Around the Reservoir

This intermediate level, 50km loop showcases just the beginning of what our area has to offer. The loop takes you around the reservoir made by the impressive dam of the Presa Rules, you follow along the Guadalfeo river to Orgiva and then to the town of Lanjaron, which is the highest point, where you start winding your way back down to Velez de Benaudalla.

This loop leaves the Cycle Sierra Nevada shop in Vélez de Benaudalla and immediately starts climbing towards the Alpujarran mountain range. You roll out of the town for the first 2km and then there is a 5km climb skirting along the side of the Sierra Lújar mountain. After 13km you’ll reach 7 Eye Bridge, where you turn left and begin to climb for 2km towards Orgiva. Once working your way through the town, you’ll reach a climbing steadily for the next 5km.

The World Health Organisation has recognised Lanjarón with the highest life expectancy in the world. It is precisely the quality of its waters and the fantastic climate of the area, together with the pure mountain air and the Mediterranean diet which ensures that many locals live for more than one hundred years. This makes it a pretty good place to refill your bottles from the fountain at the first left turn as you come into the town, 26.5km into the ride. Lanjarón is a great place to stop for a coffee in one of the many local bars and restaurants.

After you have drained the fountain of youth in Lanjarón and you are looking ten years younger, it’s all downhill from here… The journey back to Vélez de Benaudalla is split into three descents. The first descent down from Lanjarón flows quickly with fast corners, the next is tight and twisting, and the final descent is straight and fast. When you go through the roundabout into the last descent, if the wind is going the right way, fasten your seatbelts because this is the spot to hit a new max speed personal record as the road is long, wide open, steep and fast.

Fancy exploring this route, why not just come and rent a bike with us?

Full list of routes here