In a remote stretch of Monforte del Cid, a safety incident unfolded on a rural route through the Alenda-Orito mountains. It read like a screenplay, yet it was real: an injury that highlighted the dangers hidden along rugged trails used by hikers and cyclists alike. A 41-year-old man felt a sharp sting in the sole of his right foot while navigating a rural path in the Monfort district of Orito. He paused to inspect the sensation and discovered a concealed threat beneath his steps—a primitive trap built into the ground.
The device consisted of a wooden board anchored by two heavy metal supports, with the opposite end projecting outward. Under the weathered surface, roughly a dozen nails lay just a few centimeters below, rusty from exposure to the elements. The mechanism was expertly camouflaged to blend with the road and deliberately hidden from walkers or runners, a deception that foiled the guard of casual awareness and led to the hiker becoming ensnared last Tuesday afternoon. While running, one nail struck the victim’s foot, causing immediate pain.
After the initial danger was removed, steps were taken to prevent further harm to others. The hiker sought medical attention, received first aid, and was administered a tetanus vaccine. The case was reported to the Elche Prosecutor’s Office, the National Police in Monforte del Cid, and local police, with investigators already pursuing leads to identify the person or persons responsible for the trap.
Authorities classified the incident as an injury crime, though the potential for a far more serious outcome remains a concern if a cyclist had collided with the device during a descent. The location remains popular among mountain sports enthusiasts and nature lovers due to its proximity to Alicante, strong connections via the A-31 motorway to Madrid, and its proximity to notable features like the San Pascual cave. The area sits at the heart of the Orito Sierra de Eagles, where the summit rewards visitors with expansive views of the Alicante coast and neighboring regions, including l’Alacantí, Central, and Baix Vinalopó.
Cyclists in the Sierra del Cid
There have been other incidents along the province’s mountain routes, where vandalism and hazards created by anonymous actions have affected cyclists in recent years. In November 2022, local reports noted repeated appearances of nails on the Petrer route through the Sierra del Cid-Chaparrales. Several cyclists described wheel punctures and, in some cases, runners getting nails embedded in their shoes during passages near the Chaparrales Rise. These reports illustrated how small objects left on popular routes can disrupt outdoor activities and pose serious risks to both cyclists and pedestrians.
Looking back to October 2020, warnings emerged about spikes planted along a residential section within the Sierra del Cid and Maigmó Protected Landscape. The hazard was particularly acute when ascents occurred and cyclists were climbing fir trees, with punctures leading to dangerous descents and the possibility of falls. Local communities urged greater vigilance and responsible behavior to protect everyone who enjoys these trails.