A DAD-of-two from the US has vanished on a mountain biking ride abroad with over 500 searchers called in to help find him.

Matt Opperman disappeared two weeks ago and the only clue so far has been his van, which was found empty during the search for him.

Police are searching by air and land for Opperman, who set out for a bike ride in Segura de la Sierra, west of Alicante, Spain.

Opperman has lived in Spain for several years and left for a trip on his electric mountain bike on January 24.

He hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

Opperman, 50, drove to his starting point in a black Volkswagen.

His van was found near Castillo de Segura de La Sierra.

He is well-known in the Spanish cycling community and works for Yeti Cycle.

His friends at the Málaga-based cycling club, SpainDh, describe him as a strong cyclist who is super fit and looks younger than his actual age.

His bike is a turquoise YETI e-bike model with an orange fork.

Opperman’s family said he planned to stay in a cabin and explore the mountains in the area.

They don’t know if he took a satellite messenger with him.

The large operation to find Opperman began on Thursday, February 6, after his disappearance was reported to the authorities.

Around 500 people are believed to have participated in the search efforts for him on Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9.

Footage of a Civil Guard helicopter taking part in the operation shows how the mountainous terrain is heavily forested.

An 86-square-mile area is being explored on foot and bike, as reported by NeedToKnow.

His brother Marc told the Olive Press, “We are all worried beyond belief, but supporting each other other how we can.”

Marc said his brother is 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, and has blue eyes.

“His professional work with various bike companies – Trek Factory Racing, Rocky Mountain Cycles, and now Yeti Cycles – has always had him traveling the globe in support of professional riders,” Marc said.

“He’s been a well-respected and liked head mechanic for many teams, including the Australian MTB team at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

“It was not uncommon for him to spend most of the summer race season at a different point on the globe every week. Much of his work has been in Western Europe.”

Opperman’s friends at SpainDH have appealed to the public for assistance in locating Opperman.

“It’s been more than a week that nothing has been heard from him,” they wrote.

“If you have any news that can help us find him, write in private. Thank you very much, and a big hug to all.” 

Opperman has lived in Houston, Texas, and Longmont, Colorado, both in the US.