Ana Jiménez
@anitanosolocuerda

When registration for this adventure opened, I didn’t hesitate to set an alarm on my phone and sign up as soon as possible, just in case the spots sold out and I was left wanting.

I knew what a rally involved; however, I had never taken part in one. Montañas Vacías wasn’t unfamiliar terrain to me, since I’ve spent a few years exploring some of its areas as the destination of some of my summer bikepacking trips. Pedaling for four days with so many women was going to be something different, and I hoped the route would pass through places that were new to me.

Until about a week before the event, I couldn’t really know how many days I would have available to ride or how I was going to plan everything. Let’s not forget that a rally is all about strategy: route logistics, gear management, and choosing the type of bike.

One of those three was crystal clear to me: I would go on my gravel bike, my new adventure partner. Although, personally, I think the terrain in MV calls more for a mountain bike, I wanted to explore how this bike felt, attach the bags, and start getting to know each other on different types of terrain.

I travel with fairly lightweight bikepacking gear, and considering the time of year and the temperatures, camping wasn’t an option in my mind. I needed to find accommodation for two nights, since one was arranged by the organization. I envy and admire those women who were brave enough to sleep in their tents despite the humidity and low temperatures. I get cold way too easily.

Here, everyone chooses their own style or travel philosophy, and all options are equally valid. The organizers had proposed two tracks, and unless something came up, my idea was to do the long route in its original version, without shortcuts. But it’s always necessary to study the map— you never know what might happen.

In the end, my rally was reduced to three stages, as I wasn’t able to do the first one, Cella–Alcalá de la Selva, nor close the loop of the adventure. But that’s how circumstances are, and I had to adapt to them. The first stage of the rally was a long one, about 80 km.

My rally began at the end of that stage, when I drove by car and met up again with the other bikepackers. My first stage would be from Alcalá de la Selva to Valdelinares, an area I already knew from three summers ago. It was a stage with a very intense start: in just 17 kilometers we climbed more than 700 meters of elevation gain until reaching the roof of Teruel, Peñarroya—a fun climb with some solid “kicks.” Personally, I love that feeling of effort paired with the reward of arriving at a place with incredible views.

From there we continued climbing to the Valdelinares ski station, where there was no shortage of laughter and camaraderie with the girls. Then came a super long descent through a spectacular forest. The rain began right after that descent.

I must say that I never go out on my bike when it’s raining, and getting wet really annoys me. However, the great company (and also having good Gore-Tex gear) turned riding in the rain into an experience that didn’t wipe the smile off my face.

Once we reached the top of the Linares de Mora pass, and after having something to eat in Mosqueruela, we faced the last 15 kilometers with constant ups and downs that made us rack up another 500 meters of elevation. A total of 60 kilometers and +1600 meters of climbing, after which a warm cup of cocoa was more than well deserved.

The next stage would be Valdelinares–El Pobo. In my mind… Wooow!! Only 1,000 meters of climbing, piece of cake!!

Very far from reality: it turned into a very demanding route, and on top of that, the weather was quite unpleasant.

In Aguilar de Alfambra we entered the hills under drizzle and fog. I’m sure the landscape was wonderful, but we couldn’t enjoy it. Checking the route on the map, there were no orange or red sections—in other words, no major climbs. However, the terrain was very technical, or at least not very suitable for my skills on a gravel bike.

On top of that, my Garmin GPS failed, and my phone mysteriously turned off. And even though I wasn’t alone at any moment, I felt super unprotected without being able to keep track of the route (everyone has their own quirks). So that was the big moment for me to manage myself and face my ghosts—those we all carry. That’s part of the adventure, and those are the moments that, once they pass, make you stronger, braver, and more powerful.

On this stretch, each of us had to deal with our own mind, because those were truly tough and demanding kilometers. I also think that the satisfaction of accomplishing it is one of a kind. Toasting with a glass of wine and sharing our impressions with the rest of the women in the group was very special.

The people of El Pobo welcomed and embraced us with their best “finery”: gestures that truly touch your heart and a dinner that nourished us to the soul. That night, after a bit of dancing, we all spent the night together under a roof, sharing laughter and exchanging experiences that encourage you to dare to do more and more.

 

 

I define my first rally with four words:

PRIDE for having strong legs and a “stubborn” mind to push and keep going when the terrain gets tough.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT when it comes to my fears on descents—little by little.

ADMIRATION for the bikepackers who travel the world and cross borders (maybe one day I’ll also be able to take that leap).

JOY for pedaling alongside amazing women who don’t let you “fall” and help you keep smiling.

 

Fotógrafa: Michela Pedranti

My heartfelt thanks to the three organizers of this rally: Laura, Cris, and Celia, for putting soul and passion into everything they organize, for taking care of every detail, and for looking after all of us RARE FEMMES.

My other words of gratitude go to Ernesto and María, for loving their mountains and making the rest of us love, respect, and enjoy them as well, thanks to their selfless work.

And finally, my sincere hug to all the women I was able to ride, chat, and recharge my energy with.

Ana

See you next time!

With love,
Ana