It’s a demanding routes for experienced riders.
Includes serious climbs,
high mountains, and remote areas.
–
Experienced means well trained,
technically skilled, and wisely equipped.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Leave everything as you found it, or better.
Dispose of, remove and recycle waste.
Never start campfires.
The route is well connected by fast and frequent ferries summing up about 7 hours on board and 200€ total amount. You can easily buy tickets online or directly at the harbour with no need to book in advance. Check ferries timetable.
The route tracks are available as GPX files for download or routes on Strava GranGuanche account (from the Strava app mark routes as favourites and your device will sync automatically).
The route GUIDE contains some basic information to help you planing stages, accommodations and resupplies. Download the guide pdf and save it on your smartphone to keep it available even when offline.
Generally mild, dry and sunny all year long, with temperatures between 15 and 25 ˚C. The route can be ridden all year long, fall and spring is the best time.
The islands have different microclimates, depending on altitude, exposure, time of the day, and wind direction. Be prepared for cold or freezing nights in the mountains, wet weather on north faces, heat on south faces, and strong winds. Expect strong sun radiation all year long.
In case of unexpected bad weather in the mountains, riding downhill to a lower altitude is always a safe option. Riding the route in the reverse direction is not recommendable because of strong headwinds in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
The route requires some planning in stages and resupplies, as it could be a long ride to the next town. Camping is recommended as an enriching experience but only allowed in camping areas. In need of an emergency shelter set up late, strike early and never start fires. Plenty of other accommodation options.
The route starts in Lanzarote – Orzola, just a short ride from Lanzarote airport (tracks are in the download section or Strava).
To fly back home at the end of the route the best option is Tenerife South airport. In Tenerife – Los Cristianos, you can arrange a cardboard bike box at Bike Point – Las Americas. They offer a cardboard box, bike cleaning, and packing for 30€. Please book in advance at info@bikepointtenerife.com, mentioning you are on the GranGuanche route. Then call a taxi to the airport, it’s just 20 minutes drive.
Pack wisely and keep it as light as possible, elevation gain is massive. Bikes shouldn’t weigh more than 18-20kg excluding water. You could avoid tents and stoves: cowboy camp at lower altitudes, find accommodations in high mountains, resupply in bars and supermarkets.
BIKE: low gearing and comfortable tire width.
GEAR: min 2 litres of water capacity, night lights, GPS device.
TOOL KIT: multi-tool, chain tool, spare links, tubeless repair kit, spare tube, chain link, brake pad, valve core, lube.
CLOTHING: thermal gloves, waterproof jacket, down jacket.
EXTRAS: sunscreen, water purification tablets, mosquito repellent.
The route is planned in three options
for any choice of bike and terrain
