We are enjoying a glorious early spring in the Sierra Nevada this year, with a run of cloudless days with mild daytime maximum temperatures, although it's decidedly chilly first and last thing. The almond trees are in full blossom in various shades of pink, from almost white to almost magenta.

There is still plenty of snow on the tops of the mountains and on lower, north-facing slopes. The air seems to be particularly clear at this time of year and, with the sun low in the southern sky, the view towards the Mediterrean is astonishing. In the afternoon, you can see the outline of the Rif mountains in North Africa quite clearly.

Ideal mountain biking conditions, though you do need plenty of layers.