OVERVIEW
This tour showcases the dramatic contrast between the emerald valleys, jagged limestone peaks, beautiful beaches, and rugged coastlines of Northwest Spain. Designed around five strategic base locations, the itinerary has six required and eight optional riding days—minimizing moving days while providing routes that cater to a wide range of abilities and desires. The heart of the journey focuses on the Picos de Europa, where we will have the opportunity to tackle iconic climbs frequently featured in the Vuelta a España. To glimpse the stunning landscapes awaiting you, please enjoy this short photo/video compilation from a previous visit.

Days 1–4: Cangas de Onís & The Lakes of Covadonga
Our journey begins in Santander, the late afternoon of Day 1 with a tour review and happy hour, followed by a group dinner. On Day 2, we transfer by private bus to Cangas de Onís. After bike setup, we’ll tackle the legendary ascent to the glacial Lakes of Covadonga, a crown jewel of Spanish cycling. Our remaining two days here offer diverse options: explore the "hidden gem" of Parque Natural de Ponga with its deep forests and limestone walls, or head toward the coast to climb Mirador del Fitu for a 360-degree view of the mountains meeting the sea, ending with a visit to the enchanting seaside towns of Ribadesella and Llanes.

Days 5–6: The Heart of the Picos – Posada de Valdeón
On Day 5, we depart Cangas de Onís by tracing the River Sella through the towering limestone walls of the Desfiladero de los Beyos. We crest the Puerto del Pontón pass before a scenic descent into Posada de Valdeón. This remote valley is perfect for a "choose your own adventure" day on Day 6: hike the world-renowned Cares Trail through the "Divine Gorge," or take on a loop ride to Riaño, where turquoise reservoir waters contrast against the stark, fjord-like limestone spires.

Days 7–9: The Great Descent into Potes
We head east on Day 7 for a trans-mountain journey into the Liébana valley. The highlight is the 26km descent from Puerto de San Glorio—one of the longest in Spain—which drops over 4,000 feet through alpine meadows into dense oak and chestnut forests on a beautiful road with fantastic views, sweeping curves and smooth surface . We have two full days in Potes, a vibrant medieval town with a unique Mediterranean microclimate. You can conquer the classic climbs of San Glorio and Piedras Luengas, take a valley ride or have a recovery day to ride the Fuente Dé cable car into the high peaks for a spectacular mountain walk.

Days 10–11: The Watersheds of Cabuérniga
Day 10 takes us toward the Cabuérniga municipality, with a route option featuring three successive Vuelta cols. From our base here on Day 11, we can ride to the ancient stone village of Bárcena Mayor or climb the Puerto de Palombera, a high-altitude pass that separates the Atlantic and Mediterranean watersheds. For those seeking "extra credit," a route extension leads to the ski resort of Alto Campoo, another formidable Vuelta summit finish.

Days 12–13: The High Passes of Villacarriedo
We transition to Villacarriedo on Day 12 via the lush Braguía pass. This region is a cyclist’s playground; on Day 13, choose from relaxed valley rolls or a challenging four-pass "Queen Stage" including La Braguía, La Sía, La Lunada, and El Caracol. 

Days 14–16: The Costa Verde to Bilbao
On Day 14, we cycle toward the beach town of Laredo, with additional Vuelta climbs available for those with gas left in the tank. Our final riding day, Day 15, traverses the spectacular coastline where limestone cliffs plunge into the Atlantic. We’ll pass hidden beaches before a grand entrance into Bilbao, finishing with views of the iconic Guggenheim Museum. We celebrate our journey with a final dinner in the city before departing after breakfast on Day 16.

Iberocycle will support our ride. This company is based in Spain, has supported numerous BAC rides and the owner and staff are experienced cyclists and guides.

RIDE RATING
Due to the hub and spoke nature of the tour there are only six required riding days, two days at 2B, three days at 3B and one day at 4B with an average distance of 39.2 miles and an average elevation gain of 3140 feet giving a ride rating of 3B*. There are eight discretionary riding days where we will have multiple options each day having at least one 1A/2B route along with a 3B/4C route. The longer routes can also be shortened by doing an out and back instead of a loop or omitting one or more climbs turning those routes into 2B/3B days. Outside of the required days you can choose how far to go on a day by day basis including taking rest days, the goal is for everyone to have fun. A day-by-day itinerary with daily mileage and elevation is available by contacting the Ride Coordinator.

While Iberocycle will transfer luggage and be available for emergency support due to injury, illness or mechanical problems, it is expected that riders be willing to cycle the entire ride, except for group transfers and an optional shuttle at the beginning of day 7 on our way to Potes.

As with most BAC tours, this is a tour for independent experienced cyclists. We do not stay together as a group on the road and do not have a “guide” with us at all times. The luggage van is primarily a luggage transport vehicle but is available for injuries or illnesses. The luggage van is not a “sag” and riders should arrive for the tour ready to ride the distance and not expecting to be “sagged”.

BIKES
If you bring your own bike, we strongly recommend it be equipped with appropriate gearing to handle the elevation gain each day cycling in the mountains. Your bike boxes will be transported from the start in Santander, stored at the Iberocycle offices and delivered to the finish hotel in Bilbao at no additional cost. Tandems are allowed on a case by case basis - contact the ride leader prior to signing up for the ride. E-bikes are a great option and have been used on this route with the participants noting that it made the tour feel like a 2B rating. Bike rentals are available through Iberocycle (info@iberocycle.com). Iberocycle has Cube Carbon Road Bikes rim brake (230 €) or disc brake (265 €), Road E-bike (350 €), Hybrid Bikes (140 €) or Hybrid E-bike (300 €) rentals if you prefer not to bring your own.

WEATHER
The temperatures in September, late-summer, are typically 65 – 73°F during the day and cooler at night. The weather is unpredictable at elevation/ mountains, so you will need clothing for a wide range of conditions including warm and water-proof clothing for cycling and walking.

LODGING & MEALS
Accommodation is on a double room basis, with private facilities and are typically 2-4 star quality. Included in the tour price are 15 breakfasts, no lunches and 7 dinners, as well as a daily happy hour with snacks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

LOGISTICS
In the late afternoon on Wednesday Sept 1, 2023 we will gather at Hotel Bahai in Santander for the traditional happy hour get together along with tour and route review. The tour ends after breakfast on Sept 16 in Bilbao at the abba Euskalduna hotel. Bike rentals will be available directly from Iberocycle. Santander and Bilbao airports are served by major airlines, buses and also have major railroad line connections to Madrid and Barcelona. 

COST & ADMINISTRATION
The tour cost of $4350 per person is based on a currency exchange rate of $1 USD equals 1.2 Euros. The current exchange rate is currently more favorable, but fluctuates. Depending on currency exchange rates, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. The tour price covers 15 nights of lodging, vans to transport us and luggage, bike box storage, cycling snacks, drinks and water, maps, cue sheets, GPX files, route notes and happy hour expenses featuring Spanish wines and craft beers. The price does not include airfare to Santander or any other flights, transportation from the airport to/from the starting hotel, entry fees to optional activities, beverages at included dinners. Gratuity for the guide is included. At the end of the tour, riders will receive a refund of any remaining money in the budget. The initial deposit of $2350 is due at registration and the balance of $2000 is due on June 1, 2027.

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY
Solo supplements are available at $900 based on the currency exchange rate of $1 USD equals 1.2 Euros. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office by June 1, 2027.The solo supplement payment can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle:

•  In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org
• Initiate a payment
• In the Message block, enter the name of your ride.

If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

We encourage single riders who are willing to share a room to sign up. It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. Singles will be asked to stay on the pending list until they find a roommate.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

CANCELLATION POLICY
The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Tour Company will follow BAC cancellation policy and allow riders who cancel to be substituted with another rider without additional charge.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions. 

INSURANCE STATEMENT
BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered).

While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.

SIGN-UP
To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL),and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is an $85.00 domestic ride fee or $150.00 international ride fee. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.