La Puerta del Cielo

‘La Puerta del Cielo’ (The Doorway to Heaven). There are Epic Routes and then there’s this. We start in Bernal, a few blocks from the monolith, before descending (mostly) to the valley floor at the base of the Sierra Gorda (the Fat Jungle). We’ll stop there in a little town called Tierra Blanca.

At this point, looking east, you’ll be able to get a pretty good idea of what you’re about to do, as you’ll see some cars snaking up the mountain. After filling our bottles and jersey pockets with everything we’re going to need, we’re going to embark on a 30km climb that will see us gain 1500m in elevation. It’s a climb that would have the capability of blowing up the general classification in any Grand Tour.

Having said that, the inclines here don’t go any higher than 14% and those are brief. What you WILL see are unparalleled mountain views as you make your way up the hill, and pass some towns and small communities nestled in the mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles. If it’s overcast, you’ll be enveloped in fog, and it’ll feel like you’re cycling through the clouds (because you will be!). Experienced cyclists around here do this ride 2-3 times per year, and it’s nothing short of a bucket-list experience.

If you’re only going to do one ride with us, make it this one.