The best cycling routes in Nuevo Colón

Touring cycling in Nuevo Colón is characterized by significant elevation changes and demanding climbs. All available routes are rated as difficult, making the region best suited for experienced cyclists seeking strenuous rides.

Currently, all touring cycling routes listed for Nuevo Colón are classified as difficult due to substantial elevation gains and challenging terrain. There are no routes specifically recommended for beginners in this area.

Routes vary in length, with the shortest being around 39 km (24 miles) and the longest extending to over 84 km (52 miles). Durations range from approximately 3 hours to over 6 hours, depending on the route and your pace. For example, the Work – Boyacá loop from Tunja is 69.3 km and takes about 5 hours 16 minutes.

Yes, all the touring cycling routes in Nuevo Colón are designed as loops. This allows you to start and finish your ride in the same location without needing to arrange transport back. Examples include the Boyacá loop from Ventaquemada and the Ramiriquí Town Center – Cerro La Vieja loop from Cuchilla Fome.

Nuevo Colón experiences a tropical highland climate. The dry season, typically from December to March and July to August, generally offers more stable weather conditions with less rainfall, making it ideal for touring cycling. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations year-round.

You can expect varied topography, including numerous hills, rural landscapes, and challenging climbs. The routes often traverse unpaved or gravel roads in addition to paved sections, requiring a touring bicycle suitable for mixed surfaces.

Given the challenging terrain and potential for varied weather, it's advisable to bring appropriate cycling gear, including a helmet, repair kit, sufficient water and snacks, and layers of clothing. Sun protection is also crucial due to the high altitude. A GPS device or a downloaded komoot tour is recommended for navigation.

Due to the demanding climbs and difficult classification of all routes, Nuevo Colón is not typically recommended for family touring cycling with young children or beginners. The routes are better suited for experienced adult cyclists.

The touring cycling routes in Nuevo Colón are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging nature of the routes and the scenic rural landscapes.

Popular starting points for touring routes include towns like Tunja and Ventaquemada, which offer access to the larger loops. For example, the Work – Boyacá loop from Tunja starts near the city, while the Boyacá loop from Ventaquemada begins in Ventaquemada.

While the routes traverse rural landscapes, you may find small tiendas or local eateries in the villages and towns you pass through, especially near the starting and ending points of the loops. It's always a good idea to carry enough provisions, as services can be sparse between settlements.

When starting from larger towns like Tunja or Ventaquemada, you can often find public parking facilities. For routes beginning in smaller villages, street parking might be available, but it's advisable to check local regulations or inquire with locals upon arrival.