Cicloturismo Valencia arrive in Murcia
Through the Ricote valley on a route that straddles the two regions
Cicloturismo Valencia branches out into Murcia Cycle Clips collaborator Cicloturismo Valencia is a local development project whose initial objective was to promote, both nationally and internationally, the region of Valencia, in particular Alicante province as a quality cycle tourism destination.
They have been extremely successful in their quest, and to this end have extended their remit by branching out into the Murcia region.
To assist with this challenge they have established Cicloturismo Murcia, which boasts an initial cast of 12 routes aimed at promoting cycle tourism throughout the region.
This week we will be looking at a 120 kilometre ride that starts in the Murcia region at Caravaca de la Cruz before winding its way through the Ricote valley and into the Valencia region before finishing in Orihuela.
As with all of their vast network of mapped routes Cicloturismo Valencia note that all distances are approximate and remind cyclists that they must comply with current regulations regarding helmets, etc.
Our collaborators describe the route as having very little traffic, and a cumulative descent of 1,200 metres and 600 metres of ascent.
With the exception of a 7km stretch over a gravel and earth, the entire route is on roads and asphalted tracks.
Links with public transport along the route are scarce, so cyclists planning to undertake the ride in sections should plan carefully.
People wanting to break the route into two sections should consider looking at accommodation in the Ricote valley or Archena.
Here is the detailed route description:
Leave the historic town of Caravaca de la Cruz on the Vía Verde del Noroeste towards Murcia. For 20km this is a gentle ride until arriving in the locality of Bullas, where it is possible to visit the wine museum.
After leaving Bullas the route diverts away from the Vía Verde for 9km, as it takes the service road on the right hand side of the RM15 before crossing over the road via a bridge on to the RM32 and B27, both of which do not see much traffic.
At 18km outside of Bullas the route passes the source of the River Caputa, a tributary of the River Mula and a place described by our friends at Cicloturismo Valencia as being of ‘extraordinary beauty and a place to stop for refreshments’.
Following the stop there is a 2.5km ascent before leaving the asphalt and commencing on the aforementioned 7km stretch of gravel and earth track. Cicloturismo Valencia considers this to be the most difficult part of the route, although they feel that it is ‘perfectly passable for the average cycle tourist’.
Now in the heart of the Ricote valley, the asphalted surface returns and the route passes Mayés reservoir on the right before going through the small towns of Villanueva del Rio Segura and Ulea. Ojós is just a short jaunt up the road.
In Ulea cyclists will have to use a short stretch of the RM523 running from Cieza to Murcia.
At the first roundabout after exiting the town bear right and drop down into the fruit tree orchards, with the famous Archena spa on the right. Stay on this road and pass under the A30 before arriving at the village of Los Valientes. After leaving the urban area pick up a section of the Tajo-Segura water transfer channel.
At around 80km from the start of the journey leave the channel behind and, in 3km, the route enters Alicante province.
Pass through Las Siete Casas, and the parish of Matanza and Montepinar before bringing the ride to a close in Orihuela.
Once in Orihuela cyclists can use the train to get to their final destination or continue on two wheels along the banks of the River Segura to Guardamar del Segura or Murcia. Enjoy the ride.
The full route map is available to download at https:// es.wikiloc.com/rutas-outdoor/ caravaca-orihuela-por-valle-dericote-25747108