I was thinking exactly this, but I’m here now and for instance, was able to do a 45mile loop with 7500ft on a beautiful natural park.
I need to research further.
I was thinking exactly this, but I’m here now and for instance, was able to do a 45mile loop with 7500ft on a beautiful natural park.
I need to research further.
Tenerife is amazing for training especially if you spend time at the altitude hotel. However there are really not that many routes to do, and even fewer if you start at sea level. If you are there to train and that’s it there is probably no better place weather and altitude wise but don’t expect much variety.
Gran Canaria is much nicer for the slightly more green environment and many more roads to ride but lacks the altitude hotel.
Girona lacks a variety of routes if you want 4000+m rides, it’s doable but you’re going to be doing a lot of the same climbs.
This is a non factor for me because I live at 8500ft
Ok. I would still stay there for Tenerife as it’s a central location and has the easiest access to the whole island compared to anywhere else.
3000-5000 meters in under 100 miles is hard to find, especially at the upper end. Essentially, that’s a queens stage in either the Tour or Giro and most of those high mountain passes are still covered in snow in April.
Majorca is a great destination for cycling, but you’re going to be at the lower end of your scale.
I recommend Sardinia. If you plan your route carefully, you could do 4000 meter days.
Nearby Corsica has even higher peaks, but I’ve never cycled there so I can’t comment on the riding.
Thanks. Do you have a reference?
If Nice in April isn’t good enough weather for you, then I think only Spanish or Italian islands will suffice.
Alps are out, Pyrenees are out. Portugal is out (only Algarve could possibly fit the weather requirements but nowhere near that sort of up and down) but were it not for the weather I would say you’d be happy around Serra da Freita and Estrela.
This loop. GPX is in there.
Since the bar is set high with Nice not having good enough weather I would only consider the Canary Islands in April.
Do you think I’m exaggerating. For instance, will Col de Turini be accesible?
I know you said preferably Europe but Los Angeles checks the weather and climbing options for that time of year. I’ve been going out to LA in April for years with friends for a little climbing camp. We stay in Calabassas and ride the climbs in the Santa Monica mountains. I don’t even use my car the entire time we’re there which is rare for the USA.
Very interested in insights on this. Any recommendations on cycle hire shops or places to stay that are good value?
Serious Cycling in Agoura Hills do bike rentals, I always drive with my own so I haven’t used them but a buddy broke his bike and rented one from them last minute. We used to Air bnb until the fees got too expensive so we stay in the Good Nite Inn calabassas, it’s a budget hotel but clean and safe (and less than $100 a night which is rare for that area), there are alsp nicer hotels in Westlake, Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills. The Pedaler’s Fork bike and coffee shop in Calabassas is also a great resource and there are several group rides that leave from there.
Awesome - thanks
I mean, it is open all year and you may be able to get up, but it will likely be very cold up there.
My parents live near Nice, so I’ve been there during all seasons. It’s much nicer than the weather in Germany at the time, but it is neither really warm, nor that dry. Weather in May is usually quite a bit better.
For April, there is nothing better than Andalucia or Costa Blanca (climate wise). Dry, and warm enough to ride short Kit on climbs, without needing a Gillet on the descent.
It seems that if I’m able to move my trip many more options open, 2 that come to mind:
The big climbs in Europe (barring Etna, Pico Veleta (at least to 2500m) and Canaries) will likely be closed even in May - including Pyrenees. Alps, everything is closed until June.
Colombia is an option, but have to check the weather.
Look to see what months it might rain more than others in a given part of Colombia but the temps are pretty consistent there year round. The variation in temperatures is primarily altitude driven there which varies greatly throughout the country. On a cool day in bogota it’s not that long a drive to say Melgar where it will be quite hot. But whatever your temperature preference is for riding you can probably find it there.