Road Cycling Escapes
We take you to some of the classic climbs, through stunning National Parks, valleys, hidden villages and historic towns, all from our countryside base located in the most beautiful corner of Valencia and Alicante.
We'll see some of the most beautiful destinations and mountains, visit the best cafes and restaurants and take in some of the best views to be found anywhere. There's something for everyone this week, with a little more climbing and more distance than our relaxed week, but with routes that can be tailored to the group and personal preferences.
An area rich in history, incredible castles, fabulous vineyards and wonderful cuisine. Explore this amazing region and challenge yourself on the bike in real Valencian style.
who is it for?
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A week to suit all riders.
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Harder days may feature several climbs but we take some time to see the sights and regroup.
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Ideally you can complete rides of 40 to 75km as minimum.
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For stronger riders more climbs are possible
how hard is it?
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Two speed groups / Twp ride leaders if required
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Easier & Harder routes available most days
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Daily distance: 40-120 km depending on group
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Maximum group size: 8-12
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Optional recovery day
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We stop for coffee breaks
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Longer rides inc a lunch stop
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We also have our e-road bikes to support mixed abilities within groups
highlights
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Serra Mariola National park
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Ancient villages of Bocairent, Biar, Agres, Moixent
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Xativa Castle
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Stunning La Vuelta climbs
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Font Roja National park
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Fontanars wine region
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Agres Convent
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Tuscany of Valenciad
what is included?
7 nights accommodation
daily room cleaning service
cycling kit wash
swimming pool and towels
Wifi
the riding
5 days guided cycling
support vehicle
mechanical assistance
secure bike storage
comprehensive route guides
GPX route map files
food & drink
welcome reception
5 evening meals
continental breakfast
coffee & soft drinks
post-ride meals
fruit bowl
restaurant bookings
example trip overview
Summary of the weeks riding. Rides extensions available to add more miles, mountains and climbing We can also tailor the riding as required for the group.
Day 01 Arrival day & welcome reception
Day 02 wine country - 55-90 km
Day 03 serra mariola - 75-100km
Day 04 rest day, ride or sightseeing
Day 05 navalon - 95 km
Day 06 mogente - 60-100 km
Day 07 xativa - 90k
Day 08 depart
The itinerary is indicative of the planned week, it may be adapted according to your arrival and departure flights, local conditions, and to the level of the group - enabling riders to get the best out of their week.
day 01: arrival
One of the escapar team will meet you on arrival at the airport and transport you directly to the retreat.
If you are arriving on an early flight and wish to ride after assembling your bike or fitting of our hire bike, we can recommend an easy rolling route towards Albadia or Fontanars. It's locally known for good reason as the 'Tuscany of Valencia'. We have many other routes to choose from, if you want something more challenging.
day 02: wine country
We leave the Finca and head towards Fontanars on local roads known as the Valencia Tuscany, eventually passing towards flatter planes with stunning vistas of the many Bodegas that dot the landscape.
We climb the stunning Port del Moro from Fontanars to nearly 1000m before a fantastic decent towards Beneixama and onwards toward Villena with its spectacular Castle sitting atop of the town. We head back via Port Biar towards the Serra Mariola and the ancient town of Banyeres de Mariola, passing beatiful Bocairent, regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. The descent into Ontinyent down Port Bocairent is a real treat and perfect way to end the first day.
day 03: serra mariola
We take Bocairent from Ontinyent and make our way steadily higher into the heart of Serra Mariola National Park and onto Alcoy city of Bridges. We have the option to ride to hermitage at Font Roja, set in yet another stunning National Park.
We return via Serra Mariola, passing Ancient Agres where we make a stop at the Convent sitting high above the town, before long and shallow, fast and winding descent back into Ontinyent.
day 04: rest day
On the rest day you can choose to put your feet up and relax at the Finca, go sight seeing, walking or perhaps a gentle spin to a Bodega.
We recommend and can arrange the following:
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Day in Xativa and trip to Xativa Castle
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Day trip to Valencia
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Local walk to Pou Clar or Bocairent
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Sighting, shopping and Menu del Dia in Ontinyent
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Train ride through the Serra Mariola to Alcoy
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Wine testing Bodega visit and trip to Villena
day 05: navalon
We take another rolling wine county route towards Fontanars before heading north towards Navalon and Enguera. We climb the peaceful and serene Torre Talada to Navalon and descend Cumbres de Valenca to return the rich wine county near Fontanars and Mogente.
Few riders will have experienced the undiscovered country of this part of Valencia, but will want to return and explore further. The scenery is breathtaking, tarmac wonderful and cycling terrain a world apart from the coast and what you may have expected in Spain.
From Mogente we climb Port del Bosquet through the stunning twisting gorge, passing Embalse de Bosquet before descending Port del Paller into Aeilo and continuing back to Ontinyent.
The day is completed with the tough but stunning climb to the hermitage of Sant Esteve for the best views of the Vall d'Albaida.
day 06: mogente
We roll out from the Finca and drop down to briefly follow the Clariano (Ontinyent) river taking us towards Ontinyent, where it's a short sharp climb backup to cross the stunning Santa Maria bridge and onto the mountains of the Serra Grossa. We take Port de Portitxol north, with its stunning views of the Vall D'Albaida, Serra Grossa and Costera plains, matched by a spectacular descent, down through the gorge into Mogente, Nearby was pss El Pobalado Ibero de La Bastida de les Alcusses, a 4th century BC Iberian city of major importance. We continue towards Fontanars del Alforins passing Celler del Roure, where wine is made with ancient amphora.
We stop in Fontanars at a world renowned Bodega for refreshments and then take the valley descent back towards Ontinyent and onto Port del Paller. From the Paller it's a thrill ride down the Portillol back to the Finca.
day 07: xativa
We ride west and north through the pretty villages of the Vall d'Albaida with stunning views of the Sierra de Benicadell. We take Port Salem, perhaps the climbing highlight of the week and loop back around Beniarres and Port d'Albaida to head north towards lake Bellus before arriving in Xativa. There's a short climb to the castle, where we stop to explore and take in the most fantastic views in every direction. The castle sits on Vernissa hill on the strategic Via Augusta and was declared a National Monument, having been built and developed by Iberians, Romans and Borgia's.
We take lunch and refreshments and ease into the afternoon on gentle road to Vallada, before a tough final climb of the week into the Serra Grossa and finish with a flying descent down the Portillol into Ontinyent for ice cream in the Placa Concepcion.