Travel: Cedric Gracia and Jordi Bago in the Canary islands
Even though there have been record snow falls all over the continent this winter, there are still places in Europe where you can go to ride in hot sunshine. Cedric Gracia took a trip over to Gran Canaria to meet up with his friend and fellow shredder Jordi Bago, this is what they got up to!
Jordi told us: when Cedric told me a few months ago that he would be here in Gran
Canaria for over a month! I was so happy to hear that he was having fast recovery
from the nasty accident he had in the Reunion Island! I immediately started planing our ride
together, it would be great to train for the preseason and to show him the best trails on the island!
When he arrived, we started out riding on the lower trails, next to the sea! Cool little trails that we have here on the island with many jumps and berms! The terrain around these trails is amazing, and with the cactus all around it was the perfect location for some nice photo and video shoots! It is the only part of the island
with this kind of nature!
But to really appreciate Gran Canaria, we had to get high! So I took CG to the top of the island, the Pico de las Nieves, the highest place on the island at 1970 mtrs above sea level! Pico de las Nieves has one of the best views and landscapes I have ever seen in the world, a full 360º degree view over the island, with the huge mountain of Teide towering in the horizon! From this point I know more that 4 trails that descend down to every corner of the island, some right down to sea level! With over 40km of great trails, some flowing, some really hardcore and rocky, some fast, but all with great views from this lucky island! And the best thing is that it is warm all the year! This is why we have so many rider from all disciplines visiting for training through the winter season in Europe!
To see what it is like riding some of the best trails on the island! here is a short video showing you a little more from CG and Myself on our Santa Cruz Bronson and Saracen Ariel 151! Testing our new bikes in one of the winters coolest spots.
We started on the majestic Roque Nuble then followed some of the nice lines down to Ayacata, then found an awesome trail down to San Bartolome. We took some time out to shoot some sick photos of CG riding with lots of style while testing also the new prototype tires from Panaracer! With his new ixs protection and helmet, and matching Jamaican Kenny outfit!! Gran Canaria is like a paradise for Enduro riding, all except the customs! Oneal had sent me my new outfits for the season, it has been weeks and I am still waiting for them! maybe some day I will see the local Police officer riding with them! luckily I got some stuff that a friend could bring me, and also got hold of a new Schwalbe Magic Mary and new DSP enduro dueler shock! Here in the island you need good tires with good protection and smooth suspension! the trails are hard and very rocky!
We sent Jordi some questions to ask Cedric, here is his exclusive Enduro Magazine interview! It’s a bit windy but what a location!
The trails here are really hard compared with other places in Europe so as we have learnt from Cedric, it is always best to ride with friends! Also it is good to carry a back pack, Me and Cedric always have our Lezyne tools on hand in case something mechanical happens and some tubes! Ride hard, but ride safe!
cheers,
Words and photos Jordi Bago
You can follow these guys on thier facebook pages: Jordi and Cedric