The best traffic-free bike rides around Santa María Del Invierno

This guide features 5 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. All of them are rated as difficult, offering a challenging experience for cyclists seeking quiet roads and scenic landscapes.

All the no-traffic touring cycling routes featured in this guide are rated as "difficult." They often involve significant elevation changes, such as the 1128 meters of ascent on the Arlanzón – Cantina de Arlanzón loop from Santovenia de Oca, making them suitable for experienced touring cyclists.

The region offers distinct experiences throughout the year. While winters can present "storybook scenery," the summer months are often described as a "paradise full of nature," making spring and autumn ideal for touring cycling with pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes.

The routes listed in this guide are all rated as "difficult" due to their length and elevation gain, such as the Antonio Benaiges School loop from Alcocero de Mola which has over 500 meters of ascent. Therefore, they might be challenging for younger or less experienced family members. It's best to assess your family's fitness level before attempting these routes.

The routes traverse the Montes de Oca and Bureba-Ebro regions, offering diverse natural environments. You'll encounter oak forests, reforested areas, and Mediterranean scrubland. The area is also situated in the valley of the Cerratón river, at the foot of the La Brújula mountain pass, providing varied terrain and scenic beauty.

Yes, all the routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Murals of Reinoso – Sanctuary of Doña Casilda loop from Castil de Peones and the Beautiful resting place – San Juan de Ortega loop from Valdefuentes (Fuente del Carnero), providing convenient options for your touring adventure.

The region is rich in cultural and historical sites. You might encounter the Matagrande Cross, a traditional marker on the Camino de Santiago, or the Artistic Oasis of the Camino de Santiago with its unique painted tree stumps. The significant Monastery and Church of Saint John of Ortega is also a key landmark in the area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.47 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, the quiet roads perfect for touring, and the blend of scenic beauty with cultural immersion offered by the Camino de Santiago's proximity.

While specific cafes or pubs are not detailed for each route, the presence of the Camino de Santiago in the region suggests that villages and towns along or near the routes, such as Santovenia de Oca or Castil de Peones, would likely offer options for refreshments and possibly accommodation for travelers.

While specific parking information for each route is not provided, the starting points for these loops are typically in or near villages like Santovenia de Oca, Castil de Peones, Valdefuentes, and Alcocero de Mola. It is generally possible to find parking in these smaller communities, though it's advisable to check local regulations upon arrival.

The longest route featured is the Arlanzón – Cantina de Arlanzón loop from Santovenia de Oca, covering a distance of approximately 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) with over 1100 meters of elevation gain.

The shortest route in this guide is the Antonio Benaiges School loop from Alcocero de Mola, which is about 27.4 kilometers (17 miles) long with over 500 meters of ascent.