FUENTES del VINO GRAVEL

Gravel Route in stages along the tacmarc roads, vineyards and mountains of LA RIOJA

FUENTES del VINO GRAVEL

SELF-GUIDED ROUTE WITH GPS

- Options from 3 to 5 stages -

Some parts of this website may be in the process of being translated.

Vineyards of the Iregua in the valley lowlands

Ascending Herrera, one of the "essential" Mountain passes of La Rioja Alavesa

We will reach 2,000 meters of altitude in La Demanda Range

Atmosphere of "American National Park" in the Old Reyno de Viguera

Castle over Cerezo del Río Tirón, Riojilla Burgalesa.

In the heart of the Iberian Mountain range, Ezcaray, one night in the countryside

THE ROUTE

As its name indicates, FUENTES del VINO GRAVEL is LA RIOJA PUNTO BIKE´s proposal to travel by bike through LA RIOJA following tracks specifically designed for the "new" cycling modality that is commonly known as gravel.
The territory chosen for the proposal is divided fairly evenly between mountains - even high mountains - in some areas and vineyards and farmland in others. The "summary" of the route's geography is as follows: Cameros Range in the stage A, La Demanda Range in stage B, La Demanda Range again, "Riojilla Burgalesa" and Rioja Alta in stage C, Vineyards of the Ebro Basin in the D and Cantabría Range and Montaña & Rioja Alavesa in the E.

As can be seen in the route map located after this text, the basic proposal is for 5 stages. When you want to reduce the proposal to 4 or 3 stages, there are several options.

The 4 stages proposal can be done very simply by eliminating circular stage D, but as it happens to be the central stage that runs through the most "wine-growing" part of La Rioja and that we may not want to eliminate, we offer a second option which eliminates stages A and B and replaces them with a single stage between Logroño and Ezcaray (not visible on the map) which is followed by stages C, D and E.

For the proposal of only 3 stages, the options can be several, but the one offered mostly and that is reflected in the section of rates consists of starting the route with stage A (Cameros Range), continuing with a second stage F between Nájera and Laguardia through the vineyards of the Ebro Basin and finish with stage E (Cantabría Range and Montaña & Rioja Alavesa).

If we want to avoid Logroño as the starting point of the proposal, it is available for all given alternatives the option of starting the route at the Hotel / Bodega 200 Monges in Albelda de Iregua.

The experience offered by LA RIOJA PUNTO BIKE consists, in broad terms, of a Self-Guided Tour pack. This includes Accommodations, the GPS Tracks for the route, a detailed map-sketch with alternatives for each stage, and Luggage Transport from hotel to hotel.

To get an idea of the difficulty in terms of sporting activity if you decide to explore the route, click and browse below in any of these tabs.

Full technical
route totals
Data
Is Enough!
Stage A
Logroño - Nájera
Stage B
Nájera - Ezcaray
Stage C
Ezcaray - Laguardia
Stage D
Circular Laguardia
Stage E
Laguardia - Logroño
Stage F
Nájera - Laguardia

Stage A: Logroño / Albelda de Iregua - Nájera
Distance 99 km - Unevenness 2.030 m

Stage B: Nájera - Ezcaray
Distance 84 km - Unevenness 1.880 m

Stage C: Ezcaray - Laguardia
Distance 116 km - Unevenness 1.745 m

Stage D: Circular Laguardia
Distance 102 km - Unevenness 1.195 m

Stage E: Laguardia - Logroño / Albelda de Iregua
Distance 77 km - Unevenness 1.600 m

Standar Option 5 Stages
Distance: 478 km Unevenness: 8.450 m

We have shorter route options, and also some more demanding ones.
One of the options that is often good to have on hand is the one we call "IS ENOUGH" It is simply an alternative that is somewhat less harsh and that we may want to use in some of the stages simply to rest a little on one of the days.
The idea is to reduce the harshness without altering the general essence of the proposal.
These are the data:

Stage A: Logroño / Albelda de Iregua - Nájera
Distance 70 km - Unevenness 1.335 m

Stage B: Nájera - Ezcaray
Distance 53 km - Unevenness 1.520 m

Stage C: Ezcaray - Laguardia
Distance 80 km - Unevenness 695 m

Stage D: Circular Laguardia
Distance 57 km - Unevenness 695 m

Stage E: Laguardia - Logroño / Albelda de Iregua
Distance 57 km - Unevenness 995 m

- Is Enough - Option 5 Stages
Distance: 317 km Unevenness: 5.240 m

Sierra de Cameros

Sierra de La Demanda

Riojilla Burgalesa & Rioja Alta

Cuenca y Viñedos del Ebro

Sierra de Cantabria, y Montaña y Rioja Alavesas

Cuenca y Viñedos del Ebro

Cuando se quiere una opción de 3 etapas utilizamos esta ruta que une directamente Nájera con Laguardia combinada con las etapas A y E, es decir; con la 1ª y la última de la opción completa.

THE ROUTE IN DATA

What you could feel!

To get a general idea of the local atmosphere you´ll find if you decide to come on this trip, click and browse any of these tabs below.

RIOJA ORIENTAL
RIOJA ALTA
RIOJA ALAVESA
LAS SIERRAS

Hole in the clouds over Nalda, Iregua Valley, Rioja Oriental.

Cuevas escavadas en la roca. Murillo de Río Leza, km 24 de la etapa.

Singular Vineyard of Vinicola Real - 200 Monges caves in the area "-"Los Valles" sheltered by the Sierra de Cameros.

Portal de Cameros - La Rioja “National Park”

Torrecilla en Cameros, alternativa PLUS de la etapa A

Antiguo "Reyno de Viguera" punto de transición entre La Rioja de viñedos y la de montaña.

Colores de otoño en el Valle del Iregua

Cruzamos el Valle del Iregua en Islallana y tomamos runbo a Nájera.

Vuelta a España 2021 bajo las laderas de Moncalvillo compartiendo kilómetros con FUENTES del VINO GRAVEL

Parada de avituallamiento entre los viñedos de la Cuenca del Ebro.

Escenas matínales en la vertiente burgalesa de La Sierra de La Demanda

Largas secciones entre cultivos en la Riojilla burgalesa

Exigentes rampas durante el ascenso al "Pulpito de La Rioja", Cellorigo, una de las pocas cotas de cierta entidad en esta zona de La Rioja.

Continúa la etapa bajo la mirada de los Montes Obarenes. A sus pies, entre los viñedos de bodegas Muga surgirá Haro, la Capital del Rioja.

Chozo on the route with the Sierra de Cantabria among the clouds closing the picture.

A stop among the vineyards of the Marques de Riscal wineries in Elciego.

Carralogroño dry lagoon in the vicinity of Laguardia, heart of the Rioja Alavesa.

Harvest days in Labastida vineyards.

Monasterio de San Millán de la Cogolla. Comienza el ascenso al puerto más largo de La Rioja, 22 kilómetros con sus 1.250 metros de desnivel.

Collado de Artaza punto intermedio durante el ascenso a 3 Cruces.

A partir del Collado de Artaza entramos en la zona alta de la sierra, la pendiente se "calma" un poco, aunque tal vez aparezca el viento.

El punto más elevado (2.003 metros de altitud) de FUENTES del VINO GRAVEL es un "simple momento" poco definido en la pista bajo la cima de La Cuculla, la cumbre estrella de la Sierra de La Demanda. Cuando la bici empieze a rodar sin esfuerzo es que ya lo hemos atravesado. Algo más abajo aparecerá 3 Cruces, el collado que geográficamente dá identidad al puerto.

Paso por La Sierra de la Demanda. Amanecer en Ezcaray y ascenso al Puerto de Pradilla que nos da paso a la provincia de Burgos.

THE ROUTE IN PICTURES

Expect to feel it!

If you have doubts, do not hesitate and use some of the buttons below, we respond quickly.

info@larioja.bike +34 666564771

OUR LODGES

The half of the Trip

Below we show our usual selection of accommodations for FUENTES del VINO GRAVEL. However, since in LA RIOJA the hotel reservations are usually complicated at certain times of the year - especially during the harvest - the Pack proposal that we finally offer may differ from the one presented here.

"Booking in advance is in this case something more than a commercial trick, it makes the difference between being able or not being able to do the route."

Lodging for stages with start in LOGROÑO

Hotel FG Logroño

We have chosen this hotel located on the banks of the Ebro for our days in Logroño. In addition to its unbeatable location, their quality is unquestionable, we are talking about a four star service "camouflaged" in one of three.
To the usual services of a hotel of these features we add that we have free access to the relaxation of the hotel zone, which consists of a jacuzzi, sauna and gym.

Lodging for stages with start in ALBELDA DE IREGUA

La Casa del Cofrade

It will be difficult to find a more suggestive accommodation option than a Hotel / Winery like this one of La Casa del Cofrade to start and end a route like FUENTES del VINO.
Our PUNTO BIKE is - we dare to affirm it - a four star hotel "camouflaged" in one of two. Located in the same place as the Vinícola Real Wineries to which it belongs, it allows us access from its facilities to the calados -caves- dug in the rock of the mountain on which it is attached, and in which the renowned wines of 200 Monges as well as other elements of historical value that will make us immediately perceive that we are in a special place. Something more even than a Winery + a Hotel.

If to all this we add the link and the total dump with everything that sounds like cycling, the choice could not be more obvious. Sports activity here becomes almost an excuse to live this part of the global experience of FUENTES del VINO.

Lodging for stages with start in NÁJERA

Hotel Duques de Nájera

Lodging for stages with start in EZCARAY

Hotel Palacio de Azcárate

Lodging for stages with start in LAGUARDIA

WINE OIL SPA Hotel Villa de Laguardia

The base of LA RIOJA PUNTO BIKE in Laguardia is a 4 stars hotel located among vineyards, with a delightful spa (1.000 m2). Connected to the hotel is the WINE THEMED CENTER VILLA LUCÍA a place for tasting and degustations.

If you have doubts, do not hesitate and use some of the buttons below, we respond quickly.

info@larioja.bike +34 666564771

THE SERIOUS ZONE

FUENTES del VINO - GRAVEL

5 Stages / 5 Nights

754 €
Price per person for groups of 6 or more people

816 €
Price per person for groups of 5 people

785 €
Price per person for groups of 4 people

896 €
Price per person for groups of 3 people

877 €
Price per person for groups of 2 people

Single room supplement: + 265 €

When the group consists of an even number of people, an even number of applications will also be necessary to access this supplement.

FUENTES del VINO - GRAVEL

4 Stages / 4 Nights

659 €
Price per person for groups of 6 or more people

710 €
Price per person for groups of 5 people

690 €
Price per person for groups of 4 people

789 €
Price per person for groups of 3 people

782 €
Price per person for groups of 2 people

Single room supplement: + 211 €

When the group consists of an even number of people, an even number of applications will also be necessary to access this supplement.

Route outline: FUENTES DEL VINO GRAVEL - 3 STAGES

For the 3-day option, we used this combination of stages.

3 Stages / 3 Nights

440 €
Price per person for groups of 6 or more people

476 €
Price per person for groups of 5 people

456 €
Price per person for groups of 4 people

525 €
Price per person for groups of 3 people

508 €
Price per person for groups of 2 people

Single room supplement: + 155 €

When the group consists of an even number of people, an even number of applications will also be necessary to access this supplement.

Add night at the end of the route

Add a night at the finalising point of the route - B&B
+ 56 € in doble room or + 116 € in single room

In these proposals when the groups are odd, the accommodation is offered in double rooms and a single room.
- TRIPLE ROOMS ARE NEVER USED -

Rates for the whole year, subject to availability.
The prices may vary when the dates coincide with the Easter holidays or with the Patron Festivities of any of the places of accommodation.

Check here for detailed Contract conditions

1 night of accommodation with breakfast
Corresponds to the 1st night as usually the groups prefer to choose themselves where to dine during the arrival trip to the destination
El resto de las nights accommodation in half board
Transport of luggage between hotels
1 bag or package per person
Tracks of the route in GPX format for mobile phones or GPS devices
Warn us if you prefer them in another format
Explanatory printed map-sketch of the different route options for each stage
One per stage Download sample
Shower and luggage reception at the end of the last stage despite you don’t spend the night at the finalising point of the route
Presentation of the route and delivery of information in hand the day of the arrival of the group to the hotel or the morning of the next day when groups are of 6 or more people
Telephone assistance for incidents or consultations during the days of the contracted activity

Beers or other consumptions outside the proposed menus in the dinners or during the stay in hotels
Meals in restaurants at the time of the noon, unless it has been agreed previously to replace dinner with meals
Any kind of sports material, helmets, shoes, etc.
Mechanical Assistance during the activity
If possible, we will try to help you in case of a breakdown, but in many situations this help can be very limited due to lack of specific spare parts or other circumstances. The cost of the service if it can be done is € 18 per hour + € 0.40 per kilometer.
Anything not expressly indicated in the offer

Airport/station pick up
We put you in contact with the transfer companies that provide these services. We do not include its cost in our proposal.
Hire Travel Assistance insurance
Add a hotel night at the finalising point of the route
Hire individual room
When the group consists of an even number of people, an even number of applications will also be necessary to access this supplement.

Best time to go: The route can be done at any time of the year as long as there is no snow, something unusual in La Rioja.
Spring and Autumn are usually the most pleasant seasons; In summer it can be hot and it is advisable to get up early.
Anyway, at the end of autumn the days are short, but more than enough for our purpose. The vineyards of La Rioja "burn" red in those days, and the experience of immersing ourselves in that sea of red vineyards becomes something almost. So if you can afford to choose those dates, there is no question. This is the "Star" moment to visit LA RIOJA
Ideal bike: Gravel bike, or lightweight trail bike. Some descents are a bit rocky, so a front tire of at least 45 mm is recommended.
Our GRAVEL concept: We have run away from the idea of gravel = unpaved road. If the objective were exclusively unpaved routes -including easy paths in the term- we believe that it is more comfortable, fun and functional to use the traditional trekking bikes, or even, the light MTB Trail bikes if we wanted to print a character sportier to the activity.

Our Gravel tracks do not avoid roads, especially if they are quiet and with little traffic. Our objective is to combine them, in the best possible way, with sections of tracks and paths -usually easy to pedal- and generate unpublished tracks and, so to speak; "not suitable" for other types of bicycles with which it would be heavy and ineffective to pedal following such a tracks.

In summary; In our Gravel concept we jump without prior notice from unpaved sections to paved roads and vice versa without at any time believing that this alters the character of the route. And - when posible - we use unpaved sections to climb up, and paved ones to go down.
Orientation: The route must be followed with a GPS device or with the mobile phone App that you are used to using for the same purpose.
   It is not advisable to try to learn how to use an App on the fly.
   We do not provide Apps or GPS user manuals. It is up to the users to have this knowledge.
   There is no on-site signage.
Ciclability: The route is 99,9% cyclable. With this precision what we want to convey is that at some very specific point it will be necessary to get off the bike and carry it for a few meters in your hand.
Philosophy: Although some stages can be demanding, the proposal is designed so that the stages can be finished and we still have part of the day to enjoy the place where we are.
The circular stages delve into the purpose of "slow down" the rhythm of the route as a whole, always offering a more relaxed track option that ensures that we have a free afternoon for other tasks beyond cycling. Believe it or not; There is life beyond the bike.
Provisioning: The situation is different depending on the stages and the chosen track options. The towns in the lower areas usually have bar services and fountains, but once we go up to the Sierras we will have to be self-sufficient in terms of food and water. Two bottles better than one.