Climbing to 2,500m in Sierra Nevada | My Toughest Ride Yet

🚵‍♀️ Cycling to 2,500m in the Sierra Nevada | Pico Veleta Gravel Ascent 🏔️

In this vlog, I take on one of Spain’s most legendary mountain climbs — Pico Veleta, the second-highest peak in the Sierra Nevada. While most riders take the paved road from the north, I opted for the quieter, wilder southern gravel route from the whitewashed village of Bubión, climbing all the way to Refugio Poqueira at 2,500m.

Along the way I pass through Capileira, stunning miradors, snow-covered trails, magical mountain streams, and even spot a herd of wild Spanish Ibex. With no traffic, no tourists, and only a handful of hikers on the route, this ride was pure mountain solitude.

🌄 Highlights:
• Starting in Bubión at 1,300m
• Passing Mirador Tajos del Ángel, Puerto Molina & Mirador de Trevélez
• Climbing through snow to 2,500m
• Wild Ibex encounters
• Incredible views of Pico Veleta’s summit
• Peaceful gravel ride through the high Sierra

🎥 Shot in May — a perfect blend of sunshine and snow.
🎯 Route: ~30km out and back, 1,300m elevation gain
🚫 Refugio Poqueira remains closed, but still a magical destination

This was one of the most scenic and peaceful rides I’ve ever done. Watch to the end for the snowy summit views and the dreamy descent.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy the adventure!

#PicoVeleta #SierraNevada #GravelCycling #BikepackingSpain #CyclingVlog #AdventureCycling #SoloRide #MountainBikeSpain #RefugioPoqueira

I heard so much about Sierra Nevada National Park especially for a pro cyclist to come for training because of the altitude and it’s always been one of those place that I always wanted to come for a ride. One of the famous mountain here is Picopeta standing at 3,400 m. On the north side from Granada all the way up to the ski center, there is a pave road and this is the highest bare road in Europe. But on the south side, there is no road but only track that come all the way to the summit. It’s close to cars. So, it’s a dream for anyone who is looking for a peaceful ascent. This time I choose the gravel route because it’s away from the buses, away from the traffic, and the view is still epic. Being here in May, there’s still snow above 2,000 m. So, there is chance that I won’t be able to reach the summit. My goal was to get to refugeio, which is at 2,500 m. The refuge is a mountain lounge that often used for hikers for stay for night before summiting to Faleta. Unfortunately, it’s been closed for a few years and hasn’t been reopened. I best myself in Bouon. It’s a whitewash village at 1,300 m. It’s basically where the tarmac ends and the trucks begin. From there, my road will climb 1,300 m over 15 kilometers through Capilera, past Mira Taho del Angel, climbing up to Hoya del Portio, and then onto Mirador Puerto Molina. From there up to Mirado de Tales at 2,700 m, dropping down slightly to refugee. I’ll be riding back the same way, making it 30 to 35 kilometers ride. Hey guys, I’m in Sierra Neada and I’m staying in Bubon. Today I’m cycling up to Refujio Pera. Let’s go. The ride began through Bubon and Capilera classic beauty. So I’m about to go on the trail now. I’m so looking forward to it. So this is where the road finishes and the track begin. Shortly after the tarmac stop and the road start to get steep. Even at 1,300 m, the view is already spectacular. Looking down the valley and the air is getting thinner. Hey guys, I’m about 6 kilometer in and I’m at 1,800 m altitude and I still have about 700 m to go. The air is bit cold up here. I can feel the chill on my skin. I’m in the highest altitude I ever been right now. I’m at 1,900 m altitude. I’m about the same high as Mong 2, but I think it’s this one is even higher than that. My first proper stop was at Taho J Angel and I have a quick snack there. Looking at the beautiful view from out there. I already cycle for about an hour now and just came out of the wood and I’m having a little break right now. The view is stunningly beautiful. Looks so amazing. And we can see a little bit of the village from here. But with the long way to go, I didn’t stay long. At one point, I spotted a group of Spanish. I just spotted lots of white wild deer. I saw them eating grass and drinking water in the stream and that was make my day. I still want to be here with them, but I think I have to continue my ride. Apart from that, I barely saw anyone apart from few hikers and few cyclists. It was beautifully quiet. The whole way up, I can see snowy pickle fella. And it’s getting closer and closer every pedal stroke. I’m at 2,100 mters altitude. And I didn’t think that I can come this far. I think we still have uh around 400 m to do. The weather was perfect. No clouds, sunny even though the air is getting cooler and cooler at Oad Portio. I stop again for a quick snack. So guys, I’m here right now in Hoya del Portio. Then I’m going to climb up here up up up till here refugeio. And you can see the altitude is about 2,800. Can someone drop in there with the car? It’s been a long time since I have breakfast. So, it’s my little lunch. I already cycle for about 1 hour and a half and I’m at 2,200 altitude. And it feels cooler now. From there I push onto Puerto Molina. It’s a great spot to take in the view and reading the informations about the area. So this is the animal that I saw today on the climb. Feeling a little bit hungry now. It’s getting a bit cold here. So, I put on my jumper. I put on some extra layers as it’s getting colder and I began to see some snow across the trails. I even spotted a line of fury caterpillar across the trail and also another group of IPAs running across the field below. Just a little update. I’m at 2,350 altitude and it’s still not too chilly. At 2,500 m, snow covered large areas of the path. It slow me down and some of the path was unrable. So, I have to push my bike through the deeper part. The view look insane. I’m on top of the world right now. I stop for a bit for having fun in the snow and put on some more layers. This is great. Time for some more layers because it’s getting chillier. I’m almost at the top now. I got another 100 m climb to do. I’m at 2,500 altitude and I’m feeling a little bit tired now. It’s quite a long way, but I’m so glad I made it to here. Just before reaching Mira travelers at 2,700, the snow got really deep. I decided to turn around at 2,500 m. It’s the same altitude of Refuge Pokeer, which is 1 kilometer away. I reached the snow edge and it’s getting too snowy for me to cycle. I was at a higher altitude than I ever been before and it feels like a great achievement. the track curve around and descend into the refuge. I’m going to turn around from here because I don’t want to get stuck in the snow and it’s a little bit late. I’m going to put on my jacket, have some snack, and start descending. This has been an epic adventure. I’m on top of the world. Then come the descent. Fast, rocky, and cold. All right, I’m all right up and I’m ready for the descent. I sit up, drop the saddle, and let the gravity do the work. On the way down on Porto Molina, I just saw more of Spanish IPAC crossing the trail. Woohoo! This is fun. It’s a little bit warmer now. Going down. I mean, I’m on the lowest part of the mountain, so yeah, it’s getting warmer. The desense was really fun and felt well earned. Wow, that was epic. I’m tired. I need some food. Thanks for watching, guys, and see you next time.