Gravel over Monte Yerga from Autol

A gravel loop over Monte Yerga, the isolated range that rises between the Cidacos and the Ebro in La Rioja Baja. You start in Autol, climb on dirt tracks through almond trees, olive groves and planted pine forest to the top of the range, and descend the other side towards Quel before returning to Autol alongside the Cidacos. It is almost all wide track; there are a few short, rougher stretches up high, where 40 mm tyres or wider are a good idea. The climb is long and steady: pace yourself. Up top there is no water and little shade for much of the way: set off with two bottles and refill in Autol or Quel, where you'll find bars and a fountain. Best from October to May; in summer the heat bites and, with fog or the cierzo wind, the high section gets tough. Respect the farms and crops as you pass.

Track based on a route designed by the editorial team on OpenStreetMap (ODbL).