Winter cycling in Guara

WINTER CYCLING IN GUARA. A LANDSCAPE TO EXPLORE.
If you’re a cycling enthusiast and you’re looking for an exciting winter experience, the Sierra de Guara is the perfect place for you. With its stunning scenery and challenging trails, the Sierra de Guara is a popular destination for mountain bikers all year round, although winter deserves a mention of its own. In this article, I’ll give you some useful tips for winter cycling in the Sierra de Guara, as well as some route suggestions.

Clothing tips

Winter cycling can be a cold and challenging activity, but with the right clothing, you can stay warm and comfortable throughout your ride. Here are some useful tips on what to wear:

• It’s important to dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable when cycling in winter. A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you were about to exercise in warmer weather. This means wearing breathable, close-fitting clothing, such as a long-sleeved T-shirt and thermal tights.
• For the outer layer, it is advisable to wear a windproof and waterproof jacket to protect yourself from the wind and rain. It is also important to wear gloves and a hat to keep your hands and head warm.
• Thermal socks and waterproof cycling shoes are essential for keeping your feet warm and dry.

Tips for cycling

Before setting off, it’s important to make sure your bike is in good condition. Here are some useful tips for your bike:

• Check the brakes, chain and tyres to make sure they are in good condition.
• For winter cycling, it is advisable to use wider tyres with better grip to ensure better traction on slippery surfaces. It is also important to carry a pump and a spare inner tube in case of punctures.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

The Sierra de Guara offers a wide variety of routes for cyclists of all abilities. Here are some suggestions for winter cycling routes:

Lookout Campo Royo:

a mountain bike route to enjoy nature and history

If you enjoy mountain biking and want to explore the landscapes and cultural heritage of the Sierra de Guara, we recommend the Campo Royo Viewpoint route. This is a rally or XC route that runs entirely along forest tracks, with a few short sections of road. It is 43 km long and has a total elevation gain of 1,100 m, so a good level of fitness and technical skill is required.
The route starts in Colungo, a charming village situated in the heart of the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park. From there, head towards Suelves, a virtually deserted hamlet that still has its Romanesque church and medieval castle. You then climb up to the Campo Royo viewpoint, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pyrenees and the Somontano region. The descent follows a fast and fun track that leads to Naval, a village famous for its pottery and salt. Finally, you return to Colungo along a track that runs alongside the River Vero.
The Campo Royo Viewpoint route is an ideal choice for mountain bikers who want to enjoy the natural beauty and history of the Sierra de Guara. In addition, it can be complemented by other activities such as hiking,
canyoning, rock climbing or a visit to the cave paintings. Here is the route with further details.

Igriés XC Circuit:

Winter is a great time to work on your cycling technique and get a good workout without having to cover mile after mile in adverse weather conditions. At the Igriés XC circuit, you choose your own route, with loops ranging from 4 to 6 kilometres in length and a 220-metre elevation gain. Spend a fun morning cycling here
fantastic for practising an Olympic cycling discipline. Click here for more information: Igriés XC Circuit | bguara .

The Tozal de Guara Challenge

It’s the wildest route for the wildest of adventurers, provided they have sufficient experience not only in cycling technique but also in outdoor activities in extreme conditions. It’s worth bearing in mind that I’m writing these lines and recommendations in the middle of winter, with temperatures below freezing, and that, in the case of this challenge, you’ll be reaching an altitude of around 1,900 metres above sea level. Keep an eye on the time, as it might get dark, and that’s not a good idea at this time of year. Given the elevation gain, you can expect the hike to take between 8 and 10 hours. So be careful.
The Tozal de Guara Challenge is a route covering over 71 kilometres with 2,400 metres of elevation gain, taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Sierra de Guara. This route, which can be completed in one or two days, starts in Panzano and ends in Nocito, passing through iconic spots such as the Salto de Roldán waterfall, the Vadiello reservoir, the Petralba mountain pass and the Tozal de Guara itself, the highest peak in the range at 2,077 metres. What’s more, the route offers the chance to stay at various points along the way, such as Bentué de Nocito or Used, and enjoy the local food and culture. The Tozal de Guara Challenge is a unique experience for the most adventurous cyclists, who will be able to test their endurance and admire the beauty of Guara. You can find more information here: Tozal de Guara Challenge | bguara

USEFUL LINKS

We hope you find these tips and suggestions useful for your next winter cycling adventure in the Sierra de Guara.

Always exercise caution…

Enjoy the journey!