Cycling
As in most of central Spain, the roads in and around the Sierra de Gredos are very quiet and are well used by cyclists. The region features in the Vuelta (Vuelta Ciclista a España) most years.
Within easy reach of Hoyos del Espino there are a number of classic climbs:
The local climbs are detailed as follows:
|
Name |
Photos |
Length/ Km |
Max Gradient % |
Avg Gradient % |
Hieght Metres |
Cat |
Vuelta Year |
|
Puerto de Pedro Bernardo |
Views |
19.0 |
5.0 |
4.2 |
1250 |
2 |
2007 |
|
Puerto de Mijares |
Views |
22.0 |
7.9 |
5.0 |
1570 |
1 |
2005 |
|
9.5 |
10.6 |
8.0 |
2010 |
HC |
2006 |
||
|
Puerto Peña Negra |
Views |
15.0 |
9.0 |
5.7 |
1925 |
HC |
2004 |
| Views |
22.0 |
7.5 |
4.6 |
1575 |
1 |
2002 |
|
|
Peurto de Honduras |
18.0 |
7.6 |
4.7 |
1398 |
1 |
2006 |
|
| Views |
15.6 |
7.5 |
5.5 |
1390 |
2 |
2002 |
Click on the names to see profiles of the climbs.
As you can see the climbs are of a good length and have featured several times in the Vuelta, most recently with the Mountain top finish won by Danilo de Luca on La Covatilla in 2006.
TIPS RE CYCLING IN GREDOS
Water:
Fountains of mountain water are all over the place – only marked if not drinkable (no potable).
Drinks and food:
Most villages have at least one shop. Opening hours generally 9 – 2; 5 – 8pm
Sustenance:
Most villages have at least one bar. These all serve some kind of food.
-
Bocadillos – typical bread with filling – jamón, (ham); queso, (cheese); tomate; chorizo being the most usually available. Cost €3 – 4 app
-
Raciones – known as tapas in UK. Jamón, queso, chorizo, magro (stewed pork with tomato usually), croquetas (with ham, poss. Chicken (pollo), empanadillas (pastry filled with tuna, egg and tomato), morcilla (black pudding
-
Menu del día – sometimes served in bars but usually in restaurant attached to bar – good value main meal of 3 courses about €8 – 10, usually served between 2 – 4 pm
Useful phrases:
-
Is this the road to (village name) ¿La carretera va a (village name)?
-
Where is the shop/food shop/bar? ¿Dónde está la tienda/el ultramarino/el bar?
-
Is (village name) very far? ¿(Village name) está muy lejos?