Bespoke Words
By Jenny Drinkwater
Eat Sleep Cycle Blog
A Guide to riding the Great Divide: Patagonia, Chile & Los Andes
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.
Gravel cycling on the Canary Islands: A new perspective
Gravel cycling on Gran Canaria, the third-largest island in the archipelago, is a never-ending list of opportunities for gravellers looking for picturesque riding mixed with some real tests of strength. The island boasts an impressive variety of landscapes, from the majestic Maspalomas Dunas on the coast to the mighty Pico de las Nieves, the highest peak on the island with panoramic views of the neighbouring islands and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
The well-maintained gravel roads criss-crossing the island offer the perfect routes to get up close and personal with other natural wonders, such as the Caldera de Bandama, an impressive crater located near Las Palmas; the Barranco de Guayadeque, a deep ravine renowned for its rugged cliffs, lush vegetation and ancient caves; or Roque Nublo, an iconic volcanic rock formation offering views over the surrounding countryside.
Despite the more demanding routes on Gran Canaria, such as Pico de las Nieves, reaching almost 2,000 m above sea level, the Valley of the Tears (think steep gradients and challenging terrain) and Roque Nublo (around 1,800 m above sea level), the island offers a plethora of routes suitable for all levels, including the Tirajana Valley, taking you through rolling countryside and pine forests, or the Ayagaures Valley, with its charming villages and yet more beautiful countryside.
The Prosecco Hills: A Hidden Gem for Cycling in Northern Italy
The Prosecco Hills are a sea of rolling green, striped by vineyards and olive groves and dotted with charming medieval villages. They’re not called the Prosecco Hills for nothing, as the Veneto region is famous for its production of this world-famous sparkling wine. The gentle hills and scenic routes winding through vineyards provide an enchanting backdrop, replete with quiet country roads, Hors Catégorie mountain passes and well-maintained cycling paths that cater to riders of all levels.
Fans of the World Tours will be pleased to know that the Prosecco Hills have featured more than once in the prestigious Giro d'Italia. Two of the most noteworthy climbs in the region are Passo San Boldo and Monte Grappa. Passo San Boldo is a stunning ascent renowned for its unique series of 18 hairpin turns. It cuts through the Dolomites along steep slopes and narrow roads, demanding skill and concentration, and passes through an impressive series of five terraced tunnels, known as the Galleria San Boldo. Monte Grappa is another local giant that forms part of the Venetian Prealps. It’s an Hors Catégorie climb with an average gradient of 7-8%, which jumps to double digits on some particularly taxing segments. That being said, like most rides in this region, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountain-scape from the summit make it worth the extra legwork.