Covid Lockdown riding - Lucky to be based in Ontinyent

As restrictions eased in Spain, after the strict lockdown of Spring 2020, cyclists were at first only allowed to ride within the limits of their home town. In Spain, this usually extends a little way into the nearby 'Campo' or surrounding countryside. The second COVID wave has again seen measures temporarily reinstated on a region by region and town by basis in response to the R-Number and local conditions. This policy very quickly makes you aware and in our case grateful for the riding and walks that are available right on doorstep. We have friends based in smaller Spanish villages and some of the coastal resorts that are not nearly so lucky and have found themselves severely restricted in terms of where they can go and what routes are available. Here are just some of our favourite lockdown routes. There isn't anywhere in the Denia & Calpe regio where we would rather be and you won't find any location with more fantastic riding on its doorstep

1) Pou Clar towards Fontanars Takes the the stunning mountain valley road along the CV-655 to Fontanars climbing past the Pou Clar gorge and lakes as you head out of Ontinyent. A twisting beautiful road on perfect tarmac, with no cars and amazing views. During lockdown, we stop approximately 3km from Fontanars - after all of the climbing is is done.

2) Clariano river gorge to Fontanars Follows the Clariano river bed in the centre of Ontinyent, taking you through the L'Ombria campo and vineyards for 6Km before joining the CV-655 to Fontanars. A twisting beautiful road on perfect tarmac, with no cars and amazing views. During lockdown, we stop approximately 3km from Fontanars - afer all of the climbing is is done.

3) Sant Rafael to Fontanars Takes the northern CV-660 from the Sant Rafael Barrio of Ontinyent to Fontanars. The steadier climb and faster descent back option. A beautiful road on perfect tarmac, with no cars and amazing views. During lockdown, we stop approximately 3km from Fontanars - afer all of the climbing is is done.

4 ) Sant Esteve Climb There are actually two main options starting in Ontinyent, that converge after about 1.5km to take the Sant Esteve left fork off the CV-655 to the summit of the climb. During lockdown, we stop at the top of the climb.

5) Portixol Climb The main climb of the CV-665 to the north taking you over the Serra Grossa mountain range, descends to Vallada, Mogente and Aielo. We use the two main options for the first couple of Km out of Ontinyent, although there are more through the urbanisations of Santa Ana, El Pilar and Sant Rafael. During lockdown, we stop at the top of the climb.

8) Port Bocairent The stunning gorge road taking the CV-81 from Ontinyent to Bocairent. One of the best roads in the whole region. During lockdown, we stop at the top of the Port and can't continue all the way to Bocairent

9) Serra Agullent One of the lesser known hidden gems, this a beautiful back country route on the Cami Vell Agullent, with options to take you via Albaida, Benissoda Azteneta and Agullent.

During lockdown, we stop at the top of the climb and can't continue all the way to Agullent.

10) Ermita Santa Ana climb An out and back climb of over 3km averaging nearly 4.5% passing the Santa Ana hermitage. During lockdown, we stop at the top of the climb.

19) Ontinyent towards Agres - Serra Agullent CV-6220 quickly becomes a gravel road after the Ontinyent cemetery and it's a hard climb. It's mostly rideable on road-bike with larger tyres however, although we prefer not to descend back on this route. Once on the ridge, there are myriad of options to take you onto Agres but we tend to stick to main one. During lockdown, we stop at the top of the climb and can't continue all the way to Agres..

22) Cami a Ponce Climb After taking one of the two Fontanars routes to join the Cv-655, this gravel route takes you up and over the Serra Agullent towards Bocairent. Again, it's rideable on a gravel bike and sections of it have been paved.

23) Alt del Les Figueroles After taking the CV-660 route to Fontanars, this route takes you to the summit of Alt del Crue overlooking Ontinyent. It was paved in 2020 apart from a flat and smooth gravel section at the top. During lockdown, we stop at the top of the climb.