Overview
Cycle through the “island of the eternal spring” with the impressive Mount Teide (3718m/12198ft) as the unmistakable centerpiece of the island. Tenerife also boasts the longest ascent in the whole of Europe – at 23 miles of riding, you’ll ascend over 6890ft!
With over 25 ways to climb Mount Teide, there is always a new way to experience the mountain. Unlike the UK, the climbs are generally fairly gradual, meaning you can get into a nice rhythm and work on your cycling tans! The gradients average at between 5% and 10% so they’re not like the lung busters of Scotland or the Lakes, but perfect for working on endurance.
You’ll also be cycling at high altitude (in Tenerife you can cycle for hours at over 6562ft). This is a great way of taking your training to the next level and be a step ahead of your cycling peers at home.
After your airport pickup, you will be transferred to our base hotel in the resort of Los Cristianos which is a few minutes from the beach. Here you will be briefed by your More Adventure leaders who will waste no time in getting the trip underway and you out cycling on some of the finest roads in Europe.
Each ride is fully guided and supported by a cycle leader and fully kitted out support vehicle. The rides are not compulsory, so if you would like a rest day on the beach, you are more than welcome!
Single room option is an additional £260 which can be added upon booking.
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Tenerife, transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by your More Adventure leaders who will transfer you to your hotel. After freshening up, a bite to eat and a trip brief, it’s time to explore the area, relax and maybe a trip to the beach.
Day 2: Vilaflor ride (35 miles & 5300ft ascent)
It’s time to get the bikes out! The first route is shortest of the trip in order to allow your legs to find their groove. There’s still climbing involved however, as we head to the small town of Vilaflor which is situated 4900ft above sea level. After taking time to rest and refuel, it’s time for the twisty descent back to the coast.
Day 3: Mount Teide Northern Ascent (82 miles & 12,000ft ascent)
A long and tough day. We start by transferring a few miles up the coast to tackle Mount Teide from its northern flanks. The first 20 miles are fairly flat although the terrain soon heads skywards as the next 20 miles are all climbing. Topping out at around 7700ft, the terrain is very different from a few hours ago, a lunar landscape with the volcanic cone of Mount Teide towering above. The effects of altitude here are noticeable and the air thinner. “Whats goes up must come down” is a very apt saying here in Tenerife and another long twisty ascent through pine forests awaits.
Day 4: Mount Teide Ascent via El Medano (71 miles & 10,500ft ascent)
Today we start from the beach at El Medano, famous for it many wind and kite surfers. The climb today is a continuous and unbroken 23 miles and 7100ft of ascent. After a short descent we climb gradually to the small group of cafes and bars where we’ll take on some well deserved food and drink. Heading back the way we came, we soon fork off and descend back towards our hotel.
Day 5: El Medano Beach Ride (26 miles – 2200 ft ascent)
A recovery ride today, we head out to the famous El Medano beach, taking our time to enjoy the easier riding. A coffee/ice-cream stop and lunch on the beach is the order of the day.
Day 6: Mount Teide Ascent via Chio (58 miles & 9000 ft ascent)
A slightly shorter day today as we climb the mountain from its western side. We cycle west through Costa Adeje towards the small town of Chio where the roads open up and a long gradual climb awaits. From the top of the climb…you’ve guessed it…an amazing descent awaits!
Day 7: Parque Rural de Teno (60 miles – 10800 ft ascent)
Hidden away in the north-west corner of Tenerife is the quiet and secluded Parque Rural de Teno. The landscape here has it all, from magnificent cliffs, valleys, islands and forests – the cycling is not bad either! A tough day with multiple ascents on a quiet windy road, this is a spectacular day not to be missed.
Day 8: Free day – Fly Home
Today is yours to do as you please – relax, shop or hit the beach, the choice is yours, you could even go for a cycle!? You will then be transferred to the airport to catch your flight home.
Map
Includes
- Cycle Leader/s
- Support Driver
- 7 x night’s hotel accommodation
- 7 x breakfasts
- Airport transfers
- Snacks on ride days
- Bicycle mechanic
- GPX files of the route (if requested)
Not Included
- Bicycle and helmet (top quality carbon bikes can be hired for a very reasonable price)
- Flights
- Lunches, Evening meals and drinks
- Optional excursions
- European Health Card (www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do)
- Insurance
FAQs
Why Tenerife?
Know as the "Island of Eternal Spring", the climate in Tenerife is perfect for winter cycling, sheltered from the wind with very little rainfall. Used for many years by professional teams including Sky, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.
Is it hilly?
Er...yes! There are no real flat roads in Tenerife, you are either ascending or descending. For this reason, you must be a proficient cyclist for this trip and have a good level of fitness and climbing ability. If you are unsure please contact us.
What abilities do you have on the rides?
We have a mix of abilities on this trip and make everyone feel welcome and relaxed, you will however be cycling at your own pace. Most days consist of a long climb and a long descent. You will have at least one cycle leader with you plus a support van closely supporting all riders. You will also have access to the GPX files of the routes. The groups tend to ride at there own pace up the hills, regroup for lunch and descend together.
Do I have to bring my own bike?
No. You can of course if you wish, however Tenerife is very well set up for visiting cyclists and you can hire a road bike of nearly any spec. If you would like this option please let us know and we can get a quote for you.
Can I bring a non-cycling partner/friend?
Yes of course. Please let us know upon booking and we will invoice you for a 'hotel only' booking.
Am I fit enough?
The million dollar question! Do you train regularly? Do you challenge yourself on climbs on a regular basis? If the answer is yes then you should be OK. You will still have to prepare for this trip to get the most out of it, and climbing is the order of the day. If for whatever reason your legs don't feel it one day you can jump in the support van for a quick rest.
Do I have to cycle everyday?
No. This is your trip and if you want a rest day to lay by the pool you are absolutely welcome to have one.
© 2024