On enduro trip with Graham “GOAT” Jarvis
What Ricky Carmichael is to supercross, Graham Jarvis is to hard enduro. At the invitation of Husqvarna and that second GOAT, the greatest of all time, we were able to taste a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the Jarvis Signature Tours in the hinterland of Malaga, Spain.
If you've read this far, I assume: a. that you know who Graham Jarvis is. If not, Jarvis is, among other things, a six-time winner of Red Bull Romaniacs, won the Erzberg Rodeo five times and has become a social media phenomenon with more than 1 million followers on Instagram. B. that you have already undertaken a (guided) enduro trip or at least dreamed of one.
The principle of the Jarvis Signature Tours is simple. The grandmaster will take you along for one of the best enduro experiences Spain has to offer. Malaga and its surroundings have fantastic landscapes and an incredible, varied range of terrain from leisurely and smooth riding to…. yes, super difficult and technically challenging! Each day ends with a relax & chill session by the pool.
Everything arranged = everything arranged
I have personally experienced enduro trips or guided rides of all kinds before. Yet Jarvis Signature Tours has everything to become a reference. The entire experience is top notch, from A to Z. From the moment you step off the plane in Malaga, everything is planned and organised. For example, meals and accommodation are included in the price.
It is about a 30-minute drive from the airport “Jarvis Land” which is located in the beautiful Andalusian mountain setting of Los Lagares. Graham owns a gigantic domain with numerous paths, climbs and fun obstacles. Even upon arrival you immediately see what the playground around the “G-Force” farm house has to offer. The house itself is also impressive, it is a true work of art with beautiful outbuildings that have been perfectly restored. Each outbuilding had quality beds and beautiful bathrooms for guests.
In the bar/chill area you get an idea of the incredible track record that “bompa” Jarvis has achieved thanks to an impressive collection of trophies. As a host you automatically get a different image of Graham. No superstar who is unapproachable. You eat together with the GOAT himself and you can talk to him like a friend. As journalists we were extra spoiled because Billy Bolt, the SuperEnduro world champion and teammate of Graham, was also present!
The Basics
As a Husqvarna factory rider, it goes without saying that Jarvis Signature Tours uses brand new Huskies. Fortunately no sled dogs - bad joke I know - but TE300i two-strokes or FE350 four-strokes, all well equipped for the kind of rides on the menu in this area.
There is a well-equipped workshop with a technician on site. So tinkering on holiday is not an option! Before you set off, you will receive a warm-up lesson on “Javis Basics.” Just tell us the techniques you need to master to be able to safely enjoy what comes next. Although Graham gives this introduction to the entire group, he takes the time to give tips to each participant.
Once those crucial “basics” are done, the fun can begin. Part one: the loops you can make on 'Jarvis land' itself. Then you follow in the footsteps of the 46-year-old super champion who shows you a beautiful route. There are tough challenges here and there for those who feel like it. You won't starve to death every day on the motorcycle either. During stops there is time for lunch. At the end of the day, you can, so to speak, jump from the bike straight into the pool with a nice cold beer. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
Conclusion
Fair's fair. There is a huge range of enduro trips and rides in Spain. In any case, I'm glad I experienced Jarvis Signature Tours. It was a great experience. Graham is a genuine guy who does everything he can to give his guests the time of their lives. His typical response to a request “Sure, we will, it's your holiday after all!”
The group I rode with was a mix of inexperienced and experienced riders. As a result, the routes were also adapted with paths, gravel and challenges for every level. Graham himself is an excellent instructor. Despite his status is very patient. There is also no doubt about his experience as a tour guide. Jarvis knows the terrain like the back of his hand and always adapts to his guests.
The school approach, with the emphasis on a type of course in which you are presented with a new technique one by one, does not really work for me. I want to hear the basics and then try it myself! That was exactly how Graham did it and I noticed that it resonated with all the guests. This challenges you and systematically pushes your boundaries to step outside your comfort zone.
Now that I have tasted this playground, I would also like to go back to “Jarvis Land”. The region of Los Lagares is breathtaking and has a lot to offer. There is still so much to explore and try!
Value for your money?
As great as all this sounds, there are also negatives. At first glance, the price of 1100 euros (1900 euros if Jarvis guides himself) for a three-day trip seems on the high side. On the other hand, everything has been taken care of from the moment you arrive until you leave. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask.
Whether you participate with other riders or alone, there is no reason why your wife or partner cannot participate. The area around Malaga, the many beaches and shopping opportunities, is highly regarded by many tourists. And rider or not, the pool is for everyone!
Why choose Jarvis Signature Spain?
Graham and his team have been running off-road tours in Spain for the past three years. The combination of top engines, two-stroke or four-stroke, fantastic terrain, Graham's great team of guides make this a five star experience. And a bonus, booking online is absolutely child's play. In short, highly recommended. Click here to book the Jarvis Signature Tour.
Tekst: Tristan Young
Photos: Husqvarna
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