Cycling and fine dining in the Sierra de Guara

Someone very close to me has always said that they do sport so they can enjoy food without feeling guilty. This idea takes on a special meaning if you come to enjoy the paths and trails of the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park. Look, energy gels and drinks are brilliant for coping with the effort of cycling, but once you get off your bike and have a shower… Anyway, I’d like to suggest a few gastronomic must-haves, whether you arrive by bike or simply want to enjoy a good meal as soon as you park your ‘steed’.

Let’s play a game – see what you think. I’m going to list the region’s top culinary attractions and link them to a cycle route. Who knows, maybe we could turn it into a sort of Cycle-Gastronomy Tour of the Sierra de Guara. Let’s go.

GASTRONOMIC TREASURES FROM ALL CORNERS

It’s probably happened to you a thousand times. You’re out on your bike, on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion, and all you can think about is a nice cold beer, some eggs and chips, a juicy steak… If it’s just me, never mind – call me crazy. But if you can relate, even just a little, stick with me.

GUARA CHEESES

We know a thing or two about cheese around here – what can you do? Goat’s, sheep’s, cow’s… Cheese ‘everywhere. And good cheese at that. Let me tell you about a route that takes you to – or brings you back from – the heart of this product. Easy, isn’t it? First the cycling, then the tasting.

https://bguara.com/ruta/rally/san-pelegrin/

This route between Alquézar and Radiquero is just under 18 kilometres long, including the return journey. The track is in good condition, and the walk provides the perfect excuse to sample Radiquero’s cheeses. Although you can find Radiquero’s cheeses in many shops, buying them directly from the cheese shop has a special charm.

https://bguara.com/otros-servicios/quesos-de-radiquero/

But Radiquero isn’t the only place with cheese. I suggest we now head to Sieso, the birthplace of another of the Sierra de Guara’s famous cheeses. A route through the Valle de la Gloria – this one is longer (just under 47 kilometres), but on good roads. We pass through Sieso and several charming villages and, along the way, find out where these magnificent cheeses, yoghurts and desserts are made. Yum.

Here is the link: https://bguara.com/ruta/rally/valle-de-la-gloria/

And here’s the bit about food: https://bguara.com/otros-servicios/villa-villera/

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

What a ride, and what a place! Let’s head to Bierge! This route isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’ll drive cycling enthusiasts even crazier. The Tour de la Peonera is a highly technical route covering around 36 kilometres. Here it is.

https://bguara.com/ruta/rally/tour-de-la-peonera/

If you don’t see her, just go straight to the oil and wait for the group. At Aceites Ferrer, you’ll forget all about the hard work and the hassle.

https://bguara.com/otros-servicios/aceites-ferrer/

And by the way, Bierge has also become synonymous with ice cream. I’m sure there’s a flavour that goes down a treat with the oil after a long (or short) bike ride: https://heladoselarte.es/

WINE

What can we say about Somontano wine? It even has its own cycle route! It’s organised by the Barbastro Cycling Club, but if you fancy doing it on your own, here’s the Wikiloc link: https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-ciclismo/ruta-del-somontano-16187412

I’m going to tell you a bit about the wineries. Here, I’d definitely recommend treating yourself to a wine tasting at any of the wineries in the Somontano Designation of Origin after a nice shower. As well as wine, you’ll get to try other delicacies, making for a truly complete experience. And remember: if you drink, don’t drive (or cycle).

https://bguara.com/establecimientos/bodegas/

BEER

The Bachiella craft beer is brewed in Salas Bajas. You can also get there by bike, although the advice is much the same as for the wine.

For keen road cyclists, a stage of our BGuara Challenge passed through Salas Bajas again this summer. If you don’t want to push yourself too hard, you can always do the route at your own pace. And don’t miss out on a beer at the end – it’s just a suggestion.

Here’s our great route: https://www.diariodelaltoaragon.es/noticias/deportes/2023/06/01/mas-de-150-corredores-participaran-este-fin-de-semana-en-los-trofeos-viveguara-y-b-guara -1655871-daa.html

LIQUORS

Colungo is to liqueur what Hollywood is to cinema. The Tour de Guara passes through Colungo, whether you’re coming from Aínsa or heading towards Panzano. Whichever way you’re going, do stop for a sip of Colungo liqueur when you pull over by the roadside. If it’s the end of a stage, so much the better.

Colungo spirits: https://bguara.com/otros-servicios/aguardientes-y-licores-colungo/

And here’s the next stage from Aínsa: https://bguara.com/ruta/cicloturismo/travesia-cicloturista-tour-de-guara-etapa-5-ainsa-colungo/

BARBASTRO PINK TOMATO

In summer, the pink tomato can be found everywhere. You just need to make sure it’s the genuine Barbastro Pink Tomato. As you can find it in countless places, to see them all, I recommend the Vuelta a Guara mountain bike tour. And that’s pretty much how it looks: https://bguara.com/actualidad-bguara/la-vuelta-a-guara-en-btt/

If you’d like to know why our tomatoes are so special, here’s a little more about their history: https://bguara.com/producto-local/tomate-rosa-barbastro/

Make the most of your trip and, since you’re passing through Barbastro, why not try Elasun’s jams? They’re absolutely delicious and are made with local produce.

BUT IF WE’VE GOT CAVIAR TOO…

It is in El Grado. It is the name of a village and of one of the reservoirs that hold back the waters of the River Cinca, which rises a few kilometres further north, in the Circo de Pineta.

There, a company breeds sturgeon and trout, and thanks to them, we can say that we have everything we need here. Caviar in a place known for caviar.

Here is the company: https://bguara.com/otros-servicios/caviar-pirinea/

The route I suggest is family-friendly and also takes you right past the El Grado reservoir dam. It’s a 14-kilometre route suitable for everyone, with very little elevation gain and fantastic at any time of year.

We haven’t mentioned the local lamb, which we know here as ‘termasco’. Nor have we mentioned other spectacular meats, such as veal from calves reared on pastureland, including in the Sierra de Guara itself, but then we wouldn’t be leaving anything to surprise you.

AND FOR DESSERT…

You haven’t really eaten unless you’ve had dessert, and since we’ve cycled so far, I’m treating you to some without you having to pedal. Take note: crespillos, Alquézar-style dobladillo, guirlache, pumpkin pastilles, soft mostillo with cream and nuts, toasted or caramelised almonds… You get the picture.

L’Artica Bakery in Alquézar; Ferrando in Siétamo; and Porta in Abiego are all must-visit stops.

If you’d like to find out more about Guara’s cuisine, here’s a link to a brief overview. Short but sweet: https://guara.org/gastronomia-guara/gastronomia-local-sierra-de-guara/