This route is brought to you by Ryan Cross, who currently lives in Boulder, CO, but leads gravel cycling trips in Colombia as the Tour Director and "Chief Enthusiasm Officer" at La Cicla Tours.
La Cicla is in its fourth year of crafting extraordinary Colombian cycling journeys, and continues to be a beacon of exploration which brings people together for authentic cultural encounters, and a celebrates the unparalleled beauty that is Colombia.
Go to their website to find the list of upcoming tour dates!
This incredibly remote and high-altitude route has stunning Colombian vistas throughout the entire route.
You will experience a variety of ecosystems, including the red dirt and high desert climate of Villa de Leyva, as well the sub-alpine environment near the high point of the ride at nearly 11,000 feet.
This route passes by Nairo Quintana's hometown, and his mother owns and operates a small cafe along the route. It's a must-stop location that caters to cyclists, and you'll likely get served a coffee by Nairo's mother herself!
This ride tops out at about 10,500' making the elevation the true challenge of the day.
Weather can change quickly with the broad range of elevation, so riders should check forecasts and be sure to bring a rain jacket in case they get caught out.
Do this ride if you want a true adventure ride with incredible views, challenging climbs, and an authentic Colombian gravel cycling experience.
The route starts and finishes in historic Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia's cherished small colonial towns. The centuries old architectural is eye catching, providing a perfect basecamp for travelers looking to experience Colombian culture at its finest. You can start and finish anywhere in town in Villa de Leyva and follow the route out of town.
The gravel on this ride is moderately smooth, with a few chunky sections along the way but nothing terribly rugged and loose. We recommend a 40mm tire for comfort and traction. The climbing on this route is challenging, so plan for at least a 1:1 gear ratio to help you with the steep sections.
Don't skip the The Nairo Cafe! Nairo Quintana's mother operates the cafe stop right after the major climb.
There is also a small local bar about 5 miles before the finish where locals will welcome you for a "tinto" (coffee) or a Club Colombia beer to cap off your epic day.
Once back in Villa de Leyva, we recommend stopping at BBC (Bogota Brewing Company) for a Colombian craft beer.
Guest: Ryan Cross
Ryan currently lives in Boulder, CO, but leads gravel cycling trips in Colombia as the Tour Director and "Chief Enthusiasm Officer" at La Cicla Tours.
La Cicla is in its fourth year of crafting extraordinary Colombian cycling journeys, and continues to be a beacon of exploration which brings people together for authentic cultural encounters, and a celebrates the unparalleled beauty that is Colombia.
Ryan took his first trip to Colombia in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the country’s passion for cycling and world-class gravel routes. Many trips later, Ryan has learned his way around Colombia on two wheels and loves to share his discovery with other adventurer seekers.
On tours, Ryan takes extra care to make sure all riders are taken care of on the road.
