17-12-2024 | Eveline van der Hek

Gran Canaria Bike Week, a summer cycling feast in winter

Let's face it: November and December can be challenging months when it comes to cycling. On the one hand, we are already full of ambitions for next year, and on the other hand, those weeks before Christmas are often really dark. The motivation to train indoors or in the rain is sometimes hard to find. How good is it when you can ride in the sun and the mountains? Gran Canaria offers the redeeming answer and I went to investigate during the Gran Canaria Bike Week (GCBW). Spoiler: reserve a week in your December 2025 calendar!

On November 29, I land in Gran Canaria where Alfredo Montes of I am Pedal picks me up. The sun is shining and like the rest of the week it is around 25 degrees. Summery! Alfredo is cycling host in Gran Canaria and a local expert. He outlines to me the sunny south, the green north and the rugged coasts in the west. They are all on the menu for the coming week. Home town of the GCBW is Maspalomas. Alfredo explains that this is the ideal place because it is mostly sunny all year round, the (cycling) facilities are good and you can explore most parts of the island by bike from here.

Gran fondo Pico de las Nieves

This 36th GCBW traditionally starts with the Gran fondo Pico de las Nieves. As befits a good Dutchman, I participate with the longest distance. 138 kilometers and 3522 meters of elevation, not figures to scare very much. The 23% mentioned, I mentally park as Cauberg. It's a semi gran fondo with three timed segments. There are a few cut-off moments where you can be taken off course. That can also happen when the broom truck passes you. You have the choice of getting in, riding back or continuing without a Number plate. This happens for a reason. The organization needs to be able to monitor the safety of the group and if you are late, you could end up riding in the dark.

This gran fondo marks my first-ever DNF. The heat is intense, and the stretch between the first and second aid stations involves nearly 70 kilometers of relentless climbing. My 1.5 liters of water disappear quickly, and I run out. By the time I get water from the 'end-of-course' car, it’s already too late. I have a splitting headache and decide not to push my body further. The broom wagon becomes my saving grace, and I ride with them up to the Pico. Once there, I realize this climb is no joke—it’s a true test. It stretches a grueling 22 kilometers from Ingenio and features prolonged steep sections, with gradients hitting around 15% for miles. Seasoned gran fondo riders tell me it’s one of the toughest climbs they’ve ever faced. And that infamous 23% section? It’s so long it makes the La Redoute climb look like a warm-up.

It’s worth noting that most Europeans aren’t accustomed to 25°C temperatures in December, nor do they have their peak summer form. Out of 180 participants, only about 60 manage to make it to the top.

Cyclists tackling a steep climb during Gran Canaria Bike Week.

Tip: There are two shorter route options available, and for the first time, I strongly recommend considering these seriously.

South to north and back again

After a well-deserved rest day on Monday, the GCBW continues on Tuesday with a stunning ride. For the first time, the Camino de Santiago is included in the program. We begin in Maspalomas and follow the pilgrim's route through Tunte all the way to Gáldar. The landscape transforms gradually from dry, brown terrain to lush, green scenery. I can’t stop staring at the breathtaking views.

While the climbing is challenging at times, I enjoy every moment of the ride. We stop at various churches along the way to refuel and regroup, adding a nice touch to the experience. By the end of the route, we’ve covered 93 kilometers and climbed roughly 2,500 meters of elevation—crossing the entire island from south to north. In Gáldar, we’re rewarded with a delicious pasta salad and refreshing drinks. Our bikes are stored safely in a guarded sports hall, and we return to the hotel by bus.

On Wednesday, we are taken by bus back to Gáldar to begin our ride south. The route starts along the rugged west coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs. About a third of the way through, we turn inland to tackle the climb from La Aldea to Mirador de Tasartico. The final 5 kilometers of this climb average an 11% gradient, with peaks reaching 17%—a true challenge in the blazing sun. The final 20 kilometers along the south coast feature rolling terrain, with constant ups and downs. By the end of the day, we’ve covered 98 kilometers and nearly 2,400 meters of elevation gain.

Gran Canaria Verde

The fourth stage, on Thursday, is a shorter ride: just over 40 kilometers with 800 meters of elevation gain, including two local climbs. On Friday, we take a bus to Arucas, where our bikes are already waiting for us. From here, we embark on a beautiful route through the lush, green, and rolling landscapes of northern Gran Canaria—certainly not a flat ride! After one of the many climbs, we are treated to a stunning view of El Teide, Tenerife’s highest peak.

The descents are neutralized, and the group rides together in a controlled manner for safety. The start and finish take place at the majestic cathedral of Arucas, an incredible backdrop for the day’s ride. Today’s route of 74 kilometers and 1,900 meters of elevation offers pure, hard-earned enjoyment.

Cyclists riding through the green, hilly landscapes of northern Gran Canaria with scenic mountain views.

Little Stelvio Challenge

On the penultimate day, we ride to Puerto Rico and take a ferry to Puerto de Mogán. The boat trip is a refreshing change of pace, and everyone is in high spirits. Meanwhile, our bikes are transported by truck and organized by category (men, women, age groups, and E-bikes) upon arrival. From there, each category rides approximately ten kilometers under motorcycle guidance to the start of the Little Stelvio Challenge. This challenge features the climb up the Passo Tauro, also known as the Serenity Climb—8.5 kilometers at an average gradient of 6.5%.

Despite tired legs, you can’t help but push yourself a little harder—or perhaps ride to the brink if you’re feeling competitive. By this point, many participants have become familiar faces, adding a friendly and entertaining atmosphere to the race. I’m thrilled to earn third place in the Masters Women category. Today, the sun doesn’t shine for once, but it’s still pleasantly warm, and the surrounding scenery never ceases to impress. By the end of the day, we’ve covered 92 kilometers and climbed 2,000 meters of elevation.

Cyclists climbing the scenic Passo Tauro during Gran Canaria Bike Week.

Finito

And then, inevitably, the final day arrives. We ride along the south coast to Taurito, where a supply station and a lively DJ await us. After a short break, we head back the same way. With the ocean on our left on the way out, and on our right on the return, it might sound monotonous, but after everything the week has thrown at us, it’s a perfectly fine ending. Even today, we manage to log 52 kilometers and 800 meters of elevation.

A refreshing shower later, we gather for the final event. We’re treated to an energetic dance performance featuring songs from The Lion King, all while enjoying what is easily the best buffet I’ve ever seen at a cycling event. Sushi, prawns, grilled meats, fish, pasta, desserts—there’s simply too much to list. During the awards ceremony for the Gran Fondo and the Little Stelvio Challenge, it finally sinks in: Gran Canaria Bike Week is over. What remains are the incredible memories of an unforgettable experience.

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