Your next great ride: Valencia

VALENCIA

IT’S ONE OF the staples of the biking calendar: the Valencia Motogp. One last chance for the best riders in the world to show what they’ve got (maybe even to decide a title) and one last sensible chance for a riding trip. Warm winter sun isn’t guaranteed, of course. It’s generally bright at the southern Spanish circuit, but getting there can often mean riding across high plains or through the mountains — and in November, that can mean all kinds of weather.

But it also means all kinds of roads and many of them are brilliant. Like this one, the N330A near Teruel – easily enjoyed on the way to the circuit. This part of Spain’s studded with sierras in which twisty roads coil around the scrubby hills, rising and falling like waves before breaking on the plains… but rarely for long. Soon enough, you’ll be back in the hills, doing twice as many corners and having three times as much fun as the racing legends you’ll be watching. WHEN TO GO Race day is November 18. Set off five days earlier to enjoy the ride. We’d suggest a Wednesday sailing from Plymouth to Santander or a Tuesday Portsmouth-bilbao crossing at www.brittany-ferries.co.uk WHAT’LL IT COST Budget £70-£90 per head per day when riding. Ferry and Motogp ticket prices will be on top of that. WHERE TO STAY Valencia or Requena have plenty of hotels. WHERE TO RIDE There’s a complete four-day ride to the circuit at www.ride.co.uk/spain18