Mountain Journeys

Guided cycling – Costa Blanca

Whether you’re looking for a single day or full week of cycling, we can help by designing route plans and an itinerary to suit. From gentle 50km rides through to 100km+ hill climb days, we can provide it all.

Why Costa Blanca?

Most of the professional cycling teams use Costa Blanca as a winter base, they’re on to something good. The winter weather is usually very good, the roads are silky smooth and many are virtually traffic free. The environment is cycling friendly as are most of the cafes.


There are many excellent hill climbs throughout the region. Some are gentle, some less so. With descents though beautiful mountainous scenery. Mixed in with this are big expanses of flatlands with an array of wildlife and miles of orange grove.


There is plenty to do Apres cycle too. Visiting any of the bustling port towns in the evening for fresh and often locally sourced food is a good start, there’s no shortage of choice.

For rest days there are beautiful sandy beaches all along the coastline, or if that isn’t your thing there are plenty of hiking trails up in the mountains.

What’s the riding like?

Many years ago I bought a road bike and although I gave it a good shot, just couldn’t get into it on my local roads in Cumbria, maybe it was just the weather. I sold my road bike and forgot about it altogether. Fast forward to winter 2018 and a good friend suggested I give it another try whilst over in Spain. He lent me a bike and we pedalled the ‘Col de Rates’ that afternoon. A few things came together and I was completely re-sold back into the world of road biking. We enjoyed virtually traffic free roads that were super smooth, the views were magnificent, and the long sweeping descents gave the perfect adrenaline rush. I ordered a new bike that week and was back in the game.

The big climbs and mountain passes aren’t to everyone’s taste, thankfully there are plenty of flatter options in the area. These often pass through miles and miles of orange groves and all on silky smooth roads.

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We’ve noted a few climbs here:

Col de Rates – this is around 7km at an average gradient of 5.5% and a max of 7%. Starting from the Jalon valley it soon towers high above the plain and from the top views south are particularly stunning.


Pla de Petracos – 5.5km at an average gradient of 3% and some steeper ramps up to about 12%. This is a single track road was completely resurfaced in 2018 and is silky smooth. It climbs through some wild landscapes, passes dramatic caves, and enjoys spectacular views into the Val de Ebo. The descent into the village of Val de Ebo requires care with numerous sharp bends.


Val de Gallinera – 22km at an average of just 3%. This is a very gentle climb through a beautiful valley with ever more impressive scenery. There are numerous villages dotted along the roadside and most offer a café stop option.


Port de Bernia – 12km at an average gradient of 4%. This starts from the cycle café in the centre of Jalon and follows a switchback single track road the whole way. It is a pure delight and the view at the top is icing on the cake, the massive ridge of Sierra de Bernia. 


Port de Tudons – 14km at an average gradient of 4% are the official figures. There are a few ‘warm-up’ km’s prior to the official start, so it’s more like 18km. Max gradient is 11%. Starting from the mountain village of Sella this winds a slow course to the highest mountain in the region, Sierra de Aitana. From the top a closed military road continues up to the summit of the mountain, this is only opened for special occasions. The descent to Alcoleja is breath-taking. 

Pricing

£80 for half day rides (up to 3 hours in the saddle)

£120 for full days (up to 5 hours in the saddle)

Prices are per guide and up to 4 riders can share the fee

 

Good quality carbon road bike hire is available - £30 per day (based on min 3-day hire) - please bring your own pedals, helmet, and lights if wanted.

Accommodation can be arranged upon request

 

For your peace of mind, we are British Cycling qualified leaders and very familiar with the area.

Kit List

  • Bicycle in good working order
  • Helmet
  • Spare tubes
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Multi-tool
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Snacks/energy gels
  • Plenty of fluids
  • Card/cash for café stops

Further Details on Road Cycling in Spain

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I agree to the following payment terms:

  • Deposit of 50% of total cost upon booking and final balance payable prior to commencing course.
  • Total value of course is due if booking less than 30 days before the route / activity begins.

Payment details will be provided by email following receipt of this form.

In consideration of Mountain Journeys allowing me to take part in and engage in any adventure activity, I hereby acknowledge and declare as follows:

  1. I confirm that I am over the age of 18 (if under 18 you must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times and they sign below on any child’s behalf).
  2. I agree to be bound by and obey these terms and conditions and all other rules, regulations and conditions of Mountain Journeys and its officials, including those rules, regulations or conditions contained in this Disclaimer and any other applicable safety rules.
  3. I acknowledge that I owe a duty to myself and others whilst engaging in any activity provided by Mountain Journeys to ensure that I do not take any action or step to do or fail to do anything as to endanger my safety and/or the safety of others.
  4. I confirm that I will not attempt to repair, modify or tamper with any equipment provided to me for any purpose whilst engaging in any activity and will comply with all instructions in relation to the safe and proper use of such equipment.
  5. I will not, whilst engaging in any activity provided by Mountain Journeys, use any equipment other than those provided to me by Mountain Journeys without the consent of a representative of Mountain Journeys.
  6. I acknowledge that engaging in an activity provided by Mountain Journeys can be physically and mentally demanding and confirm that I am in good health and know of no reason, physical or mental why I could be unable to engage in such activity.
  7. I agree to pay to Mountain Journeys a sum equivalent to the new value of the item plus an administration charge of £50 if I fail to return to Mountain Journeys any equipment provided to me for the purpose of engaging in any activity.
  8. Cancellations will be subject to a minimum cancellation charge of £50 per day. Cancellations made within 7 days of the activity date will be subject to the full rate agreed for activities and no refund can be given.At our discretion we may offer an alternative date at no additional charge.
  9. I acknowledge that engaging in the activity provided by Mountain Journeys may be dangerous. I therefore recognise that engaging in any activity is at my own risk. I confirm that Mountain Journeys is entitled at any time for whatever reason to deny me access and/or engagement in any activity. I will not hold Mountain Journeys or any of its representatives responsible for any illness, loss, injury or death sustained before, during or after participation in an activity provided by Mountain Journeys unless due to our negligence.
  10. I confirm that I understand the necessity to take out insurance for the activity.
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