Canary Islands - La Gomera

Peter Stray

In mid January, my wife Sheila and myself visited the small island of La Gomera, a short ferry ride from the larger island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. A short break during in which I took the opportunity to spend a day cycling on the island with a organised group run by a young German, Walter, who rents out MTBs and also takes groups on day tours of the island, which has a mountainous centre (highest peak 1487m). Beautiful unspoilt scenery including a rain forest with cycling tracks within it, and it has a small population, hence very little traffic!!.

We were driven up to our starting point (approx. 1350m and within the rain forest) from our hotel in Playa Santiago in a taxi with the bicycles strapped onto a trailer. The group included a amusing, but not very fit Irishman, an English couple (the lady being a pretty useful rider), myself plus our ever calm and patient leader, Walter, a very fit young man.

After a little time spent running through the basics and adjusting saddles etc. we made our way into the rain forest via the tracks, stopping on occasions to take the odd snap of the splendid views and listen to Walter, who was very knowledgeable regarding local fauna and flora.

After an hour or so we made our way out of the forest and headed to a small local village for lunch, a traditional Gomeran meal of rabbit stew (much better than it sounds!!). We met up with other cyclist and walkers, and it turned into a social occasion.

After lunch it was down hill all the way, (apart from two rather stiff up hills!!) to the coastal town of Valle Gran Rey, ice creams and the ferry back to the starting point.

I would certainly recommend the experience, the cycling was excellent plus the scenery is stunning. We covered 48kms. The total cost of the was 38 euros everything included, apart from lunch, well worth the 10 euros. The contact in La Gomera is Walter, telephone (0034) 690187100, Internet:www.primerabicicleta.de – you can also hire bikes from him and do your own thing if you wish.