{"id":5131,"date":"2022-02-21T20:33:19","date_gmt":"2022-02-21T19:33:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=5131"},"modified":"2026-09-29T19:46:07","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T19:46:07","slug":"cycling-in-gran-canaria-escaping-the-winter-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/spanje\/fietsen-op-gran-canaria-de-winter-ontvluchten","title":{"rendered":"Cycling on Gran Canaria: the ultimate place to escape the winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the week that in The Netherlands<\/a> brave cyclists with wind force seven and pouring rain during the NK Tegenwindfietsen<\/a> about the Oosterscheldekering, if I may, Ruth Koops of \u2019t Jagt<\/a> Cycling on Gran Canaria. Enjoying the climb in the sun. Not for nothing is this Canary Islands <\/a>In the winter season, it is a favorite cycling destination for both recreational racers and seasoned pros. With barely a kilometer of flat terrain and temperatures between 23 and 25 degrees, this volcanic island makes an ideal cycling paradise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Ruth Koops of \u2019t Jagt<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Out on a date with Kim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This week I\u2019m traveling with my friend Kim, whom I met during an introductory triathlon course in Groningen<\/a> in 2017. For ten weeks we swam, ran and cycled together in and around Groningen. Kim, who was once Dutch Champion in freewater swimming, swam us all out, but on the bike we were up for anything. During those 10 weeks, a friendship was formed with being active outdoors as a big common denominator. Even when Kim was diagnosed with MS in 2018, we continued to explore the small and big adventures together. On the mountain bike around Gieten Gasselte, with a skinny dip afterwards. On the race bike in North Groningen, along the creeks of the Wadden coast<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This week I managed to persuade Kim to tackle the mountains of Gran Canaria together. Although Kim is a fervent snowboarder and mountain climber, this is her first time tackling real mountains on a mountain bike on a race bike. But hey, with the surname \u2018van den Bergh\u2019 that should work out just fine, even with that damn MS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1 Cycling in Gran Canaria: reconnaissance ride with Tim instead of Kim <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are staying in the beautiful Dunas Suites & Villas<\/a>, With its lovely apartments, a swimming pool for a refreshing dip, and an extensive breakfast and dinner buffet, it\u2019s no wonder this is a beloved accommodation for cyclists. You can see that right away at the location of Free Motion Bikes, which is practically next to the reception, and the many guests wearing tan-lines and bib shorts. In February, the sun rises around quarter past 8, a great opportunity to explore the beautiful beach with a short run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Along the drained canal and the nature reserve and bird paradise of La Charca de Maspalomas you arrive at Playa de Maspalomas, a beach that is shielded from tourist development by the rugged dunes of Dunas de Maspalomas. In the early morning you share the beach with only early fishermen, hikers and other runners who run barefoot through the surf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Although the sun is obscured by the Calima, a warm and dry east wind that blows dust from the Sahara into the air, it is already quite warm half an hour later. Fortunately, the breakfast buffet at Dunas is generous, with a wide selection of fresh juices, pancakes, yogurt and fresh fruit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out on the road with Tim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This first day Kim is still on his way from the Netherlands and a reconnaissance ride is planned with Tim, my husband who thanks to the generous offer of my mother-in-law also traveled last minute to cycle on Gran Canaria. Using Komoot, I have planned a route from Maspalomas via Sant Bartolome de Tirajana. Cycling on Gran Canaria means climbing. On the way we have to overcome at least two climbs: first to the Mirador Astron\u00f3mico de la Degollada de las Yeguas (description) and then via Fataga to Sant Bartolom\u00e9 de Tiranja before descending via Santa Lucia back towards Maspalomas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About 70 km with about 1369 meters of elevation gain. Since we don\u2019t know how Kim\u2019s body will handle the heat and the elevation gain, I deliberately planned a relatively challenging journey for this first day (without Kim, with the fit Tim). When we set off, the sun was high in the sky and it was hot and sunny. We had to pick up the bikes first, so that was it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rap from the saddle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even before we reach the built-up area properly, the first climb begins. Don't be put off by the view from the first part; it gets better and better! The first stretch is a beautiful climb with gradients between 4 and 8% up to Dellogada de las Yeguas. There you'll find a Mirador: a viewpoint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Face<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From that vantage point, you have breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic mountains and, with clear weather, you can also see the sea. Around the vantage point are astronomical maps: it is a place from which you can have a magnificent view of the night sky in the dark. After the vantage point, you descend towards Artreara, after which the climb towards Fataga begins. You pass, among other things, an aloe vera plantation, the medicinal plant for which Gran Canaria is known. From a height of 343, you climb up to the village of Fataga, at 617 meters. That is a nice place for a stopover, with several cafes where you can have espresso, caf\u00e9 con leche with churros, or a cold glass of cola. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Afterwards, the road winds up in fantastic hairpin bends to San Bartholom\u00e9 (Tunte). In Tunte you\u2019ll find various terraces where the owners, with a big smile, try to outsmart their customers. This town with its steep, narrow streets is perfect for a lunch or for a non-alcoholic beer before starting the return journey. You can do this by cycling towards Santa Lucia, after which you\u2019ll have to cycle a long stretch down a busy road westwards back towards Maspalomas.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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