CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN MURCIA

SOUTH EASTERN SPAIN

Stuart J Mitchell

Owner of Murcia Bike Hire; providing Cycling Holidays, Carbon Road Bike Hire, Guided Rides and Bike Sales in the Costa Calida and Costa Blanca regions of Spain.

Your cycling adventure starts with Murcia Bike Hire

Website: https://murciabikehire.com/

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THINKING ABOUT GETTING AWAY FOR A MEMORABLE CYCLING ADVENTURE?

When it comes to the planning of your next cycling adventure, you could choose to DIY it, and research locations, airlines, airport transfers, quality bike hire, accommodation, and routes, etc. But to ensure the best cycling for your hard-earned cash, you’re better off looking for a recognised cycling tour company that has insider knowledge and experience of your chosen region to help you with your cycling holiday needs.

LET US START BY TELLING YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE MURCIA REGION

The Murcia region probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you put cycling and Spain together. More likely, people think cycling in Spain = Mallorca.

So, let’s put a few things out there!

Murcia has featured in the Vuelta a España (with the most recent being 2018). It holds an annual UCI Vuelta de Murcia event that boasts local cycling legends such as Alejandro Valverde. And with the likes of the Collado Bermejo, Sierra Espuña climb into the mix, the region has serious cycling credentials.

In our view the region of Murcia is a hidden cycling gem, and fantastic area for road cycling holidays or training camps with its excellent all year-round climate, quiet roads, and great variety of routes for all abilities. Having a wide range of terrain gives the opportunity for great rides along the shores of the Mar Menor Lagoon or Mediterranean Sea. Allowing visitors to take in the fishing villages like Portman or La Azohia and historic cities such as Cartagena along the way.

Maybe you want to hit the heights on the Cresta Del Gallo (435m) with views across Murcia city and the Santuario de La Fuensanta? Or take on the challenging slopes in the Sierra Espuña Regional Park with the Vuelta de Murcia famed Collado Bermejo (1500m)?

If climbing’s not for you, then try heading inland on one of our many quiet roads that wind past rivers and reservoirs, through the fields, fruit orchards and vineyards.

This cyclist friendly region is here to be explored and enjoyed, and you never know you might even catch a glimpse of local Movistar legend Alejandro Valverde on a training ride, especially in the Sierra Espuña area.

A PLACE FOR FOOD AND CULTURE TOO

The Murcia region was awarded “Spanish Gastronomy Capital 2020”, not only for culinary variety, but also for being an incredibly attractive area in all aspects. Often termed as the “Vegetable Garden of Europe” its high-quality fruits, vegetables and spices are exported all over Europe and beyond. In addition to the produce exported, the region also has a rich cultural past and wine domains that are gaining prestige around the world.

All of the above and more make the Murcia region a great place for a cycling holiday, whilst taking the opportunity to sample the culture, gastronomy and most importantly the sunny climate. There’s really no better way to connect with the sights, sounds, and culture of Murcia than on two wheels.

So, who better to organise your cycling holiday than Murcia Bike Hire, recognised by the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award, and try one of our “Cycling Holiday Packages”?

MURCIA BIKE HIRE - CYCLING HOLIDAYS

If you are looking for inspiration for your next cycling holiday then we offer the following services, “Tailored Cycling Holidays” and “Package Cycling Holidays”. What’s more Murcia Bike Hire are offering cycling clubs and groups the opportunity to take advantage of our 1 in 8 offer on our “Cycling Holiday Packages” (For every 8 cyclists, 1 goes absolutely FREE)

For all tours you will be arriving at Alicante or Murcia International airports, where you will be greeted and taken by private transfer to your hotel. You will be staying in hotels with cyclist friendly facilities, wellbeing centre and solariums, providing the perfect environment to unwind after

a long day in the saddle.

Typically, on arrival at the hotel, you will check-in and take delivery of your Cervélo or Focus carbon road bike which our mechanic will help you setup in preparation for the days ahead. Once the bike setup is complete, you will have the option to relax and explore your new surroundings on foot or maybe take the opportunity to jump on your bike and head out. This optional ride is one of our recommended routes to La Manga, Portman, and La Union with a distance of 56km and 440m of climbing, taking your first look at the Mar Menor and Mediterranean coastline. This is a great way to start your cycling holiday, acclimatise to the area and check your bike setup.

OPTIONAL RIDE TO LA MANGA CLUB, PORTMAN & LA UNION

Starting from the Hotel 525 in Los Alcázares, we ride out on the N332 and then take a left turn onto the RM-F54 and ride though the villages of El Carmoli, Los Urrutias, Punta Brava, Estrella De Mar, and Los Nietos. This is a great stretch of road along the shores of the Mar Menor lagoon with some awesome views that will stay in the cycling memory bank for years to come. Any of the aforementioned villages offer the opportunity to stop and make your way to the water’s edge or find a bar for a coffee or other refreshment, after all it’s not a race.

After los Nietos the road leads to a roundabout with the option to head towards Los Belones and La Manga Club or again venture towards the coast to the beautiful bay of Mar De Cristal. Here you will find a scenic promenade and several bars, restaurants and chiringuito where you can refuel and sample some local tapas or sushi.

The next part of our journey takes us onto the RM 314 through the stunning La Manga Club Golf resort. We have many clients staying here in the Los Lomas Village, El Rancho, La Quinta, and Hotel Principe Felipe. Once you reach the La Manga Club entrance you are around 24 km into your ride, this will now start to change in elevation as you climb towards the summit with view across the Mediterranean coastline and down into Portman Bay.

views, this is a great opportunity to maybe take a few scenic pictures and selfies. After a few moments it is back to the ride and checking “how you are feeling?” and discussing the route ahead to gauge how you would like to proceed, to ensure this is an enjoyable experience. Many people enjoy the short climb, but some prefer to return down the hill through La Manga to the flatter Mar Menor coastline. Maybe the idea of a visit to the Sushi bar or chiringuito is more appealing than aching legs!

Portman village and beach are a short descent down the hill, known locally as the “Green Mile”. The route again offers the gift of choice to stop and enjoy fresh fish and local tapas by the beach or to ride through the village and climb to La Union.

If you decide that Portman beach and lighthouse would be a great place to stop on your ride, then this is a great choice too. This offers the added benefit of light refreshments and then maybe a return to La Manga via the “Green Mile”, you will not be disappointed!

The full route offers more great views of the coast and glimpses of the La Union mines, but as we start to ascend, I find many cyclists do not like to stop. It is completely up to you, especially if you are chasing a Strava segment or personal best, but my advice is to forget that and enjoy the views of this beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Having completed one of the most popular routes in the Mar Menor area, regularly used by both locals and visiting cyclists, we make our way back into Los Alcázares and offer the opportunity to unwind and enjoy your evening at leisure, maybe pre-dinner drinks and then dine at one of our local restaurant recommendations, before turning in for a good night’s sleep.

If you like what you see and would like to see more then visit https:// murciabikehire.com/cycling-holidaysmurcia-spain/ or maybe you would like to plan a tailored cycling holiday in Murcia, we’d love to hear from you and help with the planning of your next cycling holiday experience.