Cycling in Tenerife

[BigonaBianchi]

Has anybody ridden on Tenerife? I know it is hilly but other than that I am ignorant of cycling stuff over there. So any tips, hints, do's don't would be most welcome. I'm going to take my Bianchi 2010 c2c alu carb (double not triple ..eek). Flying with Monarch and easy jet over new year for two weeks. I dont want to spend all my time on the bike, just be able to do some reasonable loops every other day say. Also even though I know this place is a climbers mecca I am not wanting to go cycle mountaineerring much...so any ideas on where to ride say 50/60 miles reasonably flatish? What are the road surface4s like there? I have skinny Gatorskin 23's fitted. Big ask over there I guess but thought I'd ask anyway.

Ta for any help.

 

[steveindenmark]

Just do a search for "Cycling Tenerife" and loads of things come up.

Steve

 

[Bodhbh]

I've not been there, but my parents were over earlier in the year and have been hawking it as a cycling destination. Apparently it's very popular with cyclists, and hence there's a fair few cycle renting places - some pretty high end bikes available for rent, road, touring and MTBs. Ryanair fly there looks like it's possible to get there fairly cheap and rent a bike to avoid getting stung on the luggage. Other than that, I know nothign!

 

[frank9755]

Been there but didn't cycle.


The road surfaces are fine, at least they are better than the UK.

It is a volcano, so it is hilly. There are some flat bits by some bits of the coast, especially on the South, but some of them will be the motorways and other busy roads. If I wanted to cycle somewhere without hills I wouldn't choose Tenerife. From memory, I'd say it is hillier than any UK region I can think of (Cornwall, Lake District, etc).

 

[itisaboutthebike]

Tenerife.................I know it very well. I do my Marmote training on the island (which gives you a clue as to the terrain.....). Pharmstrong did all his secret training on Tenerife for his 7 TDF victories............there's always pro's on the island - they usually stay in the hotel on top of the moutain (for the altitiude). I saw Vinokorov in 2007. Basso and his Liquigas team mates last year.

Depends where you're staying as to which rides you can/want do....................unfortunately on Tenerife there really isn't that much flat road - some around Medino and Les Gallatas (in the south) - but it's very boring - and can be windy, and lots of traffic.

If on the other hand you want to climb............well..................just take any of the roads from Golf del Sur (or around there) and head to Vilaflor (highest village in Spain at 1900m), - usually less traffic too, esp in the afternoon siesta (but thats when its hot unfortunately !). Usually takes me approx 1h 45m from the Golf and my first stop for coffee ( one of 2 nice cafes that are open all year).

You can then go back down the mountain......................or if you're very fit head to the top of Teidie (only another 25k !). There's the cafe at the tourist info place.

My main ride is a 175km loop from the Golf to top of Teide then over the top past the observatory then down to Guimar and back along to San Miguel and the Golf. 4000+m of climbing - 8 hours (ish) on a good day !

I usually carry leg & arm warmers and a lightweight shell as it can be very windy on the top of the mountain - and of course it does rain sometimes !

Road surfaces vary - on the whole not too bad, but in some places can be quite broken up. 23mm tyres are ok tho.

If you're not an elite rider you probably want 34/50 12-25 or 12-27 if you're planning some climbing.

I'll be there 17th > 30th Dec to start my Marmotte training for 2011(I stay in Parc Albatross in Golf del Sur)...........let me know if you fancy meeting up for a ride.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Steve