GranGuanche
road
GGAR5
25-JAN-26
RIDER MANUAL
// Before You Go //
Pre-Event Form
Please read this Rider Manual carefully, ensure you have collected all the required documents and information, and submit the Pre-Event Form.
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The deadline to submit the Pre-Event Form is Saturday, 10 January. If we don’t receive your form by that day, unfortunately, you won’t be able to take part in the event 🙁
Documents and information
Signed Rider Agreement
Download the rider agreement. You can sign it with a digital certificate in Adobe Acrobat without wasting paper. Otherwise, print, sign and scan it.
Rented Tracker Deposit
A refundable deposit of €100 is required.
The tracker must be returned at the finish line. Your deposit will be refunded to the card used for payment within one week after the event. For more details, please refer to the dedicated section in this manual.
Emergency Contact
Next of kin’s full name, phone number, and email. These details will be printed on your brevet card for quick access if needed. This information will only be shared in case of an emergency.
Insurance Policy
Participants must have liability, death, accident and health insurance covering emergency rescue, medical expenses and repatriation.
Insurance must be valid in the destination country for the whole event duration and cover cycling and mountain biking activities while participating in cycling events. Cycling Federation insurance policies or NHS cards will not be accepted.
We need a copy of your insurance policy or an official document from your insurance company that shows your name, policy number, validity dates, and confirms coverage for emergency rescue, medical expenses, and repatriation. Documents must be in English.
Your insurance details will be printed on your brevet card for quick access if needed. This information will only be shared in case of an emergency.
Cycling and travelling abroad with proper insurance is really important! One-week insurance coverage usually costs about 50€ and includes up to 10 million in repatriation coverage. Anything under 30€ is suspiciously cheap. Consider that repatriation in case of a spinal injury – even if it’s not too serious – may require a private medical flight, which can cost up to €100,000.
Here are some insurance companies – coverage depends on your country of residence: Intermundial (Spain) – Occident (Spain) – EuropAssistance (WorldWide) – YellowJersey (UK) – PedalCover (UK)
WhatsApp Groups
Official WhatsApp group
Only organisers can post – Used for official communications, route alerts and emergencies. For safety reasons, we highly recommend joining the group. If you’re concerned about your privacy, you can check your WhatsApp settings before joining.
Participant WhatsApp Group
All participants are welcome to post – This group is a space to connect, arrange shared accommodations or transfers, and cheer each other on during the event.
// logistics //
Get here
Fly to Lanzarote, Arrecife – ACE
The event starts in Lanzarote. Arrecife airport is well connected to most European cities. Arrecife and Costa Teguise are the recommended places to stay before the event starts and where we meet for accreditation and briefing. They’re close to the airport and offer plenty of accommodation options, good bike shops, and supermarkets.
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The Audax starts in Órzola, about 40 km away. It’s a small village with just a few accommodation options and only a couple of restaurants. We don’t recommend staying there. You can either ride to Órzola before the start along a quiet coastal road or arrange a taxi for around €40.
Fly back from Tenerife South, TFS
The route ends on a small island, where the airport has only a few international connections. Usually, the most convenient way to fly home is by taking the ferry back to Tenerife. Tenerife South Airport is about 20 km from the harbour.
accreditation
Sat 24 January – from 15:00 to 18:00 >> Accreditation
Marina de Arrecife – Lanzarote
Participation is mandatory – riders who haven’t been accredited or who are missing any of the mandatory equipment will not be able to officially take part in the event and will not be tracked.
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During this time, we will check bikes and mandatory equipment // Confirm the routes are loaded onto your GPS and your phone // Ensure you can charge the tracking device with your power bank.
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Participants must arrive at accreditation with their bike fully ready to ride. Please follow the order below to avoid long waiting lines:
15:00 to 16:00 // CAP 01-40
16:00 to 17:00 // CAP 41-80
17:00 to 18:00 // CAP 81-120
CAP numbers will be shown on the tracking map, which will be ready a couple of weeks before the start.
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During this time, you can hand us your small bag to be delivered to the finish line.
Sat 24 January – 18:00 >> Briefing
Marina de Arrecife – Lanzarote
Participation is recommended but not mandatory.
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We will briefly discuss event details, with insights about the route and the expected weather.
start
Sun 25 January – 07:00 >> Ready
Make sure your GPS device is switched on at least one hour before the start.
The start takes place in front of a small church just outside Órzola, about 30 km from Arrecife or Costa Teguise. You can ride there along a quiet coastal road, or arrange a taxi for about 40€.
Sun 25 January – 07:30 >> Steady
Please check the tracking system to ensure your position is updating correctly and your device is fully charged. If your device is not working properly, we will replace it. This is your last chance to hand us your small bag for delivery to the finish line.
Sun 25 January – 07:50 >> Go!
Riders will depart in small groups, ordered by cap number:
07:50 // CAP 01-20
07:52 // CAP 21-40
07:54 // CAP 41-60
07:56 // CAP 61-80
07:58 // CAP 81-100
08:00 // CAP 101-120
CAP numbers will be shown on the tracking map, which will be ready during the week before the start.
Under no circumstances may participants change their starting group.
finish
San Sebastián de La Gomera is a lively town by the ocean, with plenty of accommodation options, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants. The finish line is right in front of a sandy beach equipped with showers. We’ll be staying in town throughout the week to welcome participants and often gather for drinks or meals.
Wed 28 January – 20:00 >> Finish Line Meetup
We gather for a few drinks — no worries if you’re still on the route, as we meet every evening.
Sat 31 January – 11:00 >> Cut-Off time
After the cut-off time, participants will have to collect their bags in an established facility and ship back the tracking device.
tracker device
Please check the GPS Tracker User Guide & instruction videos.
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Turn ON your device at least one hour before the start: press and hold the little button on top.
Green LED blinks if the device is ON, once idle, the device goes into standby mode to save energy, and LEDs go off. Once the device detects movement, LEDs start blinking again.
Red LED starts to blink if the charge is below 10%, the battery usually lasts about 5 days, battery status is available on the live-tracking map.
Recharge the device with a USB to USB-C cable – the device does not recharge with fast USB-C to USB-C plugs.
The button on the front is not active.
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You are fully responsible for your device, and time penalties will apply if it is switched off or runs out of battery.
The tracker shall be returned at the finish line and the deposit will be refunded during the week after the event.
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If you scratch from the event or don’t make it to the finish line before the cut-off time, please send your device to:
Matteo Minelli
Calle Los buitres, 6
35539 Nazaret
Teguise – Las Palmas
Spain
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Please ship it before leaving the Canary Islands to avoid import fees — any such fees will be deducted from your deposit. Your deposit will be refunded when we receive the device.
Small bag transfer
Included in the entry fee – we will transfer one small bag (maximum 10 litres or 5 kg) from the start to the finish line. This service is intended only for carrying fresh clothes and comfortable shoes to use at the end of the route.
Please do not include documents, keys, or any valuable items, as we cannot assume any responsibility for loss or damage.
We will collect bags at accreditation or at the start line.
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If you don’t reach the finish line before the cut-off time, we can ship your bag to your home address during the week after the event. Shipping costs will be at your expense.
BIke Box Transfer
Provided by
Vadebicis Bike Shops
– from 70€ –
Drop your bike box at Vadebicis Lanzarote, check the shop’s opening times, and note that it will be exceptionally open on the Saturday before the Audax events, from 15:00 to 17:00 (24 Jan 2026, 21 Mar 2026).
Collect it at Vadebicis Chafiras, Tenerife – 5 km from Tenerife South Airport (TFS) – check the opening times and consider the shop will be exceptionally open on the Saturday after the Audax events, from 10:00 to 13:30 (31 Jan 2026 – 28 Mar 2026)
Vadebicis can also pick up and deliver your bike box to your hotel in Lanzarote and Tenerife (from €45), and clean and pack your bike at the end of the trip (from €60). You can find all the information here, or get in touch with gestiendas@vadebicis.es
This service is available to all bikepackers riding the route, even outside the Audax events.
Cardboard Box
A cardboard bike box is included in the entry fee – you can collect it at Vadebicis, Tenerife (4 km from Tenerife South Airport – TFS).
The shop will be exceptionally open on the Saturday after the Audax events, from 10:00 to 13:30 (29 Nov 2025 – 31 Jan 2026 – 28 Mar 2026).
At other times, please check the shop’s opening hours and closure days.
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You can otherwise buy a cardboard bike box in Tenerife, Los Cristianos for 25-30€ at Bike Point or FreeMotion (please check availability)
// the route //
ferries
Participants can book their ferries in advance, during the week before the event begins, to secure a place, avoid queues at the ticket office, and allow for last-minute boarding. You can plan your Audax, target a ferry and book it. If you don’t make it in time, you can change your ticket to the next ferry operated by the same company.
Ferry companies are aware of the Audax event, and we provide them with an estimated number of cyclists for each ferry connection, but there is no official agreement in place.
Bike storage may be limited on some connections – Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria is the most critical, with only two ferries a day allowing a maximum of 50 bikes per ferry.
If the system doesn’t allow you to add a bicycle, you can book a motorbike slot using a generic plate number. At the harbour, you can also ask a driver to load your bike in the back of their car or van. Finally, if the ferry is sold out, you can buy a ticket for the next departure.
If you already have a ticket, you should be at the harbour at least 10 minutes before departure. If you don’t have a ticket, allow at least 20 minutes. Boarding and roll-off are not a race — take it easy and stay safe.
To make the most of the rest on ferries, use earplugs or headphones, and wear warm clothing.
Ferry schedules can change at short notice, always check on ferry company websites.
route tracks
The route is subject to change until two days before the start. Please ensure you download the latest version before setting off.
The route is available as a Ride with GPS collection, one route for each island. The tracks include points of interest (POIs) such as main towns, bike shops, water sources, and hike-a-bike sections.
- Download the routes from Ride with GPS (More > Export as File > GPX Track.
- Upload the routes to your GPS device and ensure that local maps are downloaded. Avoid syncing through third-party apps such as Komoot.
- Upload the routes to your phone using your preferred app (MapOut, Komoot, Ride with GPS, etc.) and make sure they’re available offline as a backup.
During accreditation, we will verify that the tracks are loaded on both your GPS device and your phone.
It’s not easy to control a long route along five islands. In case of interruption or closed roads, take a picture as proof, find your way around the interruption, and rejoin the official route.
route notes
Along the route, there are no water sources, so you’ll need to buy and carry all your water. During the night, there are no resupply options.
1 – Lanzarote
km 40, Teguise – marketplace: You may be required to push your bike through the town.
2 – Fuerteventura
No resupply options if you ride during the night.
Hot and dry weather if you ride during the day.
Water fountain in Betancuria, km 60 – (POI in the route track)
3 – GranCanaria
km 0, Las Palmas – work in progress on the cycling path, find your way out.
Water fountain in Artenara, km 190 – (POI in the route track)
4 – Tenerife
km 45, La Laguna – Resupply.
5 – La Gomera
The last descent is exposed and usually extremely windy. The final time will be taken before the descent.
bike and gear
Please check the mandatory equipment listed in the rules section. If, at accreditation, any required gear is missing or not appropriate, you will not be able to officially take part in the event. We believe the list is clear and leaves no room for misunderstanding; we will not answer questions about mandatory equipment.
Start the route with new brake pads, and make sure your bike is in good condition. The elevation gain is the main challenge: choose low gearing, pack wisely, and keep it as light as possible.
2 liters of water capacity will be enough to reach the next store or water source.
Clothing: check the mandatory equipment listed in the rules section. With a no-rain weather forecast, a waterproof jacket and rain pants should be sufficient for the occasional drizzle.
Sleeping System: the route can be ridden solely relying on accommodation, eliminating the need to carry any sleeping system.
A light bivy setup can be useful to rest in emergency shelters or at the harbour before the ferry leaves. Bringing a tent adds significant weight and is not recommended if you intend to finish within the time limit.
expected weather
For Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, we expect a moderate north-westerly wind bringing some clouds and cooler temperatures. Occasional rain may occur, especially on the northern slopes of the mountains, but it should not be persistent.
From Wednesday onward, the weather forecast becomes less accurate, but we expect a small cold front that may bring a few hours of persistent rain and possibly snow above 1,800 meters. Conditions should improve again from Thursday.
Expected temperatures:
Sea Level -> 15ºC ~ 30ºC
1000mt -> 0ºC ~ 15ºC
2000mt -> -5ºC ~ 10ºC
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The landscape is ever-changing because the weather is ever-changing.
Expect strong wind, heat, mist, rain and eventual snow.
scratching
If you decide to scratch from the event, email your decision to scratch@outerdetours.com
and include your name and cap number. Then, turn OFF your tracker.
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Scratching is fairly easy — if you leave the route and descend to the shore, you’ll find bigger towns and milder weather. Buses usually allow bikes, or you can easily arrange a taxi.
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, rain pants, mid-layer or down jacket.
Spare tube.
Emergency blanket or bivy.
Power bank and USB-to-USB-C cable for the tracker device.
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. Ferries can be booked in advance to avoid queues at the ticket office. Private media crews can only be arranged by the organization. Drafting and group riding are permitted.
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.
// EXTRAS //
media Folder
We’ll edit all photos in the week following the event and email participants when they’re ready.
The pictures are shared in a Dropbox folder. You’re free to download the entire folder or individual images in full resolution — the folder is publicly accessible, no Dropbox account is needed.
Feel free to use them privately or share them on social media — please mention the event and the photographer. Commercial use is also okay, but please get in touch so we know how and where the pictures are being used.
// PRE-EVENT FORM //
The deadline to submit the Pre-Event Form has now passed.
If you haven’t submitted it yet, please contact us as soon as possible so we can assist you.