Cycling from the Sierra to the Sea in Spain
We invite you to join us for a fascinating trek through Spain, a landscape of unexpected beauty and variety in a country uniquely different than any other place our bikes have taken us. Once we leave the vibrant capital region of Madrid, we enter a land steeped in the age-old traditions of Spanish life.
We’ll begin along the Via Verdes Tajuña green route, a repurposed railroad bed that will lead us through ancient olive groves and across pivotal battlefields of the Spanish Civil War. We’ll get a taste of Spain’s rural culture as we make our way up and over the isolated Montañas Vacías (Empty Mountains) and beyond. The medieval “hanging houses” that continue to cling to the cliffs of Cuenca above a steep river gorge were built in the 15th century. The ramparts that still stand tall to protect the ancient town of Albarracin date back to their Moorish roots. The quiet roads of the Sierra de Albarracin, with their intriguing prehistoric cave paintings and pine forests strewn with gigantic sandstone boulders, greet us as they have greeted countless others passing through this area over the centuries. The UNESCO World Heritage city of Teruel displays its spectacular array of exotic Mudejar architecture from the 12th century. Ultimately, we will join the Via Verdes de Ojos Negros which will carry us safely over breathtaking viaducts and through seemingly countless tunnels as it descends to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the vibrant port of Valencia. The incredible sweetness of the fresh Valencia oranges grown in this area will be an apt way to celebrate the culmination of our Spanish adventure as we take some time to enjoy the ultra modern architecture, the medieval old town, the endless beaches and of course the paella, all of which make Valencia famous!
Our accommodations will be as varied as the topography but all of them offer the wonderful hospitality of our friendly Spanish innkeepers. We’ll start and end the trip in relative luxury near Madrid. In between, we will experience a diverse mix of basic but clean and comfortable rooms in charming places, above a Spanish cantina, in an ancient palace and even on a truffle farm.
Our excursion will cover almost 500 km spread over eight cycling days with plenty of time off to explore the myriad of captivating scenes in which we find ourselves. The terrain is challenging and most days include elevation gains ranging from 200 to 970 meters, but our itinerary distances reflect the degree of difficulty for each day. The route surfaces are comprised of approximately 60% paved quiet roads and cycle paths and 40% gravel, clay, sand and broken asphalt surfaces along the Via Verdes pathways.
Hybrid or gravel-style touring bicycles with low gearing and wider tires are best suited for this trip. For those who wish to rent a bike, suitable bicycles, both conventional and electric, are available from a bike shop conveniently close to our starting point.
We sincerely hope that you will consider joining us for what promises to be an exhilarating and unforgettable Coasters Cycling Club tour through eastern Spain.
Day 8 | Day 9
Hit the highest elevation on the trip today and then enjoy the downhill run into Albarracin, a town steeped in its past
Sunday, March 30/Thursday, September 11 | 55.5 km; Ascend 715 m
Monday, March 31/Friday, September 12 | Day off Riding
Maps needed: Garmin Map SpD8a - Tragacete to Albarracin - short route, Map of Albarracin
As we climb into the quiet beauty of the Montañas Vacias (Empty Mountains), revel in the solitude and the scenery. This area has the lowest population density in all of Europe. When we get close to Albarracin we’ll enjoy a pleasant ride with the Guadalaviar River on one side and the extraordinary rocky canyon walls the other. Pass under a bridge and the remarkable town of Albarracin will open up to you.
After visiting the bakery to buy our lunch (Manos a la Masa Panes y Dulces; located farther up the road at the swimming pool and bull-fighting area), we will retrace a bit of yesterday’s ride as we backtrack along road CM-2106.
5 km - Turn left onto road CM-2119/CU-V-9161 & begin a climb of about 10% for the next 5-6 km.
15.2 km – At the junction with another road coming down from the north, curve to the right onto road A-1704. We’ll be cycling in this high country with a few more ups and downs for about another 10 km.
28 km – At this point we can take a short detour of about 100 meters by turning left here (watch for a sign indicating the way to the chasm) to reach the Sima de Frias (Chasm of Frias). .
Sima de Frias is a chasm of about 80 meters in diameter and almost 60 meters deep. It was caused by subsidence of the land. Here the multiple layers in the land are left perfectly exposed.
31 km – Reach the small town of Frias de Albarracin. There are a few shops here and the Hotel Frias has a bar where light meals and drinks can be had.
33.7 km – Reach the Puerto de las Banderas which marks the end of climbing for today. Let the coasting begin! Continue along A-1704.
37.5 km – Pass through the town of Calomarde.
45 km – Skirt by the town of Royuela.
46.3 km - At the junction with another road, turn left onto road A-1703.
48.2 km – When our road joins in with another road, take a hard right turn onto access road A-1512 and join the banks of the Guadalaviar River as it meanders into Albarracin.
55 km – Pass under the bridge and enter the town of Albarracin.
55.3 km – Make a hard left onto Cta. De Teruel just before the junction with C. Llano de Arrabel.
55.5 km – Arrive at our resting spot for the next two nights.
We’ll be staying at the Hotel Albarracin; Azagra, 44100, Albarracin; Tel: +34 978 7100 11;
www.hotelalbarracinteruel.com/EN/; albarracin@gargallohotels.es
Breakfast is included at the Hotel Albarracin. There are a couple of grocery stores in this town and multiple convenience stores. The grocery stores can be located with Google. Our favourite one was Supermercado Coaliment Albarracín ( C. Carrerahuertos, 13, 44100 Albarracín, see orange arrow and red letters at the top of the Map of Albarracin East). There are many restaurants available, both big and small, around this town. Some suggestions for traditional foods are Rincón del Chorro; La Despensa de Tusta; Casino; Señorío de Albarracín; El Buen Yantar; El Mesón de Gallo