Strava group Cycling friends Calpe

Strava group Cycling friends Calpe Cycling Friends Calpe is an international cycling group for enthusiastic cyclists, with a strong base in Calpe, Spain.

The group includes both local cyclists and international members who share a passion for cycling.

Cyclingfriends Report: From Battling the Wind to the "Holy Mass"Dear cycling friends, here is a look back at two wonderf...
04/04/2026

Cyclingfriends Report: From Battling the Wind to the "Holy Mass"
Dear cycling friends, here is a look back at two wonderful days of riding in the Calpe area. With the sun on our faces and the legs spinning, we managed to clock up quite some mileage.

Thursday, April 2nd: Wind, Climbs, and the Split
Thursday’s program featured a substantial ride: 140 km heading towards Gandia from Oliva. There was a lot of interest, with no fewer than 28 cyclists at the start. To keep everyone happy, we split into two groups:

Group 1 (16 cyclists): For those with fast legs. They kept a high pace throughout and the atmosphere was great—everyone was very pleased with the high average speed.

Group 2 (12 cyclists): My group. We took things much steadier so everyone could complete the long ride comfortably. Together with Mat, I took the lead at the start.

The Ride:
The ride out to Gandia was a tough challenge due to a stiff headwind all the way to the stop. Once we arrived in Gandia, it was incredibly busy; we had to wait a long time for our coffee.

After the break, the climbing began. We headed towards Forna, followed by the well-known Sagra and Orba climbs. Ultimately, everyone returned to Calpe satisfied. Splitting the groups was definitely the right call: one group could go full gas, while the other could finish the long ride at a relaxed pace.

Friday, April 3rd: Social Ride to Velosol
Yesterday, Good Friday, was a true Social Ride. A large group of 24 cyclists set off from Baguet towards Velosol.

Because it was Good Friday, there was almost no traffic on the route, which made riding in such a large group easy. At Velosol, tables were reserved, and my wife and Martin’s wife were there waiting for us. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the relaxed ride continued later on the terrace at Baguet.

Looking Ahead: Holy Sunday and Monday
Saturday, April 4th: A rest day today. Enjoy the sunny Saturday!

Sunday, April 5th (Tour of Flanders): Tomorrow, everything takes a backseat to the "High Mass" of cycling. For the 9:15 AM group, there is a short ride of about 50 km planned (no coffee stop). This ensures everyone is back in time for the race, because in Belgium, the Tour of Flanders is more sacred than Easter Sunday! Anyone who wants to join is welcome at 9:15 AM.

Monday, April 6th: We will do a ride of about 70 km. This time with a coffee stop, so we can share all our stories about the Tour of Flanders and the race highlights.

Wishing everyone a lovely, sunny Saturday!

Best regards, JP

Sunday Ride Report: Soaking up the Spanish SunHi everyone,You still had yesterday’s report (Sunday, March 22nd) coming f...
23/03/2026

Sunday Ride Report: Soaking up the Spanish Sun
Hi everyone,

You still had yesterday’s report (Sunday, March 22nd) coming from me. Here’s a quick look back at a great day on the bike.

The Ride to Xavia
With a solid group of 15 cyclists, we headed towards Xavia for one of our classic Sunday routes. Frank and I took the lead until the coffee stop, maintaining a steady, relaxed pace to ensure the group stayed together and everyone could follow comfortably.

The route to Xavia is straightforward but incredibly scenic—especially when the sun is out in full force like it was yesterday!

A Special Introduction
After the coffee break, I had the chance to get to know Wim, who is relatively new to our group. It was a pleasure meeting him, and quite impressive to learn that he is the reigning World Champion and Belgian Champion in Gravel. We had a great chat about cycling in general; it’s always a treat to have that kind of talent riding with us.

Looking Ahead: Tuesday, March 24th
Tomorrow, we are heading out again for one of my personal favorite rides.

Destination: Vall d'Ebo (starting from Pego).

The Plan: Someone mentioned on Sunday that they hadn't climbed the Vall d'Ebo from Pego during this stay yet, so I decided right then and there: that’s the ride for Tuesday!

Meeting Point: 09:15 AM at Baguet.

Everyone is welcome to join. I’m going to go back to enjoying my day off in the sun now.

Best regards,

JP

☀️ GOOD NEWS: THE SUN IS BACK! ☀️Dear Cycling Friends Calpe, it’s time to get those short bibs out again! From tomorrow,...
11/03/2026

☀️ GOOD NEWS: THE SUN IS BACK! ☀️

Dear Cycling Friends Calpe, it’s time to get those short bibs out again! From tomorrow, we are back on the road with a great program. 🚴‍♂️💨

📅 THE SCHEDULE:

🟦 THURSDAY MARCH 12
📍 Route: 35) Port de Tudons via Finestrat (The Classic!)
📏 128 km | 🏔️ 2200 m+

🟩 FRIDAY MARCH 13
📍 Route: 116) La Xara
📏 77 km | 🏔️ 945 m+

🟥 SUNDAY MARCH 15
📍 Route: 135) Sunday route to the Sorrel
📏 93 km | 1160 m+

ℹ️ PRACTICAL INFO:
🕘 Departure: Always at 09:15 AM @ Baguet
☕ Coffee Stop: Included! (Please bring some small change 💶)
🛰️ Safety: Please download the GPX before we head out.

Let’s make it some great rides together! 🇪🇸

Best regards, JP 👊

Sunday Ride Report: From Baguet to Rabbit with PrunesDate: Sunday, March 8, 2026It’s been a bit quiet with my reports la...
08/03/2026

Sunday Ride Report: From Baguet to Rabbit with Prunes
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026

It’s been a bit quiet with my reports lately, and the reason was simple: the grey weather was really starting to get to me. But we’re back! Today was a much better day with our beautiful Sunday ride toward Orba.

A Tricky Start at Baguet
Gathering at Baguet was a bit more complicated than usual today—there was a race happening right in front of the door! Despite the barriers, we managed to get away smoothly. A group of about 20 cyclists gathered today. Along with Koen, we started our trip via the N332; the weather was pleasant and perfect for riding.

Climbing and Descending
On the Camacho, a few riders struggled to keep up, but thanks to Ben’s excellent descending skills, we were able to regroup at the bottom. After the short climb of Val de Laguar, we enjoyed a social coffee in Orba.

Continuing via the Orba climb, we briefly lost Ben and Gerke. Carine assured me they would show up eventually, and she was right—they were waiting for us at the bridge before Benissa. Course knowledge goes a long way! From there, we headed back via the Poggio to arrive in Calpe.

A Belgian Tradition in Spain
Calpe was very busy, so I decided to head straight home. Ann had prepared a classic: rabbit with prunes (konijn met pruimen).

Matt and Richard gave me a strange look when I mentioned the menu. Rabbit with prunes? It’s a true Belgian tradition. We might not always have the best weather in Belgium, but we certainly have the best food!

Looking Ahead
Another ride is planned for tomorrow, Monday, because the forecast predicts rain again for Tuesday. The rest of the week should be fine. More details on tomorrow's route will follow later.

Thanks to the group for a great day!

Koen: Safe travels back home. You were flying today—it looked like you were "pedaling in butter" (trappen in de boter)!

Richard (UK): Safe travels back to the UK, friend. See you next time!

Wishing everyone a great evening,

Best regards, JP

🚴‍♂️ Ride Report: Battling the Gusts and Chasing the SunDate: Tuesday, March 3, 2026Route: Baguet – Orcheta Reservoir – ...
03/03/2026

🚴‍♂️ Ride Report: Battling the Gusts and Chasing the Sun
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Route: Baguet – Orcheta Reservoir – Relleu – Baguet

Conditions: Force 4 winds (gusts up to 70 km/h), sunny spells, and thankfully dry.

🧩 The Morning Puzzle
Sometimes it pays off to double-check the weather maps at the last minute. While last night’s plan pointed towards El Campello, this morning’s update showed that conditions in Relleu had improved significantly. It turned out to be the right call: despite the heavy winds, we missed the rain and even caught plenty of sunshine.

💨 Pushing Through the Wind
With 15 riders gathering at Baguet at 9:15 AM, the turnout was impressive—especially considering the 70 km/h gusts. Dirk and I took the lead, navigating what I believe was the perfect route for these conditions towards the Orcheta reservoir.

The climb around the lake remains the "hard labor" of the day:

Distance: approx. 7 km

Character: Steep sections and road surfaces that feel like they’re "glued" to your tires.

🇮🇹 A Strong Pelotón
Once at the top, we decided to head back towards Relleu. With 120 km covered, we felt it was enough given the circumstances. The 14 km stretch to Relleu is certainly not flat, but the group was remarkably strong today.

Amongst a few young French-speaking Belgians and some Italians, the pace was high. A special mention goes to Annick: she’s riding stronger than ever lately. She truly proves that age is just a number!

☕ The Finish at Baguet
After a well-deserved coffee in Relleu, the ride back required extra focus due to the unpredictable gusts, but everything went smoothly. We finished back at Baguet, where we found Gilbert and Rossita on the terrace. They are back just in time, as next week is a big one for Baguet with many cycling holiday groups arriving.

📅 Looking Ahead: Wednesday, March 4
A new ride is on the calendar for tomorrow. More details to follow, but the departure time is set:

Departure: 09:15 AM

Location: Baguet

Sporty regards,

JP

Sunday Ride Report: Heading to the SorellDate: Sunday | Club: Cyclingfriends CalpeThe StartIt was a busy morning at Bagu...
02/03/2026

Sunday Ride Report: Heading to the Sorell
Date: Sunday | Club: Cyclingfriends Calpe

The Start
It was a busy morning at Baguet. While the "Fietsvrienden Calpe" group set off at 09:00, our group of 24 cyclists was ready to go 15 minutes later. Just outside Calpe, our numbers grew even further as Koen from Xalon joined the pack.

The Route: Coffee and Climbs
The ride started at a steady pace with a modest amount of climbing—perfect for a Sunday.

The Pitstop: We stopped midway in Beniarbeig. Managing a group of 25 is never easy for a local cafe; we had to wait quite a while, and since the sun stayed behind the clouds, it got a bit chilly.

The Cammacho: After the break, we tackled the long side of the Cammacho. A solid tempo was set, but the group stayed perfectly together. Impressive work, everyone!

The Final Splits
As we neared the end, several riders decided to add some extra flavor to their ride:

Jef & Robrecht: Decided they hadn't had enough and headed up the Coll de Rates.

Koen & Didier: Split off in Xalon to conquer the Bernia.

JP & Jappie: We opted to follow the route past the Senja climb, descending the N332 back towards Calpe.

Wrap-up
It wasn't exactly tropical on the terrace at Baguet, so most of us headed home fairly quickly to warm up.

Looking Ahead: This Week
Cycling might be a bit more complicated this week due to the weather and the planned routes. However, I think it won't be too bad—we will take it day by day.

Meeting tomorrow:

Time: 09:15 AM

Location: Baguet

Best regards,
JP

🚴‍♂️ Ride Report: Friday Trip to Velosol (February 27)Better late than never! Here is the story of our ride last Friday....
28/02/2026

🚴‍♂️ Ride Report: Friday Trip to Velosol (February 27)
Better late than never! Here is the story of our ride last Friday. With the sun on our backs, a group of 18 cyclists gathered at Baguet for a beautiful 75 km loop towards Velosol.

International Company & Farewells
The peloton had a lovely international flair this time, with two ladies joining us: Johanne from Canada and a fellow cyclist from Perpignan, France.

Sadly, it was also the final ride of this stay for two of our regulars. Jochen and Kenneth from Ninove completed their last kilometers in Calpe for now. They are two great guys whom we will certainly miss in the group. Safe travels back to Belgium, men, and we look forward to seeing you back at the start line in September!

Pitstop at Velosol
When we arrived at Velosol, the place was buzzing and incredibly busy. Luckily, we had Jorg; thanks to him, we managed to get the whole group seated together at one table.

Performance of the Day: Jef
While the rest of us enjoyed a steady, pleasant ride, one man decided his legs needed an extra challenge. A massive shout-out to Jef! Apparently, 75 km wasn't enough, as he added the climbs of Coll de Rates and Bernia to his route. Not only did he conquer them, but he also clocked some impressive times. Hats off to you, Jef—your strength this year is incredible!

Afterward, we enjoyed a chocolate milk together. We certainly earned it, and let’s be honest: it doesn’t always have to be a Duvel, does it? 😉

Spotted: A curious photo has surfaced of Geoffrey and his "strange" hobby... apparently, he’s taken up sniffing out bras left along the side of the road. To each their own, Geoffrey!

🗓️ Next Ride: Sunday, March 1st
We are resting today, but tomorrow we hit the road again!

Destination: The Sorrel (Monte Pego)

Departure: 09:15 AM

Meeting Point: Baguet

Everyone is welcome to join the pack. See you tomorrow!

Sporty regards,
JP

🚴‍♂️ Cyclingfriends Report: In Search of the Pego Hot SpringsDate: Thursday, February 26, 2026Reporter: JP (Cyclist in t...
26/02/2026

🚴‍♂️ Cyclingfriends Report: In Search of the Pego Hot Springs
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

Reporter: JP (Cyclist in the morning, journalist in the afternoon)

With a brilliant sun in the sky, we gathered at Baguet at 9:15 AM. The turnout was excellent: two great groups of 12 and 10 cyclists respectively, all itching to head out.

The Warm-up and the Company
I joined Group 2 today. The start on the N332 was tough due to a stiff wind, but as soon as we rode into Xaló, we found more shelter. Near Orba, we were joined by Geoffrey and Wim. It was my first time riding with Geoffrey; after hearing so many stories, it was great to finally meet him in person. A very pleasant encounter!

Punctures and Hot Springs
After about 50 kilometers, we reached the hot springs around Pego. Group 1 was already there enjoying their coffee, though their ride hadn’t been entirely flawless. Carine had the "dubious honor" of the day: no less than two flat tires.

A Remarkable Find near Beniarbeig
After the coffee break and a short restart, we stopped for a quick nature break 10 kilometers down the road. There, Geoffrey made a very unusual discovery. Not a lost bidon or a bike pump, but a souvenir from what was clearly a wild night: a bra of impressive proportions (cup G).

Missing Persons: Should anyone be missing this "souvenir," it is still lying by the side of the road not far from Beniarbeig.

Poggio vs. Hoebelbaan
After this hilarious intermezzo, we set course for the "Hoebelbaan" to tackle the backside of the Poggio heading towards Calpe. Whether it’s the real Poggio or ours, the legs certainly felt it!

Wrapping Up
The day ended exactly how a top day should: with both groups reuniting on the terrace, enjoying a drink in the sun.

📅 Tomorrow’s Schedule
Tomorrow we have a ride of about 70 kilometers planned, with Velosol as our central point. Good news for those who prefer the quiet roads: we’re skipping the main highways this time.

Departure: 09:15 AM

Location: Baguet

Everyone is welcome!

Sporty regards,

JP

25/02/2026

Ik wil mijn nieuwste volgers bedanken! Leuk om jullie erbij te hebben! Mikael Thor, Stéphane le Courtois, Pascal Willocq, Darrel Glover, Frantz Campenet, Alan Morris, Patrick Noel, Mark Taylor, Kat Rolle, Geoff Hill, Tomasz Skroński, Ted Evans, Pòlit Vidal Torregrosa, Gert Dries, Gerry De Conte, Steven Van Goidsenhoven, Robbie Verelst, Paul Merrett, Gerben Dekeyser, Nelly De Coensel, Marco Pimenta, George Hoffman, John Alleman, Hans van Steenpaal, Luc Van Hoorenbeeck, Vincent le Goffic, Damien Ashton, Luis Angel Fernandez Lopez, Tomas Miklik, Christian Brown, Davy De Schryver, Illan Zenouda, Shepherd Baatlhodi, Kim Vestermark Nielsen, Neil Marshall

Report: A Special Cycling Day with the Cycling Friends CalpeWhat a day it was today in and around sunny Calpe! While the...
24/02/2026

Report: A Special Cycling Day with the Cycling Friends Calpe
What a day it was today in and around sunny Calpe! While the Spanish roads treated us to stunning vistas and challenging kilometers, it was also a day defined by camaraderie and quick thinking when things didn’t go quite as planned.

Two Routes, One Passion
This morning, the Cycling Friends Calpe gathered at Baguet for two different programs:

The Short Route (95 km):
Ten cyclists turned up for this ride. Under the steady guidance of Matt (proudly carrying the British flag), the group set off. After the ride, I caught up with our Dutch friend Jappie, who confirmed that everything went smoothly and according to plan.

The Long Route (135 km):
A total of 24 cyclists took on the tough challenge toward Pego and the long climb to Vall de Gallinera.

The Climb and the "Flying Euros"
Dirk and I led the pack for the first 25 km, after which Didier took over. He set a steady, legal pace on the climb of over 20 km, ensuring every cyclist could follow without any issues.

Heading toward Val d'Ebo, we hit our first bit of bad luck with a puncture. Fortunately, Gerke and Peter stayed behind to help, joining the rest of us later at the coffee stop.

A Comical Interlude:
At the coffee stop in Vall d'Ebo, I (JP) unintentionally provided some entertainment. As I was taking the collected money inside, my cycling shoes slipped on the floor. Down I went—straight onto my backside—while the money flew through the air like confetti. It was a scene worthy of a first-prize comedy video, though my behind is definitely still feeling it!

Incident on the Petracos Descent
After the steep climb of Petracos (with sections reaching 17%) came the narrow and tricky descent. In the notorious bend where the sun never reaches and the road surface turns slightly green and slippery, disaster struck: Jos went down.

Due to the lack of cell service in that area, we had to act fast and think clearly:

Didier and Jef rode to Benigembla to find a connection/help.

Peter, Carine, Gerke, and I stayed with Jos.

Eventually, Jos’s wife arrived to collect him.

A special mention goes to Carine, Gerke, and Jef, who stayed with Jos until the very last moment. This truly shows the solidarity within our group. It proves once again: descending Petracos requires caution, and while cycling always carries risks, even an experienced cyclist like Jos isn't immune to a fall.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead
Despite the accident, it was a special day where we solved a difficult situation together as a group. The atmosphere was excellent and the mutual support was heartwarming. Thank you to everyone!

Next Ride:
The day after tomorrow (Thursday), we are riding to the hot springs near Pego.

Start: 09:15 at Baguet.

Everyone is welcome for a new adventure with the Cycling Friends Calpe!

Best regards,
JP

Dirección

Avenida De Los Ejércitos Españoles 43
Calp
03710

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