Gran Canaria
300
km
8.000
m+
35%
unpaved
2 days cut-off time
La Gloria is a self-supported, single-stage, fixed-route bikepacking event across the rugged mountains of Gran Canaria, open to a maximum of 99 riders with proven experience. Participants are fully responsible for their own safety and logistics and aim to complete the route within a 2-day cut-off time. La Gloria is not a race — it’s a personal challenge and a collective adventure.
the Route
Mixed-terrain route that mostly follows non-technical double tracks and low-traffic secondary roads. The route includes no hike-a-bike sections and, with appropriate gearing, is fully rideable.
The main challenge is the elevation gain and occasional steep climbs. The route is best ridden on gravel or mountain bikes with low gearing, a light setup, and a minimum tyre width of 40 mm.
Gran Canaria is a highly developed tourist destination, well known among cyclists escaping the cold European winter. Accommodations, transfers, public transport, and resupply are easy to arrange. Rescue and assistance meet first-world standards, most people speak English, and drivers are generally respectful and considerate towards cyclists.
Resupply is generally easy. Along the route, you’ll find plenty of villages and towns with grocery stores, restaurants, and accommodations. Natural water sources are very limited, so you’ll need to buy and carry most of your water.
Bike shops can only be found in Maspalomas, at the beginning of the route.
bike and gear
Bike Setup // Elevation gain is daunting, and climbs are occasionally steep. Pack wisely, keep your setup as light as possible, and choose low gearing. Please check the Mandatory Equipment section in the Rules.
2-liter water capacity // Along the route, there are very few natural water sources, so you’ll need to buy and carry most of your water.
Clothing // Be prepared for cold temperatures and long descents. Bring a rain jacket, rain pants, mid-layer, and thermal gloves. Check the weather forecast before departure, as a full waterproof kit may not be necessary.
Sleeping System // The route is an overnighter and can be completed by arranging accommodation; however, carrying a bivy setup is recommended for safety and flexibility, allowing you to rest under emergency shelters if needed.
Tools and spares // A basic tool kit will be enough — bring tubes, chain lube, quick links, and a tubeless repair kit.
expected weather
The island features different microclimates and ever-changing weather depending on altitude, exposure, and time of day. Expect dry and sunny conditions at sea level, mist or rain on the northern slopes, and strong winds on the peaks. Sun exposure is intense even during winter and should be taken seriously.
At the time of the event, temperatures can easily drop below 0 °C above 2,000 meters, especially at night. Rain is not uncommon in the mountains, always check the forecast before departure and gear up accordingly. In case of unexpected bad weather in the mountains, descending to a lower altitude is often a safe option.
route tracks and notes
The GC-605 is currently closed between Ayacata and Presa de las Niñas. Anyone wishing to ride the route is recommended to start in Arguineguin, climb the GC-505 and join the route at Soria.
Tracks are available to anyone wanting to ride the route, even outside of official events — you can download the GPX files from RideWithGPS by clicking on the map above.
Planning and scouting a cycling route requires significant effort, involving many hours of investigation, long days on the trails, and quite a few pointless hike-a-bikes. If you ride the route, or part of it, please help us keep it updated by sending feedback on trail conditions or road closures. If you create and share content, we’d appreciate it if you mention our project. If you use the route for commercial purposes or to promote products, please give us proper credit.
Ride at your own risk and responsibility // The tracks, recommendations, and information provided here are only a planning resource, a starting point to help you prepare your trip with due diligence and common sense. We will not provide any further information or assistance beyond what is already included here. Always check the weather forecast and local alerts. Be sure to respect natural park rules, traffic laws, road closures, and private land restrictions. We are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other incident that might occur while cycling or following this route.
Participants will start in an ITT-style format, ordered according to previously recorded Short Track results. Riders are tracked in real time and validate their ride by passing through three staffed checkpoints. Participants adventure across the rugged mountains of Gran Canaria, aiming to complete the route within the two-day cut-off time.
start
Ayagures
km-0
CP1
Ayacata
km-50 // closes after 5 hours
CP2
Tejeda
km-150 // closes after 12 hours
CP3
Tirajana
km-250 // closes after 48 hours
finish
Ayagures
km-300 // cut-off after 54 hours
Schedule and logistics
Thu 07/Jan h-14:00 to 16:00
Short Track
–
Thu 07/Jan h-16:00 to 18:00
Accreditation
–
Thu 07/Jan h-18:00
Briefing
–
Fri 08/Jan from h-06:00
Start
–
Sun 10/Jan h-12:00
Cut-Off time
Accreditation, briefing, start, and finish are all located in the Maspalomas area, a tourist town just 20 minutes from the airport, with plenty of accommodation options, a beautiful sandy beach, and good weather year-round.
short track
On Thursday, 7 January, anytime between 14:00 and 16:00, participants will have the chance to ride a 20 km mixed-terrain course and record their activity. The resulting times will be used to assign cap numbers and establish the start order.
–
For participants who choose not to ride the short track course, cap numbers will be assigned randomly.
On Friday, 8 January, from 06:00, participants will start riding in an ITT-style format, one rider every 15 seconds, ordered by cap numbers:
06:00 Cap#01 .. 06:05 Cap#20 .. 06:10 Cap#40
–
The final results will be calculated without taking this time difference into account.
entry fee
The entry fee is 140€ // La Gloria will be open to a maximum of 99 participants. Participants can only register as SOLO, there’s no PAIR category.
Tracking System // The tracker device and tracking system are included and will be provided by followmychallenge.com.
A refundable deposit of 100€ for each rented tracker will be required, to be paid within two weeks before the start. The deposit will be refunded once the tracker is returned at the finish line. Personal GPRS, SPOT, or InReach devices will not be tracked.
Checkpoints // Participants will validate their ride by passing through three staffed checkpoints with a crew van, offering water, hot coffee, and basic cold snacks around the clock.
Not included // Accommodations, meals and transport.
Insurance: you must have liability, death, accident and health insurance covering emergency rescue, medical expenses and repatriation. Insurance must be valid in the Canary Islands for the whole duration of the event and cover mountain biking in cycling events as the main reason for the trip. Cycling Federation insurance policies and NHS cards will not be accepted. We will ask you to provide a copy of your policy.
cancellation and refund
If a participant needs to cancel
// 90 days before the start: Refund of 60€
// 60 days before the start: Refund of €30
// 7 days before the start: Refund of €15
// Less than 7 days before the start: No refund
Under no circumstances can the entry be transferred to another participant or event.
If the organization needs to cancel
If the event is cancelled due to Force Majeure events, no refunds will be provided.
We are referring to unlikely events such as pandemics, earthquakes, or extreme weather conditions. In such cases, participants are advised to claim the entry fee through their private insurance policy, which should cover this type of cancellation.
rules
Riders must sign and agree to the Rider Agreement and must be at least 18 years old.
Mandatory equipment
Lights: front light, head/helmet lamp, 2 tail lights
Clothing: reflective vest, winter gloves, rain jacket, mid-layer.
Emergency blanket or bivy.
Spare tube.
Leave no trace // be nice to people
Leave everything as you found it—or better. Respect Natural Park rules, do not cycle or step outside the official paths. Dispose of, remove, and recycle waste.
Be considerate of others; there is no room for racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other form of discrimination.
Rescuing any rider who is injured or in danger is a top priority.
Respect Local laws
Riders are fully responsible for knowing, observing, and complying with local laws. In the event of road interruptions or closures, riders are responsible for finding an alternate route to bypass the interruption and rejoin the official route.
Self-support
Participants are not allowed to assist, support, or resupply each other and must not receive any third-party assistance, private lodging, or resupply. Accommodations or any services can only be booked by riders, without external assistance, and only after the event starts. Drafting and group riding are not allowed.
Route and Tracking
Riders should follow the official track from start to finish. If they temporarily leave the route they must return to the point they left. Riders are responsible for their tracking device.
Insurance
Participants must have liability, death, accident, and health insurance covering emergency rescue, medical expenses, and repatriation, valid for the event’s duration. We will ask for a copy of your insurance before the event.
Code of Honor
A fair and safe ride depends on fair and honourable Riders.
Non-observance of the rules will result in DNS (Did Not Start), DSQ (disqualification) or time penalties.
entry form
Registrations open 12 September 2026
–
Send us a message to join our mailing list
and receive reminders and updates about our events.
Outer Detours
Tour Operator
I-AV-0004875.1
