ABOUT THE ROAD
Leave no trace
Take your waste to the nearest bin ( toilet paper is also included). If you can take some of other people's rubbish with you, you will be an example for those around you and little by little we will achieve a cleaner environment.
Respect the shepherds and their herds
At many points, you will be travelling on cattle tracks. They always have the priority to pass. Wave and wait until you can pass without disturbing their animals. Also, if you have any doubts about the state of the paths or fountains, they are the most knowledgeable people you can find.
Hunting
This is a controversial issue. You will not always find the hunting areas well marked or with the proper authorisation. It does not always mean riding back, but above all, keep calm and cool. There are always alternatives and people understand each other by talking.
Respect other trail users, especially hikers
There are very few stretches of path on this route. Pedestrians always have priority. On the wider tracks and paths, adapt your speed when you come across hikers, farmers and shepherds.
Always say hello
Some villages or small towns you will pass through receive few visitors at all. Being kind to the people who inhabit and take care of the territory is almost mandatory with these people. Moreover, in case you need help, they are the ones who best know the territory you are passing through. Don't be afraid to ask, you will usually find friendly people who are pleased to help you.
Water
The Valencian mountain ranges, due to their limestone and Mediterranean character, are particularly dry. Many rivers run underground in some stretches. And many fountains are dry, if not perpetually, then seasonally. Don't rely on finding springs outside the villages, although some may cross your path. We recommend you refill your water bottles in each village, taking into account the distance, elevation and the heat that separates you from the next village. Carrying a water filter or water purification tablets is highly recommended in these areas. Don't forget to carry some kind of mineral salts or isotonic to keep you hydrated.
Silence
Associated with depopulation and the absence of human activity, silence is a value in itself beyond that. It is also one of those treasures guarded by the mountains of the Valencian interior. We encourage you to take a look at these reflections that Ernesto gave us and that resonated with us so much before starting your route.
Leave no trace
Take your waste to the nearest bin ( toilet paper is also included). If you can take some of other people's rubbish with you, you will be an example for those around you and little by little we will achieve a cleaner environment.
Respect the shepherds and their herds
At many points, you will be travelling on cattle tracks. They always have the priority to pass. Wave and wait until you can pass without disturbing their animals. Also, if you have any doubts about the state of the paths or fountains, they are the most knowledgeable people you can find.
Hunting
This is a controversial issue. You will not always find the hunting areas well marked or with the proper authorisation. It does not always mean riding back, but above all, keep calm and cool. There are always alternatives and people understand each other by talking.
Respect other trail users, especially hikers
There are very few stretches of path on this route. Pedestrians always have priority. On the wider tracks and paths, adapt your speed when you come across hikers, farmers and shepherds.
Always say hello
Some villages or small towns you will pass through receive few visitors at all. Being kind to the people who inhabit and take care of the territory is almost mandatory with these people. Moreover, in case you need help, they are the ones who best know the territory you are passing through. Don't be afraid to ask, you will usually find friendly people who are pleased to help you.
Water
The Valencian mountain ranges, due to their limestone and Mediterranean character, are particularly dry. Many rivers run underground in some stretches. And many fountains are dry, if not perpetually, then seasonally. Don't rely on finding springs outside the villages, although some may cross your path. We recommend you refill your water bottles in each village, taking into account the distance, elevation and the heat that separates you from the next village. Carrying a water filter or water purification tablets is highly recommended in these areas. Don't forget to carry some kind of mineral salts or isotonic to keep you hydrated.
Silence
Associated with depopulation and the absence of human activity, silence is a value in itself beyond that. It is also one of those treasures guarded by the mountains of the Valencian interior. We encourage you to take a look at these reflections that Ernesto gave us and that resonated with us so much before starting your route.
ABOUT THE CAMPING
ABOUT THE CAMPING
Fire
The Valencian territory is particularly sensitive to fire, every year we suffer devastating fires. And not only during the summer. We urge you not to light any kind of bonfire. If it is going to cool down during the night, count on it and take the necessary shelter.
Recreational areas
Valencia is a territory rich in recreational areas with some kind of shelter and tables. Sometimes even with a fountain. Places where you can bivouac comfortably without disturbing anyone. Be discreet and respectful with these little oases.
Free camping
is regulated or prohibited in most of the areas along the route. Especially in those areas that have some kind of environmental protection; natural parks, municipal nature reserves, etc. Be informed before the trip if you don't want to have any surprises. We will try to point out those areas where camping is allowed. More information and camping applications on the PROP website.
Agricultural fields are not camping areas
They are the farmer’s way of living, please respect them.
Shelters
Most shelters in our territory are impractical for the practice of bikepacking: closed shelters, with keys, and the need for authorisations to be obtained from the local councils. However, and fortunately, this is not the only kind of huts, as there are some that are open and freely accessible. In this guide we will point them out to you so you can use them. Please take care of them as much as possible. Leave them as you would like to find them, your home today should be as pleasant for those who come tomorrow as it has been for you.
On gas cookers
First of all, we ask you to avoid them in all seasons, plan cold dinners or put a sandwich in your pocket in the last village you pass through. If, however, you are going to use them in the cold months, we ask you to always take extreme precautions; raise your head and take a few moments to assess and analyse your surroundings, always use them on concrete and sheltered areas, always have a can of water at hand in case something happens and never leave the fire unattended. If you have no experience in using them, we ask you to avoid them, they are more dangerous than they may seem at first glance.
Fire
The Valencian territory is particularly sensitive to fire, every year we suffer devastating fires. And not only during the summer. We urge you not to light any kind of bonfire. If it is going to cool down during the night, count on it and take the necessary shelter.
Recreational areas
Valencia is a territory rich in recreational areas with some kind of shelter and tables. Sometimes even with a fountain. Places where you can bivouac comfortably without disturbing anyone. Be discreet and respectful with these little oases.
Free camping
is regulated or prohibited in most of the areas along the route. Especially in those areas that have some kind of environmental protection; natural parks, municipal nature reserves, etc. Be informed before the trip if you don't want to have any surprises. We will try to point out those areas where camping is allowed. More information and camping applications on the PROP website.
Agricultural fields are not camping areas
They are the farmer’s way of living, please respect them.
Shelters
Most shelters in our territory are impractical for the practice of bikepacking: closed shelters, with keys, and the need for authorisations to be obtained from the local councils. However, and fortunately, this is not the only kind of huts, as there are some that are open and freely accessible. In this guide we will point them out to you so you can use them. Please take care of them as much as possible. Leave them as you would like to find them, your home today should be as pleasant for those who come tomorrow as it has been for you today.
On gas cookers
First of all, we ask you to avoid them in all seasons, plan cold dinners or put a sandwich in your pocket in the last village you pass through. If, however, you are going to use them in the cold months, we ask you to always take extreme precautions; raise your head and take a few moments to assess and analyse your surroundings, always use them on concrete and sheltered areas, always have a can of water at hand in case something happens and never leave the fire unattended. If you have no experience in using them, we ask you to avoid them, they are more dangerous than they may seem at first glance.
(SELF)SECURITY PRACTICES OR RITUALS
(SELF)SECURITY PRACTICES OR RITUALS
Daily Weather forecast
If you can spare half an hour a day on instagram, you can check the weather in 5 minutes and check local newspapers for updates on wild fires.
Maps
If you don't use paper maps, be sure to download maps for offline use on your various devices and carry external batteries.
NoTIFY
Always let someone know your plans, location and next steps.
Coverage
Some areas through which you are going to travel do not have telephone coverage, so don't expect it in the place where you are going to sleep if it is not a village.
daily route
Check the route before leaving each village.
Daily Weather forecast
If you can spare half an hour a day on instagram, you can check the weather in 5 minutes and check local newspapers for updates on wild fires.
Maps
If you don't use paper maps, be sure to download maps for offline use on your various devices and carry external batteries.
NOTIFY
Always let someone know your plans, location and next steps.
Coverage
Some areas through which you are going to travel do not have telephone coverage, so don't expect it in the place where you are going to sleep if it is not a village.
daily route
Check the route before leaving each village.
MATERIAL
MATERIAL
Lights
Even if you don't intend to cycle at night, some sections may be harder than expected or you may have a mechanical mishap. Always carry lights just in case.
Helmet
It seems obvious but we must point it out as well. Helmets are compulsory on roads open to traffic and always recommended on all types of tracks and roads. Always wear it.
Tyres and gearing
For this route, you should have no problem completing it with 40mm tyres, except for some isolated sections. However, a good minimum recommended would be 45mm. After that, everything you gain in width means more comfort. In terms of gearing, go as high as possible. You'll need it, as you'll find ramps of over 10% at some points along the route.
Clothes
Always take a warm coat, a thermal blanket and a waterproof. In winter, in the inland sierras, temperatures can reach -10/-15ºC. And in recent summers there have been several days when the temperature has exceeded 40ºC. Furthermore, this is a territory with a fairly extreme temperature range, with temperatures easily varying by 30 degrees on the same day. In addition, local rainfall can be particularly heavy and sudden.
First aid kit
A small first aid kit with dressings, gauze, saline solution, adhesive tape and anti-inflammatory drugs is a must and can be a lifesaver. You may not need it and carry it "uselessly" 10 times, but you will be happy to have it with you if you need it just once.
Food
Except for small villages, almost every town you pass through has a shop or at least a bar. Always carry some emergency food in your bags in case something happens, but expect to be able to stock up.
Lights
Even if you don't intend to cycle at night, some sections may be harder than expected or you may have a mechanical mishap. Always carry lights just in case.
Helmet
It seems obvious but we must point it out as well. Helmets are compulsory on roads open to traffic and always recommended on all types of tracks and roads. Always wear it.
Tyres and gearing
For this route, you should have no problem completing it with 40mm tyres, except for some isolated sections. However, a good minimum recommended would be 45mm. After that, everything you gain in width means more comfort. In terms of gearing, go as high as possible. You'll need it, as you'll find ramps of over 10% at some points along the route.
Clothes
Always take a warm coat, a thermal blanket and a waterproof. In winter, in the inland sierras, temperatures can reach -10/-15ºC. And in recent summers there have been several days when the temperature has exceeded 40ºC. Furthermore, this is a territory with a fairly extreme temperature range, with temperatures easily varying by 30 degrees on the same day. In addition, local rainfall can be particularly heavy and sudden.
First aid kit
A small first aid kit with dressings, gauze, saline solution, adhesive tape and anti-inflammatory drugs is a must and can be a lifesaver. You may not need it and carry it "uselessly" 10 times, but you will be happy to have it with you if you need it just once.
Food
Except for small villages, almost every town you pass through has a shop or at least a bar. Always carry some emergency food in your bags in case something happens, but expect to be able to stock up.
RESPONSABILITY
RESPONSABILITY
We remind you that these are just some travel proposals, we do not organise anything. You are solely responsible for your adventure.
Please also bear in mind that the state of some roads may be altered by periods of heavy rain, which are common in this climate. Or you may find tracks temporarily closed for hunting in the winter months, especially at weekends.
It is important to have maps available for off-line use to help you recalculate your route if necessary. Review the tracks and territory before embarking on the trip. Locate possible escape points in case you need them.
Deal with possible setbacks as the start of adventures in themselves, anecdotes that you will remember from the trip and, perhaps, make it more special, not because of their hardship, but because of how you dealt with them, adapted to them and overcame them.
We remind you that these are just some travel proposals, we do not organise anything. You are solely responsible for your adventure.
Please also bear in mind that the state of some roads may be altered by periods of heavy rain, which are common in this climate. Or you may find tracks temporarily closed for hunting in the winter months, especially at weekends.
It is important to have maps available for off-line use to help you recalculate your route if necessary. Review the tracks and territory before embarking on the trip. Locate possible escape points in case you need them.
Deal with possible setbacks as the start of adventures in themselves, anecdotes that you will remember from the trip and, perhaps, make it more special, not because of their hardship, but because of how you dealt with them, adapted to them and overcame them.