Once the festive season’s over indulgences are over and before carnival’s hedonistic ones kick in an extreme way to get the body back into top shape is to saddle up an get out and about Lanazarote’s volcanic landscapes on two wheels.

But we’re not talking a bit of gentle cycling here; we’re talking taking to off road tracks on tough and gritty pro-mountain bikes with suspension that’s perfect for tackling Lanzarote’s epic terrains.

With one of the islands most popular MTB events, the 2 Stage Off Road Mountain Bike Race, looming on the horizon (29th and 30th January 2011) the time’s here to get into training big time for anyone planning to enter.

The route covers 90 kilometres of rough terrain including tracks over sand and lava over the course of two days. Inscriptions fees range from €20 and anyone aged 15 and over can enter to challenge for the juicy prize pot of between €75 and €800. But be warned this is no event for beginners.

However, anyone who isn’t a seasoned mountain biker planning on entering the 2 Stage Off Road Mountain Bike Race needn’t miss out on a bit of off road action and excitement during their holiday on Lanzarote.
The terrain around Costa Teguise and Sands Beach Resort offers an ideal training ground for amateurs and professionals alike with trails ranging from dirt tracks to challenging mountain climbs. As a bonus, you can hire all necessary equipment to get off road at specialists Papagaya Bikes who are conveniently located right in Sands Beach Resort.

There are a number of ways to get up close and personal with Lanzarote’s dramatic volcanic landscape. The easy option is to take a coach excursion and maybe even bump your way up a trail through the lava fields on the back of a camel. However, the ultimate way for local or visiting professional and amateur athletes to experience Lanzarote’s out of this world scenery is by taking part in Lavatrail Lanzarote 2011 which takes place on 19th February.

A real adventure and test of endurance levels, the most demanding Lavatrail route crosses a challenging 82 kilometres of volcanic landscape, coastal roads and rugged mountainous trails. And just to spice things up a little the route has to be completed within 17 hours over the course of one day. This is extreme sightseeing, Lanzarote style.

There are various Lavatrail options for individuals and groups with the shortest route being 18km and the greatest test of stamina being the 82km extreme challenge.
Registration fees range from €20 to €70 depending on Lavatrail routes chosen and inscriptions should be made online at lanzarotedeportes.com before 11th February.

For anyone staying at Sands Beach Resort who is tempted by the challenge of pitting themselves against the island’s rugged terrain, there’s one thing you can be certain of. Whatever route you choose, by the time you complete the course your bed at Sands Beach is going to feel like even more of an oasis of comfort than usual.