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Los Tres Puertas
- The Three Passes
Abdet - Confrides - Puerto
Xarquera - Benasau - Port D'Ares - Puerto Del Tosal
- Abdet
28km. 800 Metres of Ascent. |
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Attempting some passes is a challenge many
cyclists enjoy, and this short but hilly ride over three
passes (Puertas) in the mountains to the West of Guadalest
is ideal for a half day's cycling. You will find some steeper
sections here that will certainly have you selecting bottom
gear!
Puerto Xarquera
Take the main road out of Abdet and turn
right up the bends to Confrides. Carry straight on in the
direction of Alcoy but look out for the minor road on the
left just over 1km out of the town. This road climbs very
steeply in places, and also passes some steep rock walls.
Also keep an eye out for some rough sections where landslips
have occurred. In late summer and autumn you may also find
some nice grapes growing through the fig trees at the side
of the road.
The ruin at the top of this first pass, (we
call it Puerto Xarquera - 1050 metres) is
a welcome sight, and the highest point of the ride. The
Aitana Peak mountain bike ride heads of up the track on
the left at this point. You have now climbed 350 metres
despite only traveling 7.5 kms.
Take care of the steep descent as the road
surface is rough in places. Look out for the small village
of Ares Del Bosque on your right, you will be passing
this later on the ride.
Port D'Ares (Confrides col)
Eventually you will come to a junction
with another road (altitude 700 metres), turn left
here if you wish to explore the old mill town of
Alcolecha, or to continue on the main circuit turn
right here and climb up slightly to meet the main
CV70. If you wish to have a meal or snack turn left
here, Restaurant Serella is a few hundred metres
away on the edge of Benasau. Heading right takes
you on the Alpine style ascent of Port D'Ares. After
skirting the edge of Ares Del Bosque the climbing
really starts, however the gradient is relatively
friendly and the views more than compensate for the
effort! Keep an eye out for some well known teams
and names painted on the road - the Tour of Spain
frequently passes through this way. When you reach
this summit you have ascended over 650 metres. Once
over this second summit which is just under the 1000
metres mark you will reap the rewards for all your
hard work in a delightful sweeping descent on a smooth
road surface. Turn left just before reaching Confrides
and take the minor road underneath the impressive
rock pinnacle. |
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Puerto Del Tossal
The final pass (we call it Puerto
Del Tosal) is not far away,
and you may be thankful that is it the smallest of the
three! There is just 160 metres more climbing to be done
to it's summit at 860 metres. Be careful on the steep
return to Abdet, there is gravel in places and one section
where the road has started to slip down the hillside.
Also do take time to enjoy the great views towards Guadalest
and the mediterranean. Turn right at the ruined vintage
truck and then left to return back to your starting point.
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