GODNEY WARRIORS              BIKE TOUR  2007           LA RIOJA DESCENT

 

           

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Schedule

 

 

 

Night One

Fontibre/Burgos                             Sun 9 September 2007

Night Two

Villanueva de la Nía                       Mon 10     

Night Three

Pesquera del Ebro                         Tues 11

 

Night Four

Quintana de Valdivielso                 Wed 12

 

Frías/Herran                                   Thur 13

 

Night Five

 

Night Six

Haro                                               Fri 14

 

Night Seven

Laguardia                                       Sat 15

Day   Eight Madrid                                           Sun 16  

Return to Bristol                   Mon 17

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Day 1

                                 Fly Bristol to Madrid - Train to Burgos or Fontibre 

 

 

                          Cycling in Rioja, Spain

                   The Grain in Spain – Cycling through the Golden Fields of the Rioja
 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2

Fontibre – Villanueva de la Nía

Fontibre is the source of the Ebro. This stage takes us through some fabulous and unspoilt scenery. From the green mountain pastures of the Cantabrian Mountains, along the shores of the Ebro Reservoir, past the Monastery of Montesclaros, surrounded by forests to finally rejoin the Ebro in the Valley of Valderredible and tonight’s stop in Villanueva de la Nía.

Follow the river downstream direct to Villanueva. A longer route circumnavigates the Ebro reservoir – 56 miles

 

Distance  44 km – 27 miles

 

 

 

 

Day 3

                                            Villanueva de la Nía – Pesquera del Ebro

We begin by cycling through the open valley of Valderredible. Take the opportunity to visit the Romanesque church of San Martín de Elines and also the churches carved into the very rock which are so characteristic of this region. As we progress down the river, the sides of the valley begin to close in until we find ourselves in a marvelous canyon of ever-increasing dimensions, where eagles and vultures soar overhead. Stop to visit the fairytale village of Orbaneja del Castillo with its cascades running through the village. As we approach Pesquera, the canyon of the Ebro reaches unbelievable dimensions before we finally reach the attractive village that will be tonight’s resting-place for our chariots.

 

                                                            
Pesquera

Distance 53 km – 33 miles      (short/direct off river-12 miles)

 

 

 

 

Day 4

Pesquera del Ebro – Quintana de Valdivielso

A beautiful route which follows a huge bend of the river through the most picturesque and undiscovered villages.

Take the optional longer route to visit the old quarter of Medina de Pomar with its castle dominating the town and the surrounding landscape.

More eagles and vultures as we rejoin the river in yet another canyon.

Tonight’s stop is in the little village of Quintana de Valdivielso.

 

Distance short 37 km – 23 miles

 

 

 

 

Day 5

                     Quintana de Valdivielso - Frías (Herrán)

 

This route takes us along a quiet country road running parallel to the river where the valley begins to open out again.

Visit the Romanesque church of San Pedro de Tejada and soon we are cycling through yet another canyon, which then opens out into the fertile valley around Frías. This is a spectacular village built around its castle and enjoying fine views of the Ebro Valley.

A longer route takes a more roundabout trip through the valley of Frías. We finally reach tonight’s stop in the hamlet of Herrán.

Distance 37 k  - 23 miles

 

Biking the La Rioja Vinyards Pilgram Trails and Mountain Scenery Tour
It’s down hill all the way!

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6

Frías – Miranda de Ebro – Haro


Biking the La Rioja Vinyards Pilgram Trails and Mountain Scenery Tour

As we leave Frías the valley begins to close in on us again until we find ourselves in another spectacular canyon.

The road runs along the shores of a reservoir surrounded by high mountains and through short tunnels carved out of the rock.

The route crosses the little town of Miranda del Ebro before passing through imposing peaks that signal the gateway to the enormous open valley of La Rioja.

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 Visit  one of the many famous bodegas in Haro, complete with wine tasting.

We cycle through endless vineyards and numerous picturesque villages of La Rioja, with the backdrop of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains and the Ebro never too far away.

Haro The home of Rioja and considered the capital of the wine growing region. The old quarter has some interesting bars- off Plaza de la Paz


Cycling Holiday in Spain

 

                                                         

Distance 26  miles to Miranda, then transfer to Haro by bus with Bikes

 

 

 

 

Day 7

Haro -  Laguardia

 

    

We finally reach the superb walled medieval village of Laguardia where, as in Haro, wine is almost a way of life.     

Explore La Rioja.  

Enjoy a tour round one of the bodegas with wine tasting. Do some last  minute  shopping. Return bikes 

 

 

Distance 26 Miles

 

 

 

Day 8

                         Laguardia to Madrid

 

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    Five Boys On The Wine
                                        Just like Mudgley 

Local cuisineOlla Podrida – (a hearty stew of chickpeas,brisket,ham and marrow bones, pork, blackpudding, potatoes and greens)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terrain / Gradients

Generally easy cycling as the route follows the River Ebro as it flows downstream - 85% downhill. Two short inclines (moderate cycling)