Day 1, Tuesday 22 September

Madrid to UNESCO Renaissance Spain 

Madrid is a fabulous city. We recommend you arrive early. We’re happy to help with accommodation if need be.   

Our trip starts mid-morning. We’ll meet you at our central Madrid pick-up spot or at Madrid International Airport. Whatever is easiest for you. (That’s exactly our job for the next 11 days – to make your life easy)   

It’s a short drive over the Despeñaperros (super cool name) mountains, where we set up the bikes. Our first ride is gentle. Purely to make sure the bikes (and you) are working as they should. 35km of picturesque cycling through never ending olive fields around the city of Baeza. (UNESCO world heritage site # 1. The first of many…)    

Baeza, is our base for the next two nights. Known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture. 

Tonight, we host a welcome dinner and introduce the team while talking through the next couple of days.  

By the way – we are very aware that you won’t want to start dinner at 9pm. But, at the same time, you are in Spain. We know all the restaurants so it’s likely we’ll start eating at about 7.30pm. Enjoy. 

/ Meals: Welcome Dinner 
/ Accommodation: Baeza

Day 2, Wednesday 23 September

Ride # 2. 180km and 3000VM

Kidding. Remember – it is a holiday. Kind of.  

Let’s not start at 6am. The whole reason for a late September trip is to avoid the heat of the European summer. We’re expecting pleasant temperatures rather than scorching. General kick-off will be 9am.     

We ride out to the Sierra Magina Natural Park. The winding roads follow an undulating route, but the terrain never gets too steep, it all sounds too perfect!  

Except for…  

You have the option to climb Peña del Aguila. The 5km climb with a 9.5% average grade. This is Alberto Contador country. You need to average 19.5km per hour to match El Pistolero. That doesn’t sound too bad… Let’s give it a go. 

Generally speaking. The cappuccino ride will be 60km, latte 80km and the espresso distance is a shade over the hundy.  

This afternoon we suggest you follow the traditional art of Siesta. I’d like to quote ChatGPT..  

“Siesta is a traditional practice, particularly common in Spain, that refers to a short nap or rest taken in the early afternoon, typically after a bike ride or walk and prior to a delicious dinner with a glass or wine. Or 3.”  

/ Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner are own arrangements) 
/ Accommodation: Baeza 

Day 3, Thursday 24 September

Cazorla National Park 

There’s nothing better than hotel to hotel cycling. Bring your bags to the van and then hop on your bike. That’s all we need you to do. Eat, drink, ride and sleep.  

Cazorla National Park is our destination. It’s a not so secret - cycling paradise. It’s also the largest, most protected, beautiful National Park in Spain! A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1983. It is home to over 50 mammal and 185 bird species. 186 if you count the group of Kiwis in town.    

Stage 6 of the 2015 La Vuelta a España finished in Cazorla township which will be now home for the next three nights! A lively market town which has a great selection of tapas bars, all in the shadow of the beautiful Yedra castle. The castle's origins trace back to the Berber era, possibly during the Almohad period in the 12th century. 

A local legend associated with Yedra Castle is that of La Tragantía. According to the tale, during the Christian reconquest, a Moorish king hid his daughter in a cave near the castle to protect her from the invading forces. He was killed in battle, and the princess remained trapped, eventually transforming into a creature half-woman, half-serpent. Please keep an eye open for her. Safety is key.  

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Cazorla 

Day 4, Friday 25 September

Tranco Reservoir 

We’re guessing that the majority of will ride in tomorrow’s fondo, so we suggest a slightly easier ride today. Only 50km but that does include a puppy dog 14km climb. Puerto de las Palomas climbs 375m at an average grade of 2.5% which in our world is pretty much flat.  

After the climb you are spoilt with a flowing descent down to the turquoise-coloured waters of the Tranco reservoir. Officially known as Embalse del Tranco or El Tranco de Beas, is a significant man-made lake which took almost 20 years to build and started in 1927.  

This is again a popular La Vuelta route. 

This afternoon the team will clean and service your bikes while you register for tomorrow’s Sierra de Cazorla Gran Fondo. Known for its challenging climbs, scenic mountain passes, and natural beauty, this Gran Fondo is a must in one of Andalusia’s most spectacular regions.  

Given there will be hundreds (if not thousands) of cyclists in town, all the restaurants will be full. Which is exactly why we’ve pre-booked dinner. It also gives Paul and the team the chance to answer any questions you may have.

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)    
/ Accommodation: Cazorla

Day 5, Saturday 26 September

Sierra de Cazorla Gran Fondo 

The 2026 ‘Sierra de Cazorla Gran Fondo’ will celebrate its 6th edition. In 2024 there were 1200 participants. It’s an epic epic ride. 145km with 2090m of climbing. Two Cat 2 climbs and one Cat 3 climb….. Pretty much flat.  

Ok, for us – it is not a race. It’s a full day on the bike with a thousand mates. E-bikes are welcome, and we’ll make sure we have batteries at halfway, so you last the whole distance. There are 4 rest stops as the course circumnavigates Segura y Las Villas Natural Park—the largest protected natural area in Spain.    

Plan B? Yes, there is a more social, coffee ride planned for those who don’t want to be part of the Fondo. We also suggest you check out the market before grabbing your pom poms and heading to the finish line.  

Tonight, we celebrate. It’s a fantastic achievement for those who completed the event. No doubt there will be a few stories. Well done team. Cheers to you.  

/ Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)  
/ Accommodation: Cazorla

Day 6, Sunday 27 September

Granada – our favourite! 

It’s one of those places that you need to see. Which is why we have 3 nights here. Granada really is beautiful. The centrepiece being the Alhambra.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra is a stunning palace and fortress complex originally constructed by the Moors in the 13th century. It's famous for its Islamic architecture, intricate tile work, and beautiful gardens like the Generalife. 

There are lots of things to like about Granada. This may seem a bit shallow, but for me - Granada is one of the last cities in Spain where you still get free tapas with your drink. Free stuff when you buy a beer. Yippee. (Yes, I know, sorry but I am from Upper Hutt…) 

Anyway, getting back to the day.  

Our target is the southwestern corner of the national park. More specifically - the Puerto de Tiscar climb. ´Tiscar´ is a Cat 2 climb (8km with a constant 6% grade) and offers amazing views of the surrounding valleys and peaks! Sections of this ride make you think that you’re riding in the Grand Canyon. The ride finishes in the town of Pozo Alcon where we drink numerous cortado’s before driving the last 90mins through to Granada 

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements) 
/ Accommodation: Granada

Day 7, Monday 28 September

Rest Day - La Alhambra Palace 

Even guides get sore bottoms. The first 6 days have been pretty full on. Tomorrow is also fairly chunky so today is the perfect chance to catch up on emails, laundry and maybe book a massage.  

This morning, we recommend visiting the La Alhambra Palace, the most visited monument in Spain. Apparently, it draws in over 2 million visitors annually so we will suggest perhaps getting there early! 

Given we’ve been doing this for almost 20 years – we recognise that some of you will find it almost impossible to rest. So, yes, there’s an afternoon bike ride on offer. A fantastic 50km in the Sierra Nevada foothills.  

Tonight is a free night. We suggest you check out the Albaicín. This old Moorish quarter features narrow, winding streets with lots of restaurant choices.  

/ Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Granada 

Day 8, Tuesday 29 September

Pico de Veleta

We are often asked why we include a training program on all our trips. It’s 10 weeks long and our coach – Silas Cullen will help in any way he can. The idea being that the fitter you are – the more enjoyable the trip.  

Hmm, that leads nicely on to today’s plan.   

The ‘Pico de Veleta’ climb really is one of the great cycling challenges in Europe. A 40km continuous climb to the summit, which is at 3395m, with an average grade of 6.5% and an altitude gain of approximately 2650m. Gulp! It is the highest asphalted road in Europe. Gulp Gulp!!  

The summit offers expansive panoramic views. On clear days, you can see the Mediterranean Sea to the south and, occasionally, the Rif Mountains in northern Africa. There are numerous walks   

Those not wanting to ride the whole way can be dropped 20km up the hill. Totally up to you. Yes – it is a holiday. Kind of.   

What a fantastic day. I’m tired just thinking about it. Let’s eat together. Early if possible so we can all have a decent kip. Good night.   

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included (Lunch is own arrangements)  
/ Accommodation: Granada 

Day 9, Wednesday 30 September

Help, help me…

It’s time to say goodbye to Granada. It’s about a 2-hour drive through to the Malaga Lakes District which is where we start riding from. The winding roads through the Serrania de Ronda mountains were historically infamous for bandits but today they are made for road cyclists!  

Some quick H&S. If you encounter a bandit, please comply with their every demand. They will probably ask for your bike. The general rule of thumb is…. to say a big firm no if your bike is an Italian brand. If it’s a Specalized or Trek - then a big firm yes. It could be the best chance of upgrading to something beautiful. And Italian. H&S – tick.  

The Puerto del Viento climb was used during Stage 5 of the 2017 La Vuelta a Andalusia. The descent down to the Ronda is spectacular. Rounding out a 60km ride. An additional 40km ride to Setenil de las Bodegas will be on offer for the Espresso riders.  

Our fairytale accommodation for the next 3 nights is the mountaintop city of Ronda, described as the city suspended between the sky and earth. Perched atop the El Tajo gorge, Ronda is one of the most picturesque and dramatic towns in the country, offering a blend of natural beauty, deep cultural roots, and architectural marvels. 

/ Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)  
/ Accommodation: Ronda

Day 10, Thursday 01 October

Grazalema National Park 

There are a few options today.. Let’s roll through them.  

Option 1 – a short 50km coffee ride that circumnavigates Ronda. Followed by…  ahhhh. Coffee and hopefully – donuts. 

This would free up some time for you to spend in Ronda. There’s a lot to see. We suggest a walk across the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) which spans the gorge and connects the old and new parts of the town. It’s an iconic structure, completed in 1793, and provides breathtaking views.

That is option 1. Boy, option 2 had better be good.  

Yes – it involves a climb. The Puerto de las Palomas starts in Zahara de la Sierra township which is nestled into the corner of a scraggy rocky mountain.  

´Palomas´ is a Cat 1 climb that has been used 3 times during La Vuelta a España. It is a 12km climb with a constant 6% grade. In previous trips this particular climb was rated as a favourite by our clients.  

/ Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements) 
/ Accommodation: Ronda 

Day 11, Friday 02 October

Last day, let’s make it a goodie!! 

We are approaching today as a 100km day. It’s important to sign out on a high note. By this stage of the trip you will be fit, fit, fit. We ride from our hotel in Ronda, starting with a descent on beautiful meandering roads.  

There’s really only one climb of note. It’s 6km at 6%. Alto de Atajate should be pretty easy by day 11. Pretty much roll up it.  

We enjoy more olive groves and white picturesque villages as we loop back towards Ronda. Keep an eye open vultures and other birds of prey. Let’s hope we are their target audience.  

This afternoon we’ll help pack down the bikes before we celebrate a final dinner together. What a fabulous holiday.  

More importantly – we met a whole heap of new people. Who are now friends for life.  

Welcome to the RH whanau.  

/ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements) 
/ Accommodation: Ronda 

Day 12, Saturday 03 October

To the beach…  

Our Tour will finish after breakfast.  

You have a few choices. 1, stay in Ronda. There are certainly worse places to relax.  

It’s a 90min drive to Malaga Airport which services hundreds of European flights daily. Closer to the time we’ll work out a more concrete plan but please don’t book anything prior to 3pm.  

The other option is to check out one of Malaga’s 16 beaches. There’s a reason why half of Britain move here every winter.  

Thank you once again for travelling with Ride Holidays.  

Safe travels home,  

Karl and the team at RH  

/ Meals: Breakfast included