This ride involves a steady climb about 10+ miles in. The trick is to moderate your pace so that you’ve got enough power to punch it on some of the steep, loose sections. Once at the top, the descent straddles the ridge between Beas de Granada and Quéntar. It’s a test of your balance and descending skills; you’ll know you passed if you managed to stay upright on the way down. I’d say be sure to take in the view but it’s probably better if you don’t (or pause pedaling and take a moment to absorb your surroundings).
This is a great ride just about any time of the year but — as with most others featured on this site — leave extra early in July and August because the climb can get uncomfortable in the heat. The next time I do this ride, I’ll stop in either Quéntar or Dúdar for a tapa and an alcohol-free beer. Why the unleaded beer? I learned early on that it’s best to indulge in post-ride tapas and beer no more than three kilometers from home because well, it’s illegal to bike above the alcohol limit, and more than that, it’s no fun to bike drunk.
Notes:
At 6.4 miles, don’t take the left but continue straight. While it’s a public road, homeowners have put up a barrier so that cars (and perhaps bikes) can’t pass. Emphasis on “public road,” this kind of road blocking shouldn’t be allowed but — with few consequences to the road blockers — it happens.