Ride Report from Spain – 03/04/2025

Chris S is back in the Costa Blanca, Spain. Last time he cycled down the mountain, all the spokes in his rear wheel came loose. Now he’s back with a repaired wheel and honed by a winter of spin classes…

San Jamie to Puerto de Bernia @620m
Ride report by Chris S
Wednesday’s ride became manana’s ride due to a delay in the repair to the rear wheel. Therefore on Thursday one ‘billy no mates’ wheeler, Chris set out to climb the mighty Puerto de Bernia. The weather was cool and windy – rather like being at home.

The route started with an initial short down hill run to sea level followed by a 9km 275m up to the town of Benissa. Having worked hard to gain height the route then went downhill again through the town of Senija where a quick stop was made for a photo opportunity against a mural of a very big bike and onto Xalo. Here the serious climbing started all the way to Puerto de Bernia. Despite maximum effort the lone rider was still passed by two groups of younger fitter riders (oh and also two people cheating on electric bikes). However he still managed to catch them up at the top.

The top of the pass was damp, cold and cloudy so after a few minutes Chris set off downhill. just behind one of the other groups of riders. After about 2km Chris came across two rather unpleasant looking large feral dogs running downhill. Clearly they had been chasing the first group of riders. Not wishing to get bitten/eaten he slowed down hoping the dogs would disappear into the undergrowth. Unfortunately this did not happen as just around the next bend they were in wait 10 yards in front with one on each side of the road. There was only one option – pedal like hell and pass through the middle of them. Luckily this strategy worked and Chris survived to live another day.

Apart from some scarily fast downhill mountain stretches of road (even under heavy braking!) the rest of the ride was uneventful passing through Benissa, back down to the coast and home.

Rider: Chris S
Distance: 39.13 miles
Average Speed:13.83 mph
Total Ascent:1254m Total Descent : 1259m