A ride along the river part 2
A rewarding circular route from Alzira via Sueca following the Ribera del Júcar
IN this week’s Cycle Clips we have the second and final part of a route by our collaborators, Cicloturismo Valencia.
As with all of their routes, they advise that they are indicative and should be undertaken in conjunction with the relative Wikiloc map, which this week can be found at https://es.wikiloc.com/rutas-cicloturismo/ la-ribera-de-xuquer-42567088
They also state that cyclists must comply with current regulations regarding helmets and the relevant road markings and signposts along the route.
The route, which the Cicloturismo Valencia collaborators funbici.org did last December, is a 40-kilometre circular ride that starts and finishes in Alzira and, for the most part, follows the Ribera del Júcar.
Route description continued:
Along the route the cyclist will come across the Polinyà del Xúquer centre for the cultivation of temperate water fish, a reference point for the reproduction and breeding of endangered species, such as the European eel, the critically endangered Parachondrostoma arrigonis and Valencia toothcarp, in addition to native species intended for river repopulation (common carp and barbel). At a European level it is a stand out centre for its success in breeding the eel that gives rise to the exquisite dish all-i-pebre (eel stew with garlic and paprika).
Continuing parallel to the river, the path reaches a section where it is necessary to cross a series of irrigation canals and ditches. Here it is possible to see people canoeing, ‘a clear example of the recovery of the Río Jucár as a via verde (greenway), as a result of work carried out by environmentalists, local associations, town halls and the university of Valencia. It gives added value to those cyclists who are eager to try out new sporting experiences’.
Approaching Sueca, the halfway point in the ride, the route passes an azud (diversion dam); an important traditional irrigation method powered by a hydraulic system which, in addition to irrigating the land, fed the washrooms, watered the animals and even generated energy for water mills. These complex systems are still used in the Valencian fields to this day.
Continuing along the banks of the Jucár, the route enters the municipality of Fortaleny, with its stretch of the river that is renowned amongst anglers and has been the site of many national and international competitions.
Along this stretch the Cicloturismo Valencia representatives noted: “We took good note of the recent creation and conditioning of stretches of cycle path that were perfectly integrated into the natural environment and landscape. We came across a beautiful renovated iron bridge that allowed us to continue on without any road traffic and enjoying beautiful views.”
This bridge, although diverting from the overall route, leads the riders into Sueca, a town that is predominantly dedicated to the cultivation of rice and, since 1961, has hosted the prestigious Valencian paella competition - a festival of national tourist interest which annually attracts international participants from Europe, America and Japan.
It is also a good place to stop for refreshments and a bite to eat. A suggestion made by Cicloturismo Valencia is the small central market where you can buy local ‘kilometre-zero’ products and obtain information about all of the town’s cultural, tourist and festive offerings.
“The people of the village informed us of the existence of a nearby local chocolate museum that is renowned for its cocoa, thanks to Chocolate Artesano Comes, a Valencian factory with a history and tradition in its manufacturing. Knowing the many health benefits of chocolate, we could not resist a taster,” they added.
To continue the route, cross the iron bridge in the opposite direction and follow the river through the outskirts of Fortaleny.
Around 1.2km out of the town the route takes leave of the river that has been a constant companion and follows a path surrounded by rice paddies and orange and mandarin groves, accompanied by views of La Murta natural park and the Sierra de Corbera with its peak, Cavalld de Bernat.
“Our elongated shadows are imbued with orange blossom smells of this Valencian orchard. Smells that grow and that we hope never leave us...”
This final stretch of the route is around 15km in length.
Funbici.org does not assume any liability due to incidents that may occur during the bike ride.
Happy cycling.