On the Move: Gran Canaria Season Opener

10.05.23 07:52 7742023-05-10T07:52:00+02:00Text: gabriwa (translated by AI)Photos: gabriwaOur speed-demon reporter, along with his noble domestiques, is seriously shaking up the Canary spring island. NOT.10.05.23 07:52 7802023-05-10T07:52:00+02:00

On the Move: Gran Canaria Season Opener

10.05.23 07:52 7802023-05-10T07:52:00+02:00 gabriwa (translated by AI) gabriwa

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Our speed-demon reporter, along with his noble domestiques, is seriously shaking up the Canary spring island. NOT.10.05.23 07:52 7802023-05-10T07:52:00+02:00

Briefly lost focus and now facing four months off season. Shit. Spring is around the corner and where I expect to find the remnants of my former fitness, all I see is: 404.
Is it possible to sweat out the neglect of winter with a ten-day crash course? Hardly, but that doesn’t stop me from at least trying.

Well planned is half the battle won.
Note

Gran Canaria

My ~~childhood idols~~ colleagues Christian "Brankoslav" and his noble domestique Joe Baller say: "Gran Canaria", and so it was. Flight booked, accommodation checked - all good. I had never been to the Canary Islands before and therefore had no idea what the topography there looks like. Could have researched it, but I neglected to. Mistake.

Gran Canaria is a mix of highs and lows, both in terms of landscape and potentially emotionally. Those who want to ride leisurely loops under 1,000 meters of elevation will have a tough time. The island of volcanic origin knows (almost) no flat terrain.
The north around Las Palmas is significantly more densely populated, better roads, more villages - and logically, more traffic. In the spring, there's also the fact that the weather situation on the northern half can be unpredictable, meaning: Even on seemingly good days, you should expect rain showers.
The south, on the other hand, is similar to the common perception of Arizona: dry, barren, and dusty. The roads are mostly in good condition, but tires of 28 mm or more are definitely recommended.

Beware of the Dog

Our home base is located in Arguineguín, more or less directly at the foot of the Soria climb. From here, many tour opportunities open up across the entire island. My personal highlight is the area around Artenara as well as the Presa de Lugarejos reservoir.

If you have time, you should definitely check out the coastal road in the west, a hot recommendation between Agaete and San Nicolas. The old, exposed road unfortunately disappeared in a storm; however, it is said that it will be reactivated in the future. Sometime. We'll see.
The legendary Valley of Tears did not meet my expectations. A dreary landscape, poor roads, and too much traffic diminish the experience.

My Conclusion

Gran Canaria is an excellent playground for mountain enthusiasts. Tours with around 3,000 meters of elevation gain are readily found, and as long as you keep away from the coast, the traffic is quite tolerable.
Will I go back? Next time with less fat on the hips and more kilometers in my legs.

And to answer the question posed at the beginning: Yes, it is possible to catch up quite a bit training-wise in ten days. Is it enough for a racing season? Definitely not. But such an extended week is wonderful for clearing your head and rediscovering the joy of cycling.
For those who don't like it quite so hilly, Mallorca is recommended as Plan B - it's supposed to be quite beautiful too.