On the occasion of the 19th stage of the Vuelta Ciclista a España passing through La Rioja, I went to Ezcaray to climb a mountain pass that I had missed a lot: Bonicaparra.

It’s about 8 km uphill on a tarmac forest track that can be done perfectly well with a road bike, taking a bit of care on the descent. At the top there is a free refuge recently renovated by the guys from @refugioslibresdignos.

After enjoying (a lot!) of this climb, I approach Pradilla, a pass on the stage. It’s about 6 km at 5.5% (11 with a much lower average gradient if measured from Ezcaray) of quiet road, today more lively due to the passing of La Vuelta.

I arrive too early and don’t feel like waiting so long for the cyclists, so I return to Ezcaray, enjoying the descent and the views of the Sierra de la Demanda.

There are many attractions for cycling in the area, so I’ll try to come back soon, especially to repeat the wonderful show of Bonicaparra in the fall.