El Comtat Lite
3-10 April 2027:
A chance to explore the inland area of the Costa Blanca. We will use former railway lines to avoid the biggest hills although the rides will not be completely flat. The distances are short however and the pace will be leisurely, with plenty of time for a coffee break and back in Cocentaina for lunch.
Detailed itinerary below.
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Saturday
Arrival.
Transfer from Alicante airport to arrive at your accommodation, check in and collect your bike.
If your arrival time is early enough there will be time for a short ride to familiarise yourself with the area, and check for any problems with your bike.
Sunday
Turballos and Gaianes.
Turballos is a restored village used as an artists’ retreat. We will ride with the Sierra Benicadell, which forms the border between Alicante and Valencia, looking over us. 15 miles. 975 ft.
Monday
Alcoy Via Verde.
A train line converted into a greenway. First, we will cycle along the former Gandia to Alcoy line before climbing slightly onto the Alcoy Via Verde. We will ride through many tunnels and over spectacular viaducts. 25 miles. 1775 ft.
Tuesday
Lorcha.
An easy and beautiful ride following the river Serpis to Lorcha where we can have our coffee break. We return on the former Gandia to Alcoy railway line. You might like to take the stiff walk up to Perputxent castle which overlooks the valley. 28 miles. 1600 ft.
Wednesday
Font de Baladre
We ride along the former Xixarra railway line to the beauty spot of Baladre, where we will cyce through the river valley, an oasis amongst the built up areas. The surface is a little rough in places but rideable. Our return will take us on part of the EV8, on a different part of the railway line we were on a few days ago. 14 miles. 820 ft.
Thursday
Day off.
Day off to visit the market, walk to the castle or explore the town.
Friday
Beniarres.
Today we ride to the reservoir at Beniarres. This is a hilly ride but a grand finale to our week. The reservoir is used for hydroelectric power, irrigation and fishing. During hot weather, if there are forest fires, the water is used to ‘bomb’ the flames using aircraft. 24 miles. 1760 ft.
Saturday
Holiday ends
Holiday ends after breakfast. Transfer to Alicante airport.