As of early November 2020, we are currently limited to social group gathering of no more than six people and we'll stick to this for any organised group rides with coffee stops and lnuches. If there's sufficient interest, we can run more than one group. .
1) Denia to Ontinyent (road ride - there and back) A simple route to Ontinyent from Denia, would could take the Vall de Galinera via Pego and onto Muro, Agres and the descent of Port Bocairent. The return is via the Carricola valley and Rotova and returns without any major climbs towards Oliva and Denia. Strava route: 165km and 1685m climbing
2) Alternative road routes westwards Heading west towards towards the Serra Mariola and Ontinyent there are options that could include:
Pego and Gallinera or Vall d'Ebo towards Planes
Added climbs of L'Orcha or Port de Beniarres
via Villalonga
via La Drova, Barx and Xativa
3) Gravel routes For the return to Denia we have a number of fantastic options for gravel riding, although they are longer with more climbing than the faster and flatter routes back via Carricola, Rugat and Rotova as shown above. The best gravel options are in two sections. It is of course possible to only opt for one of them:
Ontinyent to Atzeneta d'Albaida - which has the option of the infamous 'cemetery' climb out of Onitnyent to get into the Serra Agullent mountains
Atzeneta d'Albaida to Beniarres - which take you to the fantastic Mirador of Font Freda, with its stunning views of the Vall 'd'Albaida to the north Strave route: 185km 2700m climbing
Winter recommendation: given the shorter days in winter, if riding the full route with both gravel sections - a full set of powerful night lights might be required, should an early start or late finish be required. 4) Bike packing The team at @siemprecc can provide @apidura bike packing gear if you wish to make your an overnight or multi night expedition and want to travel light. This will allow give you chance to explore more of the wonderful Alicante and Valencia region and plan for shorter days than an full out and back ride to Denia. We off a free kit wash for riders staying with www.escapar.cc
5) Make it a short escape There are several small Hotels in the Ontinyent region, although none that cater for large groups. Let us know if you need help or recommendations. We can accommodate up to 10 to 12 guests at our boutique cycling retreat. Extra ride options might include Fontanars, Cumvres de Valencia and Sant Esteve climbs https://www.strava.com/routes/2758263043959718070 Serra Mariola , Port de Carresqueta https://www.strava.com/routes/2758269212481804470
Xorret del Cati and Puerto Canalis https://www.strava.com/routes/2758267632650038454
6) Hundred of routes and climbs to explore
From Ontinyent there are climbs and gravel routes galore in every direction. Routes to the north, south and west are probably too much to add to a ride that starts and ends in Denia.
For a map of the map of the regions climbs click here
7) The hardest climb in the region - extra days ride
The climb to the Cava Gran Ice Cave and refuge giving the most amazing views of Montcabrer, Plaines, Aitana and on a clear day Ibiza is possibly the hardest climb in the region. It's nearly 1000m of climbing in 20km, mostly on gravel and includes and very gentle ridge ride in the middle, The hard sections are as hard or harder than the Angliru, Xorret del Cati and the Mortirolo.
Strava climb 77km 2400m climbing
This is probably too much to add in a single day for riding starting and ending in Denia.
8) Vehicle support, bag collection and drop off in Denia
We can arrange vehicle support for the ride, that includes luggage collection and drop of in Denia for riders choose to make it an over night trip
9) Fine dining, restaurants and wine
The Fontanars and Ontinyent region is home to some of the best bodegas and restaurants in the region. Based inland the value for money and quality is exceptionally high.
For example - La Cuina, the sister restaurant to Sents (Michellin star) that shares the same kitchen, offer a fine dining Menu del Dia for 14€
Other options include: Debosc, El Taullel, Meson del Rey, Paixixi, Blanc y Negre (there are over 70 eateries in a small town of 35,000)
10) Suggested itineraries
a) Out and back ride starting and endng in Denia.
Staggered groups of up to 6 riders
Lunch / Cafe stop at local Ontinyent restaurant
Winter Road route 165km
b) One night stop in Ontinyent - start and end in Denia
Start / End Denia
Lunch at La Cuina or fine dining restaurant of choice
Return ride to Denia
Two rides - 80-120km each between Ontinyent and Denia
Optional luggage collection from / to Denia
Self Guided or Guided (GPX files provided - although we'd recommend guided option for gravel routes)
c) Two Night stop in Ontinyent Start /End Denia Two lunch at La Cuina or similar fine dining restaurant of choice Two rides - 80-120km each between Ontinyent and Denia Additional out and back ride from Ontinyent - 80-150km Optional luggage collection from / to Denia Self Guided or Guided (GPX files provided - although we'd recommend guided option for gravel routes) 11) Non cycling Partners Welcome to join in Ontinyent. There are lots of off the bike activities.