Last weekend we travelled to the most southern point in Spain and Europe (Tarifa) for a weekend of training and to help our friends Jaime and Luciana run there X Challenge off road triathlon. What a great town and place to train! We stayed in a house on an old military base in the Parque Natural Del Estrecho de Gibraltar ( in english Strait of Gibraltar National Park). We could see the 15km across the Strait to Morocco (so we could see Africa).
The national park which was a military base for many years to defend Spain against southern invaders now abandon has countless trails and dirt roads along the coast and through the hills. It made for some amazing running. I was speechless that there could be such a stretch of coastline that was barely used that was ideal for running! Of course it was a great place to hold the X Challenge off road race.
Riding north of the town was some great roads and once you got into the countryside we basically had the road to ourself besides the odd farm truck. The locals drive nice and slow and give you a little beep and a wave as they go on their merry way.
Another interesting aspect of the town was the small island off the beach with a narrow bridge leading to it marked the point at which the Atlantic ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Waves crashed onto the beach one side and the water was peaceful and a beautiful blue on the other. The swimming was definitely wetsuit only as it was freezing!
Amanda did well for her first attempt at off road racing. Unfortunately her bike failed her with only 6km to go and she had to pull out. The X Challenge race was a great success and a credit to Jaime and Luciana for their hard work. As a first year event with 170 people entered it is only going to get bigger and better!
Welcome to Tarifa
This is where we are
Atlantic on the left and Mediterranean on the right
The streets of Tarifa
Amanda practicing on the MTB for the X Challenge race
Amanda heads out for a run with Kaya and Tricky
Checking out the BRUTAL X Challenge run course
Tarifa main beach
Riding in the mountains behind the town was nice
Long run along the coast (check out the trail behind heading into the distance)
The crew heading out for a long run
