Green Spain
Date: September 2008 (Exact Dates TBD)
Terrain: Hilly | Daily Miles: 55 - 80
Difficulty Level: 4
$4,295
On the northern coast of Spain the regions of Cantabria, Asturias and the Basque country, combine to make up Green Spain. The area offers an exciting mix of scenery and incredibly varied riding. We start in the Basque Region, riding along the northern coast of Spain, with stunning views over the Atlantic ocean from rocky cliffs that alternate with half-moon beaches and a succession of colorful fishing ports. Continuing inland, we ride through rolling meadows made up of warmly welcoming landscapes which are lush and green and filled with quaint old towns. Then we head to the high peaks of the Picos de Europa mountains. These mountains are said to be "even more impressive than the Pyrenees, for they are concentrated in a small, self-contained area - just 312 square miles - of denslely assembled, bare jagged peaks..." We ride into the heart of the mountains through a river gorge. The cuisine is new and often inventive yet relies on the abundant fresh seafood and local meats and cheeses and traditional ingredients and, of course, excellent red wines. Trust us when we say this is one of the most beautiful, diverse, charming, and un-touristy areas in which we've ever ridden. Come join us and see for yourself the beauty of northern Spain.
Itinerary
Stage One • Castro Urdiales. 22 mile loop 1800 Feet. A pleasant beachtown just outside of the capital of the Basque region, Bilbao. We open with a loop ride but don't let the fact that we're near the shore deceive you. The short rollers will get to you quickly! Our ride is followed by some serious beach time and a welcoming Spanish Fiesta featuring sizzling steak seared on a cooking stone at a local sidreria - an Asturian style cider bar.
Stage Two • Castro Urdiales to Santillana. 79 miles. 6611 Feet. A pretty and hilly ride inland that takes us through a rural region on our way to Santillana. We climb our first few passes today with spectacular views. Santillana is one of the most beautiful old towns you'll ever see. Nestled amid green hills, the streets are paved in cobblestone, the houses have old wooden balconies and the old church is beautiful. We stay at a Four Star converted palace in the center of the old town.
Stage Three • Day off in Santillana. Do a short ride down to the local beach and sunbathe or, if you prefer, visit the famous caves in Altamira where the prehistoric people painted bisons and other images on the rocks.
Stage Four • Santillana to Potes. 57 miles. 5381 Feet. We head into the Picos today with a ride along a river gorge. Stop at an ancient monastery. Try the famous locally made cheeses or a hearty bowl of fabido. Go up to Fuente De where you can take the cable car to the top of the peaks.
Stage Five • Potes to Cangas de Onis. 73 miles. 6060 Feet. A ride of spectacular mountain scenery through the heart of the Picos to the lovely town of Cangas de Onis. More quiet roads through agricultural areas. Our luxury hotel looks out over the old town.
Stage Six • Day off in Cangas de Onis. Enjoy a 15 mile ride up to the beautiful monastery at Covadongas and then the real challenge begins - the last 15 miles is a 14% climb up to Los Lagos - a stage finish on the Vuelta de Espana. Or relax and spend some time exploring town.
Stage Seven • Cangas de Onis to Santillana. 69 miles. 2953 Feet. A ride through yet another gorge and more green hills takes us out of the Picos de Europa and back to Santillana.
Stage Eight • Santillana. Loop ride 68 Miles 3789 Feet. Choose to do a beautiful loop ride through a natural park and to the town of Barcena Meyor. Here, it looks like nothing has been touched for thousands of years. This is as far from a 'touristy' destination as you can find and the riding - well, it just doesn't get better than this.
Stage Nine • Depart Santillana. You have time for a morning bike ride before your short trip back to Bilbao. Don't miss the Guggenheim museum and the shopping is super. Even the airport, designed by Santiago Calatrava is very beautiful.
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