El Camino del Cid – The Three Taifas on MTB

The taifas (Muslim kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula) of Toledo, Zaragoza and Albarracín were inhospitable territories in the Middle Ages. That is, until El Cid – a Castilian knight and warlord – and his army defeated 3,000 horsemen from Valencia at Alcocer. El Cid pursued one of the Muslim generals as far as Ateca. According to the El Cantar de mio Cid (The Song of my Cid), after this victory, his army was able to move more freely through the rugged territories of these three taifas, especially through Molina de Aragón, governed by his ally Avengalbón. This Collection covers the third segment of the complete itinerary of El Camino del Cid.

I invite you to ride your bike and follow in the footsteps of El Cid through the three taifas. Conquer the Jiloca valley, the Alto Tajo natural park, the Montes de Picaza, the Tremedales de Orihuela, the Sabinar de Monterde de Albarracín and the Pinares de Ródeno. Along these paths, you can admire cereal plains and forests of pines, as well as oaks and junipers. On the cliffs, you can observe birds of prey and see deer and roe deer running.

This Collection presents the most demanding landscape of the itinerary; its inhospitable mountain ranges and vast uninhabited expanses. Each stage is an enormous conquest. You cover 294 kilometres (183 km) over the five routes.

The best time to undertake this route is between April and October. Although it’s best to avoid the hottest or coldest days. In Ateca and the Jiloca Valley, temperatures on colder days are more pleasant, but the altitude in the Alto Tajo natural park and the Albarracín mountain range will cause them to plummet. Likewise, the cooler days at higher altitudes are very warm at lower altitudes.

A rigid bicycle with 29-inch wheels is ideal for this adventure. Although the route is mostly on dirt tracks, at higher elevations these roads may be less well-maintained. As far as clothing is concerned, it’s highly recommended to bring several layers that allow you to keep warm in the early and late hours of the day. And, on the other hand, to stay cool in the central hours when the sun is strong. Quality sunscreen is essential

The route starts in Ateca and ends in Cella, two towns in Aragon that are well connected by motorway and railway. In all the towns where the stages end, there are various options for accommodation and food and drink.

It only remains for me to wish you a good journey. I hope you enjoy the conquest of The Three Taifas on your bicycle.