A demanding gravel day on tracks between extinct volcanoes and through beech forest.
from €135 per rider
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Volcano gravel day near Marbella — 88 km between extinct volcanoes is a hard full day gravel tour in Marbella, taking in Marbella.
Places on the way: Marbella
Volcano Gravel Day is the hardest gravel ride on the Ride Marbella list: 88 km on loose tracks, with about 1,600 m of climbing, run as a full day out of Marbella. The route links open volcanic ground with the shade of beech forest, so the surface, the light and the effort change several times before you head back.
Expect a long day in the saddle rather than a sightseeing outing. Climbing averages roughly 18 m for every kilometre, which means the ride is made of repeated efforts on gravel, not one single pass to get over with. The scenery shifts between exposed ground between extinct volcanoes and quieter woodland tracks, and that variety is what sets it apart.
Compared with the 72 km forest gravel loop, this day is longer, steeper and more varied. Compared with the riverside gravel intro, it is a different proposition altogether and not a place to try gravel for the first time. It is best for riders who already enjoy a hard day out.
This is a hard day, and it is aimed at riders with a solid base of endurance. You should be comfortable spending a full day on the bike, covering 88 km on loose surfaces and climbing around 1,600 m without needing to stop early. Previous gravel experience matters: loose tracks demand more control on descents and in corners than tarmac does. If you have only ridden roads, or you are new to gravel, the riverside gravel intro or the forest gravel loop are better places to start. Check with the partner when booking about minimum age and what bike and equipment are provided.
The route runs on gravel tracks between extinct volcanoes and through beech forest, so expect two quite different kinds of riding. On open volcanic ground the tracks are exposed, with wide views, little shade and more wind. In the beech woods the surface is usually more sheltered, cooler and more variable underfoot. With 1,600 m of climbing over 88 km, there is little flat ground to recover on. Pace yourself on the early climbs, eat and drink regularly, and keep something in reserve for the later part of the day, when tired legs make loose descents harder.
The ride is run from Marbella. The partner confirms the exact meeting point and start time when you book, so check those details before the day and plan to arrive with time to spare for bike set-up and a briefing. If you are staying in or near the centre, allow time to reach the start on the morning. Parking and public transport options depend on the meeting point, so ask the partner if you are arriving by car or relying on buses.
Within the Ride Marbella range, this is the toughest gravel option. The forest gravel loop near Marbella is shorter at 72 km, with forest shade and rolling climbs rather than a harder effort. The riverside gravel intro is an easy 34 km on wide tracks. If you want a hard test but not a full day, the Marbella big climb morning is a half-day road ride. Choose Volcano Gravel Day when you want the most climbing, the most varied landscape and a full day on loose ground.
It is rated hard. The ride covers 88 km on gravel with about 1,600 m of climbing in a single full day, so you need good endurance and some experience of loose surfaces.
Not as a first gravel ride. The riverside gravel intro, at an easy 34 km, or the 72 km forest gravel loop are better ways to build up to this day.
Gravel tracks between extinct volcanoes, where the ground is open, and through beech forest, where the tracks are more sheltered.
It runs from Marbella. Ask the partner when booking for the exact meeting point and start time.
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