SoloCyclist
Guest
I holiday here each year and have got to know the area quite well. I hire a bike for 7 days of a 14 day Holiday.
Last year I took a turning that I normally cycled past and discovered a cracking area. The area in general is VERY hilly but I could see these hills touching the clouds in the distance and went to see if there were any roads up. The road took me through a town called Xalo then onto Alcalali and Parcent. From Parcent there is a climb called the Coll de Rates. Loads of bikes were on it as it must be a popular training route for the locals.
Near the top there was all the names painted on the road at the hairpins. Cavandish, Shleck and the like. It was part of a stage of the 2010 Vuelta. The view from the top is stunning and there is a restaurant which I found out does not charge cyclists for water refills.
From the top you can see a range of hills into the distance and at one viewpoint there is a stone 'map' of the area showing you what you can see in front of you.
Next day I went back a more direct route and climbed it again this time going over the top and continuing on. I had the map in my head and thought I could complete a circular route and come back to Parcent by a different route. You can do this but rather stupidly I got lost and paniced a little as I really was in the middle of nowhere. It was hot 30+C and I decided to turn back not knowing if it was further to go back or carry on.
Anyway, happy ending, I got back and discovered the free refills at the top of the Coll.
So this year I am going earlier than usual, late June and I hope it will be cooler. Has anyone else cycled in this area, and do you have any tips. Since returning I also found out that at the bottom of the climb there is a ticket machine where you can get a time for the climb (there is one at the top too). You then post your card and you can check your climb time against others who have done it on a web site.
http://www.ciclocostablanca.com/index.php/events/19-coll-de-rates-bike-challenge
Approach
From the top
My map
lost
Coll de Rates Restaurant.
Last year I took a turning that I normally cycled past and discovered a cracking area. The area in general is VERY hilly but I could see these hills touching the clouds in the distance and went to see if there were any roads up. The road took me through a town called Xalo then onto Alcalali and Parcent. From Parcent there is a climb called the Coll de Rates. Loads of bikes were on it as it must be a popular training route for the locals.
Near the top there was all the names painted on the road at the hairpins. Cavandish, Shleck and the like. It was part of a stage of the 2010 Vuelta. The view from the top is stunning and there is a restaurant which I found out does not charge cyclists for water refills.
From the top you can see a range of hills into the distance and at one viewpoint there is a stone 'map' of the area showing you what you can see in front of you.
Next day I went back a more direct route and climbed it again this time going over the top and continuing on. I had the map in my head and thought I could complete a circular route and come back to Parcent by a different route. You can do this but rather stupidly I got lost and paniced a little as I really was in the middle of nowhere. It was hot 30+C and I decided to turn back not knowing if it was further to go back or carry on.
Anyway, happy ending, I got back and discovered the free refills at the top of the Coll.
So this year I am going earlier than usual, late June and I hope it will be cooler. Has anyone else cycled in this area, and do you have any tips. Since returning I also found out that at the bottom of the climb there is a ticket machine where you can get a time for the climb (there is one at the top too). You then post your card and you can check your climb time against others who have done it on a web site.
http://www.ciclocostablanca.com/index.php/events/19-coll-de-rates-bike-challenge
Approach
From the top
My map
lost
Coll de Rates Restaurant.
