Through the Valle de Ricote
Let the route 'lift your senses'
THIS WEEK’S route takes cyclists on a ride through the Valle de Ricote (Ricote valley) which is characterised by our collaborators, Cicloturismo Valencia as a ‘surprising place, full of contrasts, lined with steep limestone and sandstone mountains and a huge landscape’.
It is a low-difficulty ride of 60 kilometres which can be undertaken in one day, but can be better appreciated if spread out over two, with a possible overnight stop in the spa town of Archena.
There is little traffic and over its full length there are only 238 metres of ascent and 289 metres of descent.
The route runs from Cieza to Murcia City and can be undertaken in either direction.
This description is from Cieza to the city - both points have train connections.
As with all of their routes, Cicloturismo Valencia say that they are indicative and should be undertaken in conjunction with the relative Wikiloc download (see below) and that cyclists must comply with current regulations regarding helmets and signposts.
The Valle de Ricote is a unique environment. It is a wet area situated in an extremely dry environment. This uniqueness is directly related to the River Segura, which is used to irrigate thousands upon thousands of hectares of land, principally for fruit such as cherries, peaches, nectarines, citric fruits, etc.
The route commences in Cieza but quickly leaves the town centre in order to pick up the River Segura.
At this point the river has a heavy flow due to the fact that there is a confluence with the Tajo-Segura water transfer system a few kilometres to the north.
Here there is a small section where it is necessary to dismount in order pass through a narrow stretch of pathway.
At 5.5km the route passes around the town of Abarán. On this section of the ride it is possible to enjoy water sports linked to the river, in addition to viewing some interesting environmental projects.
Shortly after passing around the town the route leaves the banks of the Segura to pick up the RM-514. A little while later the road rises a little and offers the cyclist ‘spectacular views of the valley’.
Continue on towards Blanca. Along this stretch of road we pass the first of the mills that use the flow of the river for flour or paper production.
Once in Blanca, look out for the traditional washing point which is ‘perfectly preserved and appears to still be in use’.
A local resident maintains and looks after it, purely for the love of caring for this precious construction and attracting the attention of visitors, something that they have achieved.
“We continue marvelling at this route. Words are not enough. Reservoirs, fields, mountain escarpments… let it lift your senses!” enthuse our friends at Cicloturismo Valencia.
Leaving Blanca behind the route makes its way to Ojós - a pretty and colourful town where the Cicloturismo Valencia team recommend taking the opportunity to have a drink in one of the bars.
Keeping a sharp eye on the Wikiloc route map, leave Ojós out of the back of the town, on the road that leads to the Segura. Cross the bridge and turn right on to the road that leads into Ulea. From Ulea it is possible to see Villanueva del Río Segura, just across the river.
Leaving Ulea on the RM523, take the first exit at the roundabout which runs alongside the river on the RM-810 all the way into Archena - a place well known for its spas that have been in use since Roman times.
What remains of the journey runs, without any difficulties, principally along the banks of the Segura. Along the way the path passes a ‘beautiful hydraulic mill’, but in the words of Cicloturismo Valencia, ‘the quality landscapes are already behind us’.
“Enjoy, without rush, what remains of the route, until you arrive at the beautiful city of Murcia and the end of our journey,” they state.
Cicloturismo Valencia wish to thank Murcia en Bici and the environmental association AMA for information on the path on which they have based this route.
The Wikiloc link for this week’s route can be found at: https://es.wikiloc.com/rutasoutdoor/cieza-murcia-por-elvalle-de-ricote-24774675