Taking a bike up the Roman road from Cercedilla ?

[RedBike]

I understand the uphill section is about 8km. It looks very rocky and quite difficult to hike.
I'm travelling by bike but I would expect to walk this part and push my bike with panniers on.
Once at the top, I hope to resume riding.
Do you thinks its doable. Is there an alternative route to avoid the roman road. I have seen another gravel road in some photos.

 

[jungleboy]

I walked this yesterday.

For the first half of the 8km ascent, you can cycle on the sealed car road. For the last 4km, the way we went, you wouldn’t be able to cycle for most of it (and even pushing the bike would be difficult at certain points), but yes, there is an alternative dirt road that you can use. I wasn’t paying much attention to how to access this road or where it begins, but a car drove by while we were at the top, so it’s definitely doable.

The way down towards Segovia is easily cyclable as the entire path is a wide dirt road. We saw several bikers doing it, and I assume they came from the Cercedilla side.

Right now there’s only one small patch of snow on the trail but snow is forecast this weekend so that could also be a factor depending on when you’re going.

¡Buena suerte!

 

[NualaOC]

Hi @RedBike, there's an alternative (longer!) route for cyclists on this section. It's marked on the Gronze map and it's also on the Buen Camino app, which is a free download for the Madrid route. Hope this helps.

 

[RedBike]

Yes that Gronze map does help. I already have the Buen Camino app loaded and also the GPS data for the route, but hadnt seen this cyclist alternative route before. Thanks very much for your help.

 

[RedBike]

I walked this yesterday.

Thanks, jungleboy, That is very helpful information. Funny thing is, I thought I had replied to you post already, but now I cant see it ?? I must have forgotten to click POST.

 

[RedBike]

Now I understand what that green line is. I also suspect the blue line via San Ildefondo might be a good option by bike. I'm getting excited now