andalucia. I have taken bike tours with five different companies and I must say Trek Travel is my favorite! I met Marla in Granada when our bike tour was completed, so stay tuned!

I’m already thinking about 2020 and Trek Travel’s “California Wine Country Luxury Tour” looks very enticing!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be shared without permission.