You’ve been to Mallorca and ridden with the swarms of cyclists in May and you’ve even got the sunburn to show for it.
So what’s next? Girona would be a great shout. But when will you visit? In my recent blog about the best time of year to visit Girona weather wise, I highlighted that many months traditionally out of peak season, like November through March are fantastic times to ride in Girona. There are practically no tourists and the weather is normally dry and perfect for riding. You are also much likely to cross paths with the hundreds of professionals who train throughout the winter months in Girona and who in the peak months are away racing.
But it’s not just Girona that Winter riding appeals to. In Málaga and all of Andalucia, professional race teams flock in the Winter months for their early season race camps. Being the hilliest province in all of Spain and also having coastal riding, a Winter ride can see you pedalling down from snow peaked mountains to a beer at the beach, all in the same day.
Gran Canaria has for years been visited by tourists looking to escape the cold winters of northern Europe. We advise checking out the gravel and specifically the northern part of the island to escape the crowds and experience the rugged beauty of the island.
There aren’t many places as remote as Patagonia. Enjoy nature, peace and quiet and the simple action of pedaling your bike through beautiful scenery. It also happens that whilst we are in Winter, the Summer season in Patagonia provides perfect riding conditions.
At Eat Sleep Cycle we believe in sustainable tourism and as part of that effort we look to promote destinations for their appeal out of peak season. We believe it is better for everyone including your experience!
The Great Divide, also known as the Continental Divide of the Americas, is a majestic and predominantly mountainous range that, in its totality, stretches from the Bering Strait between the USA and Russian, to the Strait of Magellan on the southernmost tip of Chile.
It follows the line of high peaks along the Rocky Mountains and the Andes and encompasses a variety of landscapes and terrains that offer endless possibilities for gravel adventures, but none more so than those lying between Chile and Argentina.
Gravel cycling in Chile, Los Andes and Patagonia
The opportunities for gravel cycling in Chile, Los Andes and Patagonia are limitless. Starting in Chile, these boundless and unparalleled landscapes captivate visitors year after year. The country may only be 350 km wide (at its widest point, east to west), but what it lacks in breadth it makes up for in natural wonders, from the dry deserts in the north, to dense forests in the south, crystalline rivers and lakes and the towering Los Andes mountain range.
Gravel cycling in Los Andes
Los Andes form a natural border between Chile and Argentina and are the longest mountain range in the world, with an average height of around 4,000 metres. The gravel roads that criss-cross over these peaks boast challenging ascents that will test not only your physical endurance, but your mental stamina, too.
By way of example, the road to Portillo, a popular Chilean ski resorts, is a mountain stage that takes you up into the heart of the Andes. The renowned Portillo road is part of the main highway connecting Santiago (Chile) and Mendoza (Argentina), so not strictly gravel, but an arduous ascent nonetheless. This 85 km climb features the gruelling “Los Caracoles” (the snails) section, with 29 hairpin turns and gradients of up to 14%, considered by many to be one of the world’s toughest cycling climbs.
Torres del Paine National Park
Rocky Mountains National Park
Gravel cycling in Patagonia
Gravel cycling in Patagonia is next level, with endless tracks and trails that guide you through its vast wilderness and untouched landscapes. From windswept plains to the jagged peaks of the Torres del Paine National Park, every pedal stroke reveals more of this region’s raw, natural beauty. Expect a mix of challenging climbs, awe-inspiring views and a humbling sense of nature’s grandeur, with spectacles such as the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Fitz Roy massif, and the stunning landscapes of Tierra del Fuego.
Road conditions along the Great Divide
As might be expected in such a wild landscape, road conditions along the Great Divide through Chile, Los Andes and Patagonia vary between paved highways, well-maintained gravel roads and more rugged and remote paths. After all, the beauty of gravel is in being able to tackle pretty much any terrain, and riding on with confidence as the sound of your tyres on smooth tarmac is suddenly transformed into a crunchy symphony of dusty gravel.
It’s important to have previous experience riding on all types of roads, paths and surfaces, and come prepared with a sturdy gravel or mountain bike and the appropriate gear to tackle the sometimes-challenging terrain. Handlebar and top-bar storage for snacks, spare inner tubes, tools, extra layers, gloves, and any other essentials you want to bring along will help keep your body free and flexible to manoeuvre over and through these wild landscapes.
Crossing the Andes Mountains
Rocky Mountains National Park
Weather conditions and the best time to ride
The weather along the Great Divide in Chile, Los Andes and Patagonia can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan your gravel cycling adventure accordingly. Ideally, the best time to ride is during South America’s summer months, from November to March. The weather is generally milder and the days are longer, which is perfect for big rides and lots of exploration.
But even during the summer, weather patterns can change within a few hours, and you may be faced with strong winds, rain, or even snow at higher altitudes. It’s crucial to be prepared with the appropriate layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy tyres to navigate the ever-changing conditions.
Rocky Mountains landscape
The Eat Sleep Cycle Great Divide Gravel Cycling Tour
Our new Eat Sleep Cycle gravel cycling tour of the Great Divide will explore this rugged edge of the world and cross the Chile-Argentina border twice, giving riders a chance to experience two of the countries flanking the longest mountain range in the world.
Winter is coming… but imagine you could avoid donning those woolly overshoes and rain jacket and chase the summer around the world, where would you go? Here are some of the top winter cycling destinations.
Winter Cycling Destinations
The following destinations are ready to be explored all throughout the winter months without a leg-warmer in sight! The go-to locations for a mid-winter getaway or epic training camp these are the fail-safe, tried and tested all-winter cycling destinations.
Andalucia & the South of Spain – Sun & Smooth Tarmac
The regions of southern Spain are a long-held favourite destinations for leisure cyclists and World-Tour teams alike. It’s no surprise that so many fly south for winter; Andalucía enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine a year and only 40 days of rain on average. Calpe and the surrounding area boasts a similarly temperate climate and is swarming with cyclists engaging in some winter training during the colder months.
The Costa Tropical region is like most good training locations – the area is very hilly, several climbs over 2,000 m, good road surfaces and sparse traffic. The Calpe/Alicante area is known in summer as a haven for those seeking sun-soaked partying but in winter it attracts a very different kind of clientele who mix with the stalwart maogany ex-pats. Cyclists flock to the region in search of sun and smooth tarmac, which they receive in abundance. As with the rest of Spain, the draw is not only the fantastic riding but also the laid-back lifestyle and delicious food and drink on offer, re-fuelling with some delicious tapas and a cerveza is a must.
Where to stay: Mojacar, Calpe, Almería, Almuñécar.
A beautiful network of climbs, descents & changing landscapes
Málaga – Coast and Mountains
Málaga seems like a paradise for cyclist with its smooth roads & the buzz of a vibrant beach-side city that never sleeps.
One of our favorite rides out of Málaga is the Puerto Leon, a 16.1 Km 5.6 % AVG gradient road climb that starts right from the city. In no time you are away from the hustle and bustle and into the mountains, crossing paths only with farmers. But it is when you swing back towards the coast and you’re hit with that lovely sea breeze, that you realise just how special that mix of mountains and coast really is.
Our Málaga Classic Climbs itinerary offers 6 unique rides that combine the highlight climbs in the area with the coast. There is no better feeling than riding back from the hills to the beach for that well deserved ice coffee, ice cream or chilled beer (or all three). Check here to know Why You Should Consider Cycling in Málaga this Winter
If the summer in the southern hemisphere is calling you, look no further than the grandiose landscapes of Patagonia. This incredible region at the sourthernmost point of South America is a paradise for nature lovers and gravel bike riders. Ride across the Andes, camp out under the stars, enjoy long summer barbeques and the adventure of a lifetime.
Where to Stay: Pucon, Chile or San Martin de los Andes, Argentina
More than just a beach holiday destination, a visit to Gran Canaria by bike will leave you wondering if the island was actually designed by cyclists. Year-round temperatures of between 22 and 25 degrees, a mere 148 mm of rainfall on average over 12 months, plenty of climbing and some of the smoothest tarmac you’ll ever ride on make it a cycling haven.
The landscape of Gran Canaria is uniquely stunning and diverse ranging from sparse and volcanic to lively and green. The climbs here can be steeper than the neighbouring Canary Islands meaning the riding is somewhat more challenging and varied – perfect training terrain. Those who aren’t all about pushing their limits on a cycling getaway can take advantage of recovery time on the many beautiful beaches the island has to offer.
Canary Islands are one of our top picks for legs-out cycling as the rest of Europe stays wrapped up. Join our our Gran Canaria & Tenerife Experience for a true insight into Island life or check out our top pick of Gran Canaria’s cycle routes to plan your own trip.
Where to stay: Puerto Mogan, Cruz de Tejeda, Agaete.
Exploring the beautiful roads of Girona over the winter months The catalan city and its surroundings are a cycling paradise at any time of the year and winter brings bright blue skies and a quiet city. Gravel riding over the winter months is particularly popular with local riders-
Where to stay: in the old town, Hotel Carlemany, Hotel Nord 1901
The unique region of Girona, a real paradise for cyclists
Inspiring Winter Cycling Spots
Inspired? Each of our winter cycling spots above give you the ability to indulge in a cycling tour or training session when it should be too cold to be enjoyable! Take a look at our winter camps to see how you can enjoy some cycling in the sun this winter. For more information or to find out about how we can tailor a winter trip to your needs email us on tours@eatsleepcycle.com or contact us online!
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