The best road cycling routes around Alcarria

Alcarria offers a diverse network of over 45 road cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

You can expect a varied terrain characterized by undulating plateaus, gentle hills, and deep river valleys. The region's geology, with its limestones, gypsum, and sandstone, creates a mix of climbs and descents. Many routes feature quiet, paved roads, offering a serene cycling experience.

Yes, Alcarria has routes suitable for beginners. For instance, the Ciudad Romana de Ercávica — round trip from Villalba del Rey is an easy 24.9 km (15.5 miles) trail that can be completed in just over an hour, offering a gentle introduction to the region's cycling.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Entrepeñas Reservoir and Casasana Port Loop from Buendía offer demanding climbs and significant elevation gain over 86.2 km (53.6 miles). Another difficult option is the Embalse de Biendía — circular por el Monasterio de Santa María de Monsalud, a 115.6 km (71.8 miles) route with substantial elevation.

Alcarria's routes often pass through picturesque landscapes. You can encounter deep river valleys and gorges, such as the Hoz del Conde or the Altomira Valley. Large reservoirs like Entrepeñas and Buendía are prominent features, and in summer, you might see the famous lavender fields around Brihuega. Historic towns like Pastrana and Hita also offer cultural sights.

Yes, many routes in Alcarria are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the challenging Embalse de Biendía — circular por el Monasterio de Santa María de Monsalud and the scenic Albendea – Torre de Priego loop from Valdeolivas.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Alcarria, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's quiet roads, diverse landscapes, and the opportunity to explore charming historic towns and natural features like the large reservoirs and river valleys.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Alcarria, with milder temperatures. Summer can be very warm, especially in July and August, which is also when the lavender fields around Brihuega are in bloom, offering a unique scenic experience despite the heat. Winter can be cooler, but many days are still suitable for cycling.

Absolutely. Beyond the natural beauty, you can visit the Buendía Dam, explore the unique rock carvings of the Route of the Faces, or enjoy panoramic views from the Cruz de los Borrachos Viewpoint. Many routes also pass through historic villages, offering cultural stops.

Yes, Alcarria's cycling routes often pass through or near historic towns and villages such as Brihuega, Hita, Pastrana, and Trillo. These towns typically offer a selection of cafes, restaurants, and rural accommodations where cyclists can refuel and rest. It's advisable to check opening times, especially in smaller villages.

While Alcarria is well-suited for road cycling, public transport options, especially those accommodating bicycles, can be limited in rural areas. It's best to plan your route to start and end in towns with better transport links if you intend to use public transport for part of your journey. For detailed information on public transport, it's recommended to check local bus or train schedules and their bicycle policies.

Many towns and villages along the routes, such as Buendía, Villalba del Rey, and Priego, offer public parking facilities. When planning your route, look for starting points in these larger settlements, which are more likely to have designated parking areas suitable for leaving your vehicle while you cycle.