San Jamie to Benissa/Castelli Loop
Report by Chris S
Today’s ride report had to be written whilst supping a can of cold Amstel cerveza (sorry no San Miguel today!). The route was probably a little bit over ambitious particularly as the temperature reached 26/27 degrees C, blue skies with full sun and very little shade to be had.
Only one mad English man (note no dogs this time) set off in the midday sun (actually it was nearer 11am a slightly later start than intended due to having to wait for the rider’s Italian builder to explain where all his internal doors had gone and when they would be back, how he was going to fix the aircon unit which was lacking an electrical supply and when the gas boiler would be fixed!).
Anyway the route followed the usual initial 275 metre climb up to Benissa and then onwards though Xalo, Alcaldali and onto Benigemba. It was here that the fun started as the Garmin flashed up a climb alert – 590 metres in 9.71 miles with an initial gradient of 4%. However just past Castel de Castelli the gradient started increasing with 8% for the last two miles. The top, Puerto de Sa-Creueta (780 metres) was finally reached at a record pace of 3.5mph!
It was then a fast downhill run past the rather unusual Love More-Live More Budhist Centre(?) in the middle of nowhere followed by more climbing including another 200 metre climb to the restaurant at the top of Coll du Rates. Luckily from here on there was a long and quick descent down to Parcent. Parcent to Benissa included yet another 200 metre climb in 1.9 miles. Then it was a final 275 descent back to the coast and the usual climb back up to San Jamie to finish off the ride/rider.
Total Distance 59.35 miles
Average Speed 13.54 mph
Total Ascent 1875 metres Total Descent 1886 metres
North Norfolk Wheelers 