Day 25: Altea (Cycle)

Dear Reader, I doubt that you will recall I cycled up to Serra de Bérnia and vowed not to do it again (Altea 2023). Well, having discussed and cycled passed the climb with Michael, I got to thinking why I was so reticent to climb it again. Was it because, yes it is a really tough climb? Or, just maybe, I simply had a "bad day" on the bike!

Obviously, only by cycling the climb again could I determine which it was! Here, are the stats:
The sign is fairly new, it was not there in 2023. And, no Tadjar need not worry, it took me some considerable extra climbing time for me to get to the top!

And here is a series of photographs showing the Garmin (navigational aid) stats from the start point (km 5.16 and then for km 4 and each subsequent km) [I concede that the Garmin is not perfect, but it does provide a good indication of the average gradient remaining].

km 5.16: average gradient to the summit: 12%

km 4: 14%

km 3: 16%

km 2: 16%

km 1: 15%, with a sting in the tail!

Finally, at the top looking back from whence I'd came!

And the verdict is in ... it is a tough climb, not for old men, and I shan't be doing it again .... at least not until the next time!

So, now you know, why not give it a go!

A view from the the climb's end looking towards, Altea, L'Albir and Benidorm:

There is supposed to be a good hike to be had beyond the end of the road, but not for this cyclist!

So, doing a u-turn, I descended down to the main road and cycled up to el Castell de Guadalest (elevation 560 metres ish!): A tourist trap! Photo:

And, as a bonus, here is a photo of a photo of a painting by Joan Navarro Ramon (or maybe, Josefa Fisac Martín [husband and wife]), which is currently on show on Altea's promenade:

I think I enjoyed the ride! The ride beyond Callosa d'en Sarrià to el Castell de Guadalest is well worth the effort.

• Distance driven: 0
• Distance cycled: 53 kilometres
• Weather: Mostly overcast. T's 10 - 15°C.

Today's route: