The Extreme Bardenas and the Media Extreme Bardenas are two of the most emblematic mountain biking events in Navarre, held annually in the town of Arguedas and its surroundings, within the spectacular natural setting of the Bardenas Reales. These sporting events have become a benchmark for mountain biking enthusiasts, both regionally and nationally, attracting participants from all over Spain and other countries.
Extreme Bardenas and Media Extreme Bardenas – Latest editions
If you want to check all the information about the latest editions of the Extreme Bardenas and the Media Extreme Bardenas —including dates, routes, registration and participation details— you can visit the official event website or the page where the most recent schedule is published: Extreme Bardenas Information and Schedule
In that link you will find everything you need to know about the races, their different routes and the conditions of participation, as well as details of future editions.
What are the Extreme Bardenas and the Media Extreme Bardenas?
The Extreme Bardenas is a long-distance mountain bike race that takes place on the trails and tracks of the Bardenas Reales, a Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve in Navarre. Founded in 1998 as an initiative of the Arguedano Cycling Club, this cyclotourism event has grown over the years to become one of the most anticipated events on the Navarrese mountain bike calendar.
The race, which is more of a cycling tourism event than a competitive one, offers different routes, usually between 80 and 113 kilometers or more depending on the edition, which allow you to explore the unique landscapes of the Bardenas desert, with a contrast of terrain and physical demands.
The Media Extreme Bardenas is the shortest version of this experience. With a route of around 50 kilometers, it is designed for those who want to get into mountain biking without tackling such long distances, or for those looking for a different challenge.
The sporting proposal and the environment
Both the Extreme and Media Extreme races feature challenging routes, combining long stretches of dirt road, steep inclines, and steep gradients that test the participants’ technique and endurance. The races take place in the exceptional natural environment of the Bardenas Reales, a unique semi-desert landscape in Europe with singular geological formations that make each edition an unforgettable cycling experience.
The Extreme Bardenas, for its part, usually has more than one route —such as the classic “short” and the longer XL version— and additional supply and logistics resources to guarantee the safety and comfort of the participants.
Relationship with Tudela and access options
Arguedas’ proximity to Tudela (just a few kilometers by road) makes these races easily accessible for those living in Tudela or other towns in the Ribera region. For both participants and their companions, the proximity makes it easy to attend without needing to stay overnight far from the city, making this event a key sporting activity even for those who don’t regularly ride mountain bikes.
From Tudela you can access Arguedas via the NA-125 road, the main road that connects with the Bardenas Reales and nearby towns.
Regarding public transport, there are no regular services specifically linked to the event, so most participants and visitors usually travel by private vehicle or in organized groups. However, the proximity and ease of connection to Tudela make travel convenient for those who live in the Ribera region.
When are these tests held?
The events are held independently each year but within an active cycling calendar:
- The Extreme Bardenas is usually scheduled for the end of June, when temperatures are high and the Bardenas show their most characteristic landscape.
- The Media Extreme Bardenas is usually organized in spring, around April, offering a spring event for mountain biking enthusiasts.
The organization usually announces the dates of each edition in advance through the official event platforms so that participants can plan their registration and preparation.
An event for all mountain biking lovers
The Extreme Bardenas and the Media Extreme are events designed for a diverse audience: from experienced cyclists and long-distance riding enthusiasts to participants who prefer more accessible routes without sacrificing the physical challenge. The nature of the event, focused more on participation and experience than pure competition, encourages many cyclists to both explore the trails of the Bardenas and share a day of sport with friends or family.
Furthermore, being located in such a spectacular natural environment as the Bardenas Reales, these events also become a perfect excuse to enjoy the scenery, do active tourism and get to know one of the most fascinating natural heritages of Navarre.
