A demanding gravel day on tracks between extinct volcanoes and beech forest, with 1,600 m of climbing over 88 km.
from €135 per rider
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Madrid volcano gravel day — 88 km between extinct volcanoes is a moderate full day gravel tour in Madrid, taking in Madrid.
Places on the way: Madrid
This is a full day on gravel tracks that start from Madrid and run between extinct volcanoes and through beech forest. It covers 88 km with 1,600 m of climbing, so it sits at the top of the moderate range. It is a long day in the saddle, with sustained gravel climbs and loose surfaces that ask for steady legs and some off-road confidence.
The landscape is what sets it apart. Dark volcanic ground, old craters and cool beech woods replace the farm roads and forest shade of the shorter gravel days. That makes it the most scenic and the most demanding of the gravel options on Ride Madrid.
It is not an introduction to gravel. If you are still learning tyre pressure and handling, start with the riverside intro. If you already ride 70 km or more off-road and want a bigger challenge, this is the step up.
Eighty-eight kilometres with 1,600 m of climbing is a serious day, even though the tour is rated moderate. It suits riders who already ride 60 to 70 km regularly and are comfortable on loose or uneven surfaces. You should be able to climb for long stretches without needing to stop.
It is a poor fit for first-time gravel riders, families or anyone coming back to cycling after a long break. Those riders will enjoy the day more on the greenway or the riverside intro. Check minimum age with the partner when booking.
The ride links gravel tracks between extinct volcanoes with a section through beech forest. Expect a mix of firm, compacted track and looser volcanic surfaces, with climbs spread across the day rather than packed into one long ascent.
Average climbing works out at roughly 18 m per kilometre. That means there is little flat recovery, and the beech woods offer shade and cooler air in the second half. Keep some energy back for the return, because the day is long even without a single huge climb.
The Madrid forest gravel loop is 72 km and balances forest shade with farm roads, which makes it a gentler step up from an intro. This tour adds 16 km, volcanic scenery and noticeably more climbing.
The Madrid big climb morning is shorter and harder in intensity, built around a single long climb and finished before the heat. This volcano day is about endurance and landscape over a full day, with no need to race. The riverside gravel intro, at 34 km, is the right place to build skills first.
Bring a bike or hire one when booking, depending on what the partner offers. Gravel tyres with some tread suit the loose volcanic surfaces, and a lower pressure than you would use on tarmac helps grip and comfort.
Carry enough food and water for a long day, plus a spare tube and a layer for the forest sections. Do a few rides of 60 km or more with climbing in the weeks before, so the final hours stay enjoyable.
It is rated moderate but sits at the top of that range. You ride 88 km with 1,600 m of climbing on gravel, so a good base of fitness is needed.
No. First-time gravel riders should start with the Madrid riverside gravel intro, which is 34 km on wide, forgiving tracks.
The forest loop is 72 km with farm roads and shade. The volcano day is longer, climbs more and runs through volcanic scenery and beech woods.
Check with the partner when booking, as bike hire and equipment options are not listed here.
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