The Mountain Bike Route through the Wineyards and Mountains of LA RIOJA
Three Sierras and a River, these are the geographical elements that, together with your mountain bike, give form to FUENTES del VINO MTB. Sierra de Cameros, Sierra de La Demanda, Sierra de Cantabria -Montes Obarenes- and the Ebro River in the center articulating everything.
A simply overflowing and varied geography in which each stage prints its own personality.
FUENTES del VINO MTB is the mountain bike route that will allow us in equal parts, navigate through the spectacular sea of La Rioja vineyards and ride along the trails of the Sierras that, like cliffs, fly over and feed this sea, the SOURCES of WINE.
The structure of FUENTES del VINO MTB is a base route with 4 point to point stages -A, B, C y D- and 3 optional circular stages -E, F and G- which, randomly combined with the first 4 allow up to a maximum of 7 stages.
Of the stages of the point to point alternative, we could say that they are essentially rolling, since the common denominator of all of them is a first section of small paved and unpaved roads which among crops and vineyards allow us to "eat kilometers" with relative ease and as if good gregarious ciclists were treated, they put us at the foot of the "wall" of the mountain range where we will have to manage alone.
Once up and except in the last stage - the Ebro River - in which the above is not met as we will not have "wall", in the other 3 stages we can choose depending on our style of "bikers" if we descend by tracks and essentially easy and rolling paths, or if we decide on the options, but harder, at least if more technical, All Mountain we could say. Those options sometimes by technical sections, and sometimes of authentic "flow" deposit us in the same end points of stage as those of the more rolling options.
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The kilometers and the unevenness of the route obviously vary depending on the selection of stages we make. But these data from a "standard" selection are worth to give us an idea of the possible set:
FUENTES del VINO MTB 4 Stages A+B+C+D: Distance 254 km / Unevenness 4.915 m
FUENTES del VINO TOTAL 7 Stages A+B+C+D+E+F+G: Distance 435 km / Unevenness 8.935 m
These 3 minutes of video can help you understand what FUENTES del VINO MTB is
- The Stages
- Stage A
- Stage B
- Stage C
- Stage D
- Stage E
- Stage F
- Stage G
The structure of FUENTES del VINO MTB is a base route with 4 point to point stages -A, B, C y D- and 3 optional circular stages -E, F and G- which, randomly combined with the first 4 allow up to a maximum of 7 stages, then we speak of FUENTES del VINO TOTAL, an experience difficult to forget.
Stage A: Logroño / Albelda de Iregua - Nájera
Distance 72 / 54 km - Unevenness 1.375 / 1.225 m
FUENTES del VINO MTB can start in Logroño or in Albelda de Iregua.
If we start the route in Logroño the stage is clearly divided into 2 sections, a first gently ascending part, between Logroñ and Portal de Cameros, following the banks of the Iregua river, and a second part in which the crops and vineyards that have shaped the landscape until here give way to Sierra de Camero Nuevo with its mountain meadows and its cattle.
If we start the route in Albelda de Iregua the route includes an apparently "harmless" section between Viguera and Torrecilla in Cameros, the Calzada Romana del Iregua, which in this section becomes a fairly technical singletrack and demanding progress.
Option A7 between Albelda de Iregua. and Logroño climbs straights throughg Moncalvillo. The result is a shorted option of 54 kms and 1.225 meters of unevenness.
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Stage B: Nájera - Ezcaray
Distance 60 / 49 km - Unevenness 1.875 / 1.690 m
In stage B we can choose between 2 route options. In any case, the route runs through a section monopolized by the vineyard first, to then face the "wall" of the Sierra de la Demanda until reaching - first crossing the demanding Sierra de Pradilla - the 2003 meters of altitude in the surroundings of the Collado de Tres Cruces (B1) or the 1,825 of the Pico Chilizarrias if we choose option B2 - a little shorter - which ascends to the mountains through San Millan de la Cogolla, La Fonfria and Pazuengos.
In any case, from the top of La Demanda Range to Ezcaray, two of the best "flow" descents in La Rioja await us.
In Spring and if the snow prevents pedaling through the higher areas, we use the second option and we contour the Pico Chilizarrias on the North slope towards the Col de Marrulla.
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Stage C: Ezcaray - Haro
Distance 77 km - Unevenness 1.075 m
As in stages A and B, the first part of this stage starts crossing the Oja and El Tiron basins on flat terrain using small roads and paths among crops and vineyards. From Sajazarra the route begins to ascend towards Cellorigo, already located in the Sierra de Cantabria, and from this point starts the path that will take us to Peñalrayo, the highest peak of the Obarenes Mountains with its 953 meters. It will be the moment to decide which option of the route we do, the one of easy pedaling or the technique.
After traversing a good section of the Montes Obarenes, always oriented towards the East, the 2 options converge at the Hermitage of San Felices and descend together until the famous "Barrio de la Estación" of Haro through the vineyards of Muga Wineries. The technical data is practically the same so we only show one of the profiles.
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Stage D: Haro - Logroño / Albelda de Iregua
Distance 75 / 58 / 71 / 65 km - Unevenness 620 / 855 / 675 / 1.405 m
If FUENTES del VINO MTB was started in Logroño we have 2 options for this stage between Haro and the starting point. One through the Ebro Basin and the other through the Sierra de Cantabria slope.
Thus, if we go to Logroño, this last stage (D1) is undoubtedly "the Ebro stage", the old "Iber" which gave its name to the entire Iberian Peninsula. We will constantly pedal through vineyards through the meanders that shape the river in a continuous succession of monumental towns such as San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Baños de Ebro, Elciego or Lapuebla de Labarca.
Without any doubt the atmosphere will be "River and Wine" with vineyards, huts or guardaviñas and countless wineries scattered throughout the landscape among which undoubtedly we will be surprised by the spectacular "Guggenheim" building of Marqués de Riscal.
From San Vicente de la Sonsierra we can also choose the option of leaving the Ebro (D2) and going up the slopes of the Sierra de Cantabria to reach Logroño passing through Laguardia. An alternative about 20 kilometers shorter than the Ebro route and specially designed for those who need to use the same day to complete the stage and the journey back home.
If FUENTES del VINO MTB was started in Albelda de Iregua we can choose whether to return through a fast stage with a flat profile (D4) among the Ebro vineyards or by a more serious stage (D9) heading directly to Nájera and then go uphill to Las Neveras de Moncalvillo summit looking for a down line with the combination of the MTB trails developed by local bikers such as the named El Ciervo, Perdón and Natural, the culmination and final icing of FUENTES del VINO MTB
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Stage E: Circular Albelda de Iregua
Distance 44 / 67 km - Unevenness 1.200 / 1.795 m
The 2 options that we give for this circular stage starting in Albelda de Iregua consist of 2 routes with the same philosophy but different difficulty. Both cross the mountains of the Sierra de Cameros, taking advantage of the many trails adapted for MTB by local bikers.
We are talking about a geography that is becoming internationally known for being the usual scenary of La Rioja BIKE RACE, the MTB stage race held annually in the area. The routes enter the Sierra de Cameros by the Senda de la Barguilla -de la Barriguilla in biker slang- they enter the paths of the neighboring Leza Valley, and ascending the peaks of El Viso or Peña Saida descend towards Viguera or Nalda linking several of the most popular singletrack trails in the area; Senda Preciosa, Aspero, Senda del Portillo de las Monjas ... Bonita ... del Monolíto ..
Gran Cameros is our proposal for road bikers to whom everything seems little.
Apart from the 2 options presented here, we have other more specific tracks with which we try to adapt the routes more if possible to the profiles of the cyclists.
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Stage F: Circular Ezcaray
Distance 57 / 73 / 37 km - Unevenness 1.595 / 1.850 / 1.495 m
For this circular stage from Ezcaray we can choose between 2 options of a geographical nature crossing the long mountain range of the Sierra de La Demanda, or a more playful option along the paths near the town.
In the first two (F1 and F3), we will pedal during a large section of the track on the border with Castilla and with the 2,000 meters of altitude at the top of the Atlantic-Mediterranean divide.
The Integral Valdezcaray option is a demanding proposal designed not to leave the "eaters" of kilometers without options.
The Pico Chilizarrias option (F4) is an opportunity to enjoy a somewhat more MTB and short stage, riding "singletrack" type paths in the geography closest to Ezcaray. A proposal to ensure an afternoon of rest and recovery.
Anyway, the selection of the stage will undoubtedly be conditioned by the route chosen the previous day. With a suitable choice we will avoid repeating geographic space.
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Stage G: Circular Haro
Distance 59 / 45 km - Unevenness 1.335 / 955 m
We call the proposed circular route of FUENTES del VINO MTB starting in Haro TULLONIUM because this is the Roman historians' reference to a god with whom the locals "negotiated" in the place before the implantation of Christianity.
The route ascends in the first part to the highest cyclable peak of the Toloño Massif, -although at some point you will surely have to push the bike- the Peña del León, and then heads out in search of the coolness, the beech trees and the vegetation of the North descending to Peñacerrada. Here the track lines up the Inglares River Valley, taking advantage of the well-traced "Sendero del Agua" -AQUA- which runs parallel to the river until it reaches Berganzo.
We will skirt the massif on the West side, ascending on the way two small -not innocent- heights which, with their corresponding descents, will return us to the vineyards of the South side in the monumental and welcoming Briñas.
The TOLOÑO TOUR option is a -SOFT- proposal designed for situations in which the body asks for a day of rest but the cravings ask us to continue pedaling, "active rest" is called.
The route goes around the massif but without ascending to the top of the mountain range. Vineyards and rocks on the southern slope, crops, beeches and waters on the North. Nor should we trust, it is not a walk.
To get an idea of what the FUENTES del VINO MTB route looks like and what you can find if you decide to meet it, click and browse below in any of these tabs.
Stage A: Logroño / Albelda de Iregua - Nájera
Distance 72 / 54 km - Unevenness 1.375 / 1.225 m
Surroundings of Logroño. Among vineyards and crops we started pedaling
From Islallana the Sierra takes the lead, we could say that the cattle replaces the vineyard.
Spectacular viewpoint of Peñueco on the Portal de Cameros - Viguera, Sierra de Camero Nuevo -
Portal de Cameros, American West environment between Islallana and Viguera.
Hermitage of San Bartolome, a historical and geographical reference in the heart of Camero Nuevo. Better to ignore the bull.
Open land on the summits of Serradero.
Torrecilla en Cameros, the track includes at this stage the section of the old Roman Path between Viguera and Torrecilla, 13 wild kilometers, for "pedestrians" and practically with just enough space for a bike wheel.
Towards the South, the high pastures of the Sierra de Camero Nuevo extend on the horizon, exerting a hinóptico power of call.
There is no doubt, we are in a space created for our bikes.
We reach the upper area of the Sierra, the landscape towards the opposite slope to which we have climbed can be impressive, we are in one of the "star" points of FUENTES del VINO MTB, the Najerilla Valley and the peaks of La Sierra de La Demanda take care of it.
The route continues for a long time over the Sierra de Camero Nuevo. If time permits, tomorrow's stage through La Demanda Range will accompany us as a backdrop for a few kilometers.
Again through small roads and vineyards we reach Nájera, from the Arabic "Naxara" place among mountains.
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Stage B: Nájera - Ezcaray
Distance 60 / 49 km - Unevenness 1.875 / 1.690 m
We started the 2nd stage under the old look of the caves / refuge that characterize Nájera.
When the snow still remains on the highest peaks of the Sierra de La Demanda, we chose the track we call "Spring option" which replaces the passage through the San Lorenzo - 2003 meters of altitude - with the Marrulla Pass 500 meters lower.
Spring vineyards between Nájera and San Millán.
A stop on the way before the ascent to La Fonfria, Monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, too much history for a day like today with so much task ahead.
The Bulls of Pazuengos command respect during our passage through the Fonfria. Better not go over the fence.
Intermediate point of the ascent to Tres Cruces, Collado Artaza already at 1829 meters between the Pancrudos and Cabeza Parda.
Reaching the highest point of the route on La Cuculla hillside, gentle but long slopes.
Highest stretch of FUENTES del VINO MTB. Environment pulling inhospitable in the high part of the La Demanda Range.
Tres Cruces Mountain Pass, 1959 meters of altitude.
When the snow still remains on the highest peaks of La Demanda Range, we chose the track we call "Spring option" and the highest point of the route will be the Marrulla Pass. We will reach it by the route that emerges from the forest and through which the participants of the "Ezcaray BTT Extrem 2018" ascend.
Autumnal textures on the slopes that descend to Zaldierna.
More MTB scenes in the vicinity of Marrulla Pass - Ezcaray BTT Extrem 2018 -
La Demanda Range, MTB in its purest form.
"Red carpet" between the Sagastia Pass and Ezcaray - Ezcaray BTT Extrem 2018 -
More "Red carpet". It will be difficult to find such a sequence of "flow for all audiences" anywhere else in La Rioja.
Today the end of the stage is in Mountain Village. Ezcaray seen from the hermitage of Santa Barbara.
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Stage C: Ezcaray - Haro
Distance 77 km - Unevenness 1.075 m
Surroundings of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. We leave the Sierra de La Demanda and begin to cross the Oja and Tirón basins between crops and vineyards.
In Cuzcurrita del Río Tirón, the Obarenes Mountains to which we are heading begin to take their identity.
The castle and the village of Sajazarra warn us that we are leaving the basins and that the ascent to the Sierra de Cantabria begins.
Participants of the cycling tour "Hazla del Tiro BTT 2018" under the Montes Obarenes.
Cellorigo, the well-known "Pulpito de La Rioja". As soon as we arrive we will check it.
The Tirón and Cellorigo basins are already behind us, we are already in the Montes Obarenes.
Peak of Peñalrayo, 953 meters of altitude and maximum level of the 3rd stage.
Obarenes "overdose"
The "team" Zoroak on the trails of the Sierra de Cantabria - Hazla del Tirón BTT 2018 -
Mirador de La Rioja, another of the "star" places of FUENTES del VINO MTB.
Characteristic lanscape of the Obarenes Mountains.
In San Felices - the illuminated rock of the photograph - our march through the Sierra ends. We already started looking for the vineyards again, in this case, almost entirely of Bodegas Muga.
Today's stage ends in the city of Haro, the "Capital of Rioja". We will be able to verify it when crossing in our last kilometer of route the famous "Barrio de la Estación" with its impressive accumulation of wineries.
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Stage D: Haro - Logroño / Albelda de Iregua
Distance 75 / 58 / 71 / 65 km - Unevenness 620 / 855 / 675 / 1.405 m
We bid farewell to the Montes Obarenes, pedaling from the beginning of the day through the meanders of the Ebro in Briñas.
Obligatory stop at the Castle and fortified village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra.
It is clear, strategic position for the Castle of San Vicente. We back to the vineyard.
The Chozos or Guardaviñas will appear sequentially throughout the stage.
The track runs parallel to the river, sometimes it will be dirt roads or tracks and other small asphalted roads often dotted with agricultural remains, stones and mud left by tractors.
Spectacular and unique Chozo of the vineyard "La Veguilla".
Many points of "obligatory stop" in this 4th stage, Bodegas Marqués de Riscal in Elciego. Behind, Laguardia.
Finca Viña Lanciano from Bodegas LAN at the end of autumn. Located in an impressive meander of the Ebro, it is one of the most unique vineyards of the Rioja Denomination.
The same place a few months later.
In the vicinity of Logroño the Ebro is still a lonely river.
Surroundings of El Cortijo, last kilometers of FUENTES del VINO MTB.
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Stage E: Circular Albelda de Iregua
Distance 44 / 67 km - Unevenness 1.200 / 1.795 m
Hole in the clouds over Nalda.
Vineyards Los Valles -of Bodegas Vinícola Real - under the peaks of the Cameros Range. Today's track territory.
Cameros Gate - La Rioja “National Park”
View over the old Kingdom of Viguera
Remnants of the past in the Col of Cerro del Castillo de Viguera.
Slopes of Cerroyera above Portal de Cameros. Long descent from the Portillo de las Monjas to the Iregua Valley.
Typical Riojan singletrack under the Castle of Clavijo.
Chozo Blanco, an exhibition building at the top of the mountains.
Autumn colors in the Iregua Valley.
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Stage F: Circular Ezcaray
Distance 57 / 73 / 37 km - Unevenness 1.595 / 1.850 / 1.495 m
First autumn snows in La Demanda Range.
Scenes from the Atlantic-Mediterranean divide in the Iberian System. Long succession of fast tracks in the mountain range of La Demanda. It will be the usual if we choose any of the more geographical route options in this stage F.
In the vicinity of the Port of Pradilla, territory of the demanding alternative "Integral Valdezcaray"
"Flow" on the slopes of Cerro La Puerca.
MTB scenes in the vicinity of Marrulla Pass. - Ezcaray BTT Extrem 2018 -
Spectacular chain of bikers on the slopes of Cerro Mingaña. - Ezcaray BTT Extrem 2018 -
A regular meeting in the mountains. Harmless as long as they are not bulls. - Ezcaray BTT Extrem 2018 -
Line of descent on the slope of Cerro Mingaña towards the Sagastia Pass.
"Singletrack" between Sagastia pass and Ezcaray - Ezcaray BTT Extrem 2018 -
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Stage G: Circular Haro
Distance 59 / 45 km - Unevenness 1.335 / 955 m
Behind the Cantabria Range we will find the Montaña Alavesa. The combination of the 2 slopes of the range, with its 2 well-differentiated environments - vineyards and rocky areas in the South, beech forests in the North - create the scenary for stage G of FUENTES del VINO MTB.
Sometimes, if the frequent cloud hat of Toloño does not prevent it, the hard slopes have a prize later.
Demanding section to pass under the Peña de las Doce -Pic of twelve o'clock- . Its shadow was used by the locals to calculate the time.
Trails on the southern slope of the Cantabria Range.
In the space where the pre-Christians worshiped "Tullonium" now stand the ruins of the Monastery of Toloño. We are in the highest section of the route.
View from the Peña del León, the highest of the cyclable peaks of the massif. Easy to confuse in the geography of Cantabria Range as its name is repeated on another peak a few kilometers further to the east and still a little further on the summit of El Leon Dormido.
Hut among vineyards on the South face of Toloño. We return to Haro.
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