Bilbao Forest Gravel Loop — 72 km Full Day

This is a moderate full day, so it suits people who already ride a couple of times a month and can stay in the saddle for several hours. You do not need racing fitness, but 72 km with about 1,050 m of climbing is a real day out, not a gentle spin.

If you have never ridden gravel, the Bilbao riverside gravel intro is a better first step. If you want more climbing and rougher terrain, look at the Bilbao volcano gravel day.

The loop heads out east of Bilbao and spends much of the day on pine-forest tracks, where the surface is firm enough for steady riding and the trees give useful shade. These are linked by quiet farm roads that let you recover between climbs and keep the group together.

The 1,050 m of ascent comes in several moderate climbs rather than one summit push. That is the main difference from the Bilbao big climb morning, which concentrates the effort into a hard half day.

The riverside intro covers 34 km on wide, forgiving tracks. The volcano day covers 88 km with nearly 1,600 m of ascent. The forest loop sits between them: 72 km, 1,050 m, and terrain that asks for some bike handling without becoming technical.

Against the Costa Brava coast road ride, it is shorter and off-road, with forest and farmland in place of sea views.

A full day on gravel means bringing enough food and water for the hours between stops, plus layers that suit the weather. Spring and autumn usually give the most comfortable riding temperatures, while forest tracks can be soft after heavy rain.

Check with the partner when booking about bike hire, start time and the meeting point, as these details are confirmed at booking.