by Geroge Cornelius | 10, Dec 2023 | Costa Blanca News, Latest News
Welcome to the sun-drenched shores of Costa Blanca, a paradise for cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the diverse landscapes of this beautiful Spanish coast offer something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take you through the top 5 scenic bike routes in Costa Blanca, each promising an unforgettable cycling experience.
The Coastal Cruise: Alicante to Calpe
Distance: 65 km | Difficulty: Moderate
Start your journey in the bustling city of Alicante and head towards the stunning coastal town of Calpe. This route offers a mix of flat and gently rolling terrain, making it perfect for intermediate cyclists. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, pristine beaches, and the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock formation as you approach Calpe.
Valley of Orchards: Orcheta Loop
Distance: 40 km | Difficulty: Easy
Ideal for beginners, this loop around the picturesque village of Orcheta is a gentle ride through a valley filled with almond and orange orchards. The sweet fragrance of blossoms in spring adds to the charm of this tranquil route. With minimal elevation gain, it’s a perfect choice for a leisurely day ride.
Mountain Majesty: The Serra Gelada Climb
Distance: 30 km | Difficulty: Challenging
For those seeking a challenge, the Serra Gelada climb is a must-try. Starting from Benidorm, this route takes you up the rugged Serra Gelada Natural Park. The climb is tough, but the panoramic views of the coastline and the satisfaction of reaching the summit are well worth the effort.
Historical Havens: Jávea to Denia
Distance: 50 km | Difficulty: Moderate
This scenic route connects the historic towns of Jávea and Denia. Cyclists will enjoy a mix of coastal views and cultural landmarks, including ancient castles and museums. The route is moderately challenging with some hills, making it suitable for cyclists with a bit of experience.
The Greenway: Alcoy to Gandia
Distance: 75 km | Difficulty: Moderate
to Challenging For an off-road adventure, the Alcoy to Gandia route is a fantastic choice. This former railway line, now a greenway, takes you through the heart of the scenic Spanish countryside. The route includes several tunnels and bridges, adding an element of excitement to the ride. It’s a bit longer and requires good stamina, making it ideal for more adventurous cyclists.
Safety Tips and Preparation
Before embarking on any of these routes, ensure your bike is in good condition and you’re equipped with necessary safety gear, including a helmet, water, and a basic repair kit. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as conditions can change quickly.
Conclusion
Costa Blanca is not just a haven for beach-goers but a cyclist’s dream destination. With routes ranging from easy coastal rides to challenging mountain climbs, there’s something for every cyclist to enjoy. So, grab your bike, hit these scenic routes, and discover the
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-riding-bicycle-during-nightfall-207779/
by Geroge Cornelius | 1, Sep 2023 | Costa Blanca News, Latest News
The Costa Blanca region in Spain is known for its stunning landscapes and great opportunities for cycling. Here are some popular bike routes in the Costa Blanca area:
Marina Alta Route: This is a scenic route that takes you through the picturesque towns and villages of the Marina Alta region. You’ll ride through beautiful coastal areas, vineyards, and charming villages.
Sierra de Aitana Loop: This challenging route offers stunning mountain views as you cycle through the Sierra de Aitana range. The route takes you through the rugged terrain of the mountains, offering a great workout for experienced cyclists.
La Vuelta de Jávea: This coastal route starts and ends in the town of Jávea. You’ll enjoy breathtaking sea views as you cycle along the coastline and pass through cliffs and coves.
Calpe to Coll de Rates: This route takes you from the coastal town of Calpe to the Coll de Rates mountain pass. It’s a popular route among cyclists looking for a mix of coastal and mountain scenery.
Altea to Guadalest: Starting in Altea, you’ll cycle through the hilly landscapes to reach the historic town of Guadalest. The route offers a blend of cultural and natural beauty.
Denia to Jalon Valley: This route takes you from Denia to the Jalon Valley, passing through vineyards and orchards. The valley is known for its charming villages and breathtaking views.
Remember to check the difficulty level and length of each route before embarking on your cycling adventure. Also, ensure you have the necessary gear, water, and safety precautions in place.
It’s a good idea to consult local cycling clubs or websites for the most up-to-date information on bike routes, road conditions, and any events happening in the area.
Enjoy your cycling journey in the Costa Blanca!
by Geroge Cornelius | 30, Aug 2023 | Costa Blanca News, Latest News
Protesters in Elche, Spain, are resisting the local council’s move to dismantle a cycle lane. The council, a coalition between the centre-right People’s Party and far-right Vox, has taken a pro-car stance. They recently removed a cycle lane on Avenida Juan Carlos I at a cost of £32,500 and have started removing another on Calle José María Buck.
Claudio Guilabert, the town’s mobility councillor, said the decision followed complaints from parents at a local school who had to double-park due to the cycle lane. The council argues the José María Buck lane is unsafe, citing 10 minor accidents in 18 months.
The former councillor, Esther Díez, criticised the move as “barbaric,” accusing the new government of “fanaticism.”
The pro-car policy trend isn’t unique to right-wing governments; Barcelona’s socialist mayor, Jaume Collboni, has also favoured car use. Having defeated an “anti-car” candidate, Collboni advocates a transition to electric vehicles, offering residents £2,125 to swap their petrol cars for electric or hybrid models.
by Geroge Cornelius | 25, Aug 2023 | Latest News
Barcelona to Madrid
The Route of La Vuelta interesting facts:
- The journey consists of 21 stages, each posing different challenges for competitors.
- Challenges include steep mountain ascents.
- Nerve-wracking time trials are also part of the competition.
- Each stage is a test of resilience, strategy, and willpower for every cyclist.
- Riders will pass through diverse terrains, including the Catalonian coasts.
- The competitors are not just racing for victory but also contributing to the legacy of La Vuelta.
#LaVuelta #Cycling #MountainAscents #TimeTrials #ResilienceAndStrategy
by Geroge Cornelius | 25, Aug 2021 | Latest News
La Vuelta 2023: A Cycling Odyssey from Barcelona to Madrid
This Saturday marks the commencement of a much-awaited event on Spain’s sporting calendar — La Vuelta 2023. The Spanish cycling Grand Tour is not just another race; it’s an adrenaline-charged journey that takes cyclists through the most grueling and picturesque landscapes of Spain. Kicking off in the cultural hub of Barcelona on August 26th, the race will culminate in the country’s capital, Madrid, on September 17th.
The Field of Dreams: Teams and Riders
This year’s edition promises to be more electrifying than ever, featuring an international line-up of 22 teams and a staggering 176 riders. Cyclists from all corners of the globe will converge on Spanish soil, each with a singular aim: to leave an indelible mark over the 21 stages of this prestigious race. The composition of the race not only speaks to the international appeal of La Vuelta but also to the high level of competition that is anticipated.
21 Stages of Intense Competition
The 21-stage journey will present a myriad of challenges for competitors, ranging from steep mountain ascents to nerve-wracking time trials. Each stage will test the limits of every cyclist’s resilience, strategy, and willpower. As the competitor’s cycle through diverse terrains, from the breathtaking Catalonian coasts to the historic streets of Madrid, they will not only be racing for victory but also writing a new chapter in the legacy of La Vuelta.
In a sport where every second counts, La Vuelta 2023 promises to be a nail-biting experience for participants and spectators alike. As the cyclists take on each stage of this epic journey, we will be with them at every turn, witnessing the making of champions.
Mark your calendars for August 26th; this is one event in the sporting world that you won’t want to miss.
Vuelta a España 2023 stages
08/26 Stage one Barcelona to Barcelona 14.8km TTT
08/27 Stage two Mataró to Barcelona 182km hilly
08/28 Stage three Súria to Arinsal (Andorra) 158.5km mountains
08/29 Stage four Andorra la Vella to Tarragona 185km hilly
08/30 Stage five Morella to Burriana 186.5km hilly
08/31 Stage six La Vall d’Uixó to Pico del Buitre 183.5km mountains
09/01 Stage seven Utiel to Oliva 201km flat
09/02 Stage eight Dénia to Xorret de Catï 165km mountains
09/03 Stage nine Cartagena to Collado de la Cruz de Caravaca 184.5km hilly
09/04 Rest day Valladolid Row
09/05 Stage 10 Valladolid to Valladolid 25.8km ITT
09/06 Stage 11 Lerma to Laguna Negra (Vinuesa) 163.5km flat, uphill finish
09/07 Stage 12 Ólvega to Zaragoza 151km flat
09/08 Stage 13 Formigal to Col du Tourmalet 135km mountains
09/09 Stage 14 Sauveterre de Béarn to Larra Belagua 156.5km mountains
09/10 Stage 15 Pamplona to Lekunberri 158.5km hilly
09/11 Rest day Santander
09/12 Stage 16 Liencres Playa to Bejes 120.5km flat, uphill finish
09/13 Stage 17 Ribadesella / Ribaseya to Alto de L’Angliru 124.5km mountains
09/14 Stage 18 Pola de Allande to La Cruz de Linares 179km mountains
09/15 Stage 19 La Bañeza to Íscar 177.5km flat
09/16 Stage 20 Manzanares El Real to Guadarrama 208km hilly
09/17 Stage 21 Hipódromo de Zarzuela to Madrid 101.5km flat
by Geroge Cornelius | 26, Nov 2020 | Latest News
Stage 8: Dénia to Xorret del Catí
Date: September 2
Distance: 165km
Stage type: Mountain
The eighth stage of the 2023 Vuelta a España is chock-full of five rated climbs, but don’t let the modest altitude deceive you; these hills have the potential to dramatically shake up the leaderboard.
Kicking off at the scenic coastal town of Dénia, the racers will traverse a roller-coaster 165km route through the low-lying mountains.
The highlight of the day is the final climb up to Xorret del Catí, a grueling 4km stretch that averages an 11.5% incline, peaking at a formidable 22%.
After reaching the summit, riders will face a 2km downhill segment, followed by a flat 1km stretch leading to the finish line.
This layout offers the perfect setting for a last-minute sprint, especially if the race frontrunners are neck and neck, making time bonuses a potential game-changer.
Before reaching the crucial Xorret del Catí climb, competitors will tackle four other categorized ascents.
None of these earlier climbs exceed an average gradient of 6%, and the longest one stretches for 10.9km.
Yet, the route’s fluctuating terrain presents ample opportunities for breakaway attempts and will certainly test the stamina of key contenders.
