{"id":14465,"date":"2024-01-31T09:28:11","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T08:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=14465"},"modified":"2024-01-31T09:28:11","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T08:28:11","slug":"off-road-cycling-in-gran-canaria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/off-road-fietsen-op-gran-canaria","title":{"rendered":"Off-road biking in Gran Canaria"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gran Canaria is truly a cycling paradise, especially in the winter months when the temperatures are actually perfect for riding in short-sleeved outfits. Many cyclists know the island from training stages or cycling holidays, but it is usually explored on a race bike. Also beautiful, but we have already described that in detail in this article: Winter Destination: Gran Canaria \u2013 Cycling Destination Ella van der Veer visited Gran Canaria for the second time in January, and as a keen mountain biker it was time to explore off-road cycling on the island. Gran Canaria<\/a> Easy to explore. Prepare for dusty & rocky trails, where every gravel rider and MTB enthusiast will have a blast!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Text and photos: Ella van der Veer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Off-road cycling paradise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are in Gran Canaria for a total of eight days, and we spend three of them off-road. Now that we have some experience with the Ardennes and Alps, we are not afraid of technical descents. If you like it, there are beautiful, rocky singletrack descents, but for the gravel enthusiasts, the island is a real treat. Since we didn\u2019t want to bring two bikes, we rented a mountain bike (fully) from FreeMotion. They also offer guided tours on the (e-)MTB, one of which we did. There are no gravel bikes for rent, only very capable hardtail MTBs, in case you don\u2019t want to go all the technical singletrack. Of course, bringing your own gravel bike is always an option!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read also: Bring your own bike or rent one?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basecamp Maspalomas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our base camp is in Masapalomas, so the routes we ride start here as well. These are built in Komoot. Especially on the gravel paths, there are photos attached and you can make a good estimate of what you're in for. This is not always the case with the singletracks. Since last year, however, some trails have been closed. Due to clashes between hikers and off-roaders, the local government has decided to ban cyclists from some trails. I spoke with a local cyclist about this, and they strongly urge everyone to respect this. Because they are in talks with the government and don't want to undermine it! Are you building your own route? Then check with the local guides at FreeMotion<\/a>, Even if you don't rent a bike. This way you avoid any surprises along the way, which is a shame when you've cycled all the way up and are looking forward to the descent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These are beautiful trails, for both MTB and gravel enthusiasts!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Off-road recommendations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you head out towards the northwest from Maspalomas, you\u2019ll find GC-604. The first stretch of this road is paved. At times it\u2019s quite steep with slopes of up to 17%. GC-604, also known as Alto de los Corrales, was never completed and after 19km the asphalt ends. This is where the gravel section begins! It\u2019s not suitable for road cyclists or cars, so you\u2019re on your own. The off-road section is much more gradual in its slopes, through the most beautiful valleys, offering the most beautiful views towards the sea. At some point you turn right onto the S60 and it\u2019s time for the descent. This is also a particularly scenic landscape. There was a natural fire here, which has left it quite bare. The reward: spectacular views over Tenerife and Maspalomas! Some sections are a bit washed out and therefore more technical than the average gravel section, but it\u2019s definitely worth it! This route is about 50km with 1600hm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

also read this story about Gran Canaria<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cycling off-road on Gran Canaria: part 2<\/a><\/blockquote>