Cycling The Best Switchbacks In Europe ? Masca Valley Tenerife !

Today charting a big Gran Fondo style training ride - 107km, +3300m elevation, adventuring through the contrasting lush green terrain of the North West of the Island…. Including Masca - which is epic, sublime other worldly ….. I do not exaggerate - it has to be seen to be believed - replete with 10km of switchbacks lovingly draped across jaw-dropping, Jurassic geology, foliage and flora.
This includes the official Masca Strava segment - climbing 441m in just 4km with average gradient 10.9%. Climbing perfection with views to match
The video follows the 107km training ride - filmed on with one camera. But Jayne wanted to see it on the e-bike, so we have worked in some rear view camera vistas filmed on a subsequent day in order to portray the magnificence!
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Thanks ever so much for all of your support! And whoever you are, what ever your do, please remember to LIVE THRIVE AND STAY HEALTHY !
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Instagram: / bikeracingwithoutmercy
Strava: / strava

[@mattttt3057]

Stone the crows Phill....just a training ride? Sensational!!!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Matt 🙏 - it’s the kind of place where the km’s come a little easier - so much scenery and such lovely roads 🤩💯

[@olliebollie3005]

Pure publicity for cycling, another gem Phil!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thats massively kind of you to say so, Ollie 🙏 - and there is no doubt that if anyone wanted to enjoy climbing and cycling, then Tenerife is an incredible place to start - beautiful climbs - many of them with lovely even single digit gradients.. And for the more seasoned cyclist.... plenty of super steep routes to test. It’s got it all 🤩💯

[@slowiss]

Those hand held camera views near the edge give me the shivers and I'm not riding.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers slowiss- I look closer to the edge than I am - the camera foreshortens the view a fair bit. And I’m also moving pretty slow and looking ahead whilst sweeping the camera to the side, so not taking risk with safety for this 👍

[@Cathartic_Cyclist]

Thank you for this!! I’ll be riding this from Playa de los Americas mid February.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Pleasure Arron 💯 - and I very much hope you enjoy the Masca area and climb as much as me. And from Playa de Los Americas you have a lovely climb up Los Gigantes first - especially out of the seaside town and towards the top. My favourite Teide climb is from Chio - more for the volcanic scenery have an amazing time 💯👍

[@kevstephen9393]

Stunning 😍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Stunning, sublime - jaw-dropping - I ran out of descriptive in Tenerife, Kev - it surpassed all my expectations 💯👍

[@iandejuncker]

What an island Tenerife is! The past couple videos have made me add this place to my bucket list of where I have to ride my bike someday! Absolutely stunning

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

It’s a paradise for the cyclist, Ian - one for you to visit during one of the school winter holidays, for sure - absolute perfection 💯🤩

[@steveeglintine]

That was awesome

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers Steve 🙏 - that’s incredible of you to say so 💯 Masca is on another level isn’t it 🤩

[@tonystrange7224]

Another cracking non training camp video Phill. Wonderful vistas and amazing climbs to test the legs. Wonderful to also see Jayne enjoying the riding as well on the whole and so able to also taking in and see the amazing vistas.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Tony 🙏 - and sorry for the delay in my reply - super busy at work the last 2 days 🥵 Loved the island, and Masca was on another level - plus amazing for Jayne to experience it with me. I very much recommend this for a family holiday and a little exploration 💯👍

[@Spikey_Mikey]

I've been ro Tenerife 6 times but only ever to Las Americas and Costa Adeje( Which I love) But never knew Tenerife had such switchbacks hidding in the mountains 🥰 Some ride that Phil 👌

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

And Masca is super easy to get to by going north up the Adeje coast, Michael (I stayed there also). For sure - next time you go to Tenerife, check it out. Really really wonderful part of the world - jaw dropping beauty 🤩

[@Spikey_Mikey]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy I've just checked and I can see some of the climbs you did from Costa Adeje now after checking the maps 😁 I will have to take a closer look at your strava route now I understand the area better 😀 👍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@Spikey_Mikey you won’t regret it Michael 💯

[@TrainDriverRob]

Blimey, it’s nearly seven years since I last went to Tenerife, your vlog has reminded me how great it is! Keep up the great work, I’m loving all the positivity from your channel 👌

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

As always, your support is massively appreciated, Rob 🙏 - and for sure, the roads are super smooth (I hears that this wasn’t always the case), and whether Teide or Masca, Island is well worth a revisit 💯 I’ll be back for sure 👍

[@nickbrownbill3413]

Absolutely stunning climb that, the sheer enormity of the gorge you look out over was incredible! Thanks for sharing this with us Phill. That salad at the end looks like my dream meal too, cannot beat excellent fresh fruit and veg.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Both Masca and Teide provided terrain and views unlike any I’ve experienced - an absolute joy to explore - and highly recommended, Nick 💯🤩 I ate that salad for lunch 10x over 11 days (they were closed on the Tuesday) - and it was next level every time 😋

[@TheDoctorhuw]

Just Beautiful. Thank you Phil.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Our pleasure, Huw 💯 and thanks ever so much 🙏. Fair to say that Tenerife surpassed all my expectations - a beautiful contrast to the beautiful UK 🤩. Hope you are making progress on the health front ?

[@leedixon2113]

I've always disliked Sunday evenings, now I actually look forwards to and love them! Thanks Phill for another great video.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thats made our evening Lee 💯😊 - its super motivating for us to be able to entertain (and only just got this one out tonight - the edit was right to the wire 🥵). I have a testing video for next weekend (filmed yesterday) - and was super super interesting from a training and riding perspective

[@agnesrosalinde]

Beautiful video's Phill and Jayne. This week and last week (as usual) What a place to cycle!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

As ever, massive thanks for your amazing positive energy and support, Agnes 🙏 - yep, we adored our time in Tenerife - and Masca was for me the highlight 🤩. Hope you are keeping well - I see the training progressing nicely 👍

[@gerrybarnes9999]

Look at you enjoying the world. So want to be there... loving you new experience content. 💪💪💪

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Gerry 🙏 - really appreciate you saying that 💯. Certainly, through cycling, I’ve really re-discovered a love of exploring the countryside, hills and when possible the mountains. It’s been a revelation - the ability to cover so much distance and yet remain in the nature - plus combine exercise and a few digs on the steep stuff, with pottering and enjoying the moment. Should really call the Chanel Cyclo Tourism Without Mercy 🤣

[@AtakanCOBAN54]

Wowvvv,wowv wowvv Phil :)) Awesome dude, absolutely awesome... First of all the route was perfect, and the climbs were legendary dear mate. The view was great. I was amazed by the whole video. By the way, all camera recordings were very professionally Phil, congratulations. Also jane congratulations to you my sister, even if it's an e-bike, you rode with phil... The important thing is that you are there for him and support him. You both are great my friends. From Türkiye with hello. See you new awesome videos Phil. Have fun.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Greetings to beautiful Turkey, Atakan 💯💙 - and as ever Jayne and I massively appreciate your legendary comments and support, Sir . Tenerife is for sure the Island that keeps on delivering - makes the filming super easy - absolutely adored it 🤩. Jayne appreciates the kudos on her e-bike antics - and for sure I’m very very lucky to have her support 💯

[@DavidRaynham85]

Wow, that was incredibly picturesque. Good work Phill & Jayne 👌🏻

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much David🙏 - as a photographic connoisseur yourself, thats an amazing compliment ! 💯

[@plantbasedethos5726]

Its really beautiful, can´t wait to ride in Tenerife again, really miss those views. Great video good job thanks

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I’ve really missed it since getting back to London, PBE (love your name) - and fully agree, it’s a beautiful Island to explore, and for me Masca was the highlight 🤩

[@user-fk8rb8ue5h]

Another brilliant video, thanks for sharing.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

As always, thanks ever so much for your kind support, Dennis 🙏 - as you can see, I adored Tenerife 🤩

[@brianlathan2465]

BRWM , some of the best cycling content on KZbin , this “not a training camp “ video 😂 looks amazing for climbs , bet it’s well worth the pain to experience those views , well done Phil & Jane 👍🚴

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

That’s beyond kind of you Brian 🙏😊 - and promise…it was a holiday…… ish… sort of 🤣 This was a big ride for me, but the quality of the roads, amazing scenery and Masca aside nice low and even gradients make the km’s tick by pretty fast. Plus learnt my lesson on the fuelling ! And well well well worth the effort to experience the magnificence 🤩

[@brianlathan2465]

All the best keep up with the great content 👍

[@jeromemariaud1856]

Beautiful "holidays" Phill! and it looks like you overtook many cyclist during the climbs!!!😂

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thats ever so much Jerome 🙏 and promise.. it was a petit … holiday…ish….training camp 🤣 And goes without saying that I was passed by some very fine riders too ! But only saw a few pros out - going the other way 👍

[@TheSimong69]

thankyou for making me feel alive.. what a great vlog. thankyou guys xxxxx

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thank you ever so much for the wonderful and uplifting comment, Simon 🙏 We hugely appreciate your support - and it’s our pleasure to make these videos 💯 Certainly wishing you many adventures this year 👍🤩

[@TopCat----00]

Epic Phill , again your making Tenerife look so good . The island that keeps giving vistas 🗻

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much for the Masca tip, Tony 🙏 - it surpassed all my expectations - absolutely sublime. And for sure it’s the Island that keeps on giving and giving - desperate to get back already 🤞

[@oliversimpson7506]

Outstanding as always Phil

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thats massively appreciated, thanks Oliver 🙏 - we loved filming and editing this one - and as you can see adored Tenerife - with Masca being my personal high point 🤩

[@IanB17]

The climbers certainly get the vistas round there Phill, what a place to ride 🙏🏻 Hope you both enjoyed your “holiday” 🤔😂

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

To the Climbers the Tenerife spoils of vistas, Baraquitta’s and sensational salads 💪💯🤩 Thanks ever so much Ian - and fair to say we both very much enjoyed the …. Holiday…ish…..not quite…. Sort of…a training camp 🤣

[@SILVERSNOWMAN72]

Awesome content Phill! I went to Tenerife when I was a lad (Club 18-30s!!) needless to say I don't remember much of the scenery only the bars.......must mean I have to go back with the wife and kids for a not a cycling camp!!!!! Cheers Phill and Jane...epic....loved it!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Club 18-30!! There’s a blast from the past Wayne 🤣 I went on something similar …. but wasn’t really a party animal 😅 And for sure - I reckon its a great family holiday… and if you were to sneak out at 8am for a few hours… well… you’d be back in time for sun loungers and medals 🥇 - hope your weekend was good 👍

[@yosoypatrick]

Great video Phill, and brilliant camera work Jane, I was in Tenerife 5 years ago this month but didn't quite make it to Masca unfortunately. All the more reason to return!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Patrick 🙏 - we really appreciate you saying that. I too will be back out there in the future - and for sure, when you next visit the Masca region is an absolute must 🤩

[@WesNG]

Stunning! But there was some kind of a fraud joker on the leaderboards of the Masca climb (a 40+ rider, Gunther something, that did it faster by more than 4 mins than Kwiatek and van Aert, at 15:45). Also, quite a nice Wilier there! Locally rented one?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Wes - hope all good! Yes was a rented Wilier, and very 👌 And for sure any 40 year old purporting to take 4mins out the pros on that climb is not legit 💯😅

[@joachimweller9574]

Nice landscape,but hard climbs 👊👌

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Joachim 🙏 . The Los Gigantes climb and one up to Masca from Buenavista were long, but pretty good - nice even sub 7% gradient. But Masca and the ups and downs in the ravine, were proper ..proper tough 🥵

[@JoSantino147]

"And its a long way back up. About 1000m of climbing, then a little descent... and then we get to the hard part" ahaha

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

😅 It sure is a long way back Joao !! And when you hit the bottom of the main Masca climb from that direction… it looks like a wall 🥵 - but absolutely epic 🤩

[@tommyblake2955]

it's definitely not a training camp... charting a big grand fondo training ride in 10s of each other🤣looks amazing Phill, absolutely stunning riding and a good shift put in there by yourself for sure!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Tommy - thats amazing of you to say so 🙏 - was a big ride for me, and was super happy with the pacing and fitness (it always takes me a while to get in the swing of things). I definitely recommend Tenerife - all the climbs were amazing, but Masca was on another level 💯

[@BehindtheKOM]

14:16 I know this feeling haha

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

😁 Up up up indeed Scott 💪

[@BehindtheKOM]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy poor sod… next time do a couple of hard breaths going past him 😂😂😂💪

[@GiorgioCoppolaCycling]

I'm not sure I believe you that this is not a training camp 😂 amazing as ever Phil!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Scout’s honour Giorgio …. Sort of …. 🤣

[@MrUsji]

Hey Phil, first of all I wanted to say thank you for the amazing videos and training techniques you share with us. You've definitely earn a subscriber. I had a few question I wanted to ask if you don't mind. In your video about base training (Building base fitness & tempo endurance for cyclist on a time budget) you did your rest days on Mondays and Thursdays and the trainings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. 1. Were you doing 2.5 hours @ 55% on Saturdays and Sundays? 2. How many weeks/months were you on this phase of building your base? (I'm following the same training to build my base and I'm on week 5 at the moment) 3. Would you increase the intensity (ftp) every month? Let's say you started at 210 then to 220 etc or would you keep it consistent for the whole base building period? Once again thank you for everything Phil

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Mr Usji 🙏 - thats very much appreciated, Sir 💯 Yes - I tend to rest Monday and Thursday - and train on all the other days. For the endurance I tend to aim for 70-75% of FTP and build up the distance / time in the saddle as opposed the volume. E.g. Tuesday Strength then 1.0 hours either endurance or some VO2 Max; Wednesday 1.5hours endurance; Friday Strength and 1.0hours endurance; Saturday Zwift Race or VO2 Max and then 1.0hours endurance; and Sunday 2hours rising to as much as 4hours endurance. You will find that as you get a month in, your fitness will improve, and endurance at say 210W will naturally turn into endurance at 220W 👍

[@bazanderson8283]

Looks stunning, definitely jealous being here in cold and rainy old blighty! And funnily enough I never get a 50/50 power balance either its always 49/51 or 48/52 but apparently this is normal so your not alone!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks for the heads up on your own L:R balance frustrations, Daz 🙏 Oddly enough the only time I got 50:50 was on the first climb from Chio to Teide - with super even gradient . Yep - it was back to earth with a cold and wet bump … and South Wales beckons this Saturday, which looks likely to be …. Errr cold and wet 🤣

[@iancarson8614]

super stuff phil. now that you are an experienced cyclo tourist, i'd love a video on your tips, tricks and pitfalls for the budding foreign pedaller!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Ian 🙏 and hope all good for you Sir! As it happens I’ve been jotting down notes on some of the lessons / tips I’ve learned along the way to make the most of it plus things to avoid. Given my schedule, it will likely be 2 or 3 weeks before I can film it - but great idea and nudge - much appreciated 👍

[@iancarson8614]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy cheers phil. we are hoping to head to girona, spain in september. it looks like a cycling paradise and we can't wait!

[@gaz5eeeee]

Loved Tenerife already Phill… you’ve just made it even more loveable, hidden gem roads… need to get there!! Has Jayne gone brunette??

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Gaz 🙏 - and I too fell in love with Tenerife 💯 - was super grateful to Tony and Paul for guiding me in the direction of Masca, definitely one for you to explore when you are next back out🤩 Jayne remains blond - but her hair did look a tad darker in the vid…. Not sure why

[@markbentley4343]

Fantastic stuff Phil. Masca is great eh! A true lost world. I couldn’t believe the place when I was there - glad you were equally gobsmacked. If you visit Tenerife again, try Puerto de la Cruz in the north. Very lush too - it’s where they grow all the produce - and the climb to Teide from there is really tough - it’s up all the way to the cable car station

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks Mark 🙏 - and agreed, gobsmacked is the word 🤩 - on another level 👌 Really appreciate the tip - and I had wandered about what the route was like from the other side - looks super long, and very much one I’d like to do. Am also guessing there are amazing views of the volcano as you ascend - as from Chio 👍

[@markbentley4343]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Yeah Phil, super long because there really isn't any respite. The easily accessible northeast corner of the island is also great. Take the climb up the TF12 from the coastal town of San Andres Santa Cruz

[@markbentley4343]

Then you have a choice of other dead-end climbs from the top down to the sea on the other side (very steep).

[@aoe76]

New Camera ? Have You used filters.. keep up and thank You for the inspiration.. love it

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Alex - no new camera or filter, I was using the GoPro on standard wide. But on the day with Jayne filming, there was quite a lot of dust in the air, that took a bit of the clarity out of the film. I understand the Island gets about 20 days a year of this. And thanks ever so much - we love making the vids, and so pleased you enjoyed it - and for sure Masca is highly recommended 💯

[@ciarsz]

Another great video folks thanks , Can i ask what App you use that shows the stats on screen on your video that start around the minute mark onwards ,Thanks ,OH and what gearing are you using 50/34 -11 28?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Much appreciated Ciaran 🙏 - we use VIRB software to take the power from the Bolt fit file and match up with the map and go-pro film position. I was riding a hire bike that had a compact on the front and a 32 on the back - was perfect - albeit was out the saddle in the smallest gear for the steepest bits of Masca 😅

[@ciarsz]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Super thanks for the info

[@TheDomLouis]

😍😍

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Thanks ever so much Dominique 🙏- all kinds of magnificence 🤩

[@steeptachanka2867]

Hey Phil, did you ride the Anaga mountains in the north east whilst you’re there

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Steep - I’m afraid I didn’t, but am keen to get back out to continue to explore. Do you recommend?

[@shaunedwards4362]

So jealous Phil

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

🤣 Shaun - and for sure, I’ve had to deal with the withdrawal symptoms of being back in the cold and rain 😅. Hope you continue to heal up well, Sir 👍

[@heikkisanelma6625]

ALso there is very good places to rent good quality road bikes to enjoy the el teide climbs... must be one of the best places to ride bikes...

[@heikkisanelma6625]

it was especially fun to empty the tank on my third climb to mt teide crest with 5 by 5min at and above threshold and then bonk on the 2000m elevation Z2 ride :D thank god the last 30min is just downhill coming home from the mountain... had to say i shed few tears at the way back to the crest from the bottom of mountain valley.... :D

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Agreed Heikki - its a sensational place to enjoy riding - and indeed I found the relentless nature of the climb challenging. The first climb on my own I didnt eat breakfast and basically bonked not far after Vilaflor - definitely will be back 💯👌

[@heikkisanelma6625]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy I sincerely recommend the churro Cafe at the Vilaflor! It can be game saver! Its bbesically on top of the village when going up the road to top fo teide :)

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@heikkisanelma6625 cheers - next time for sure 👌

[@theademerckxfiles9967]

Epic epic stuff...Thanks Phil I loved Tenerife too. I need to go again. Did Jane enjoy herself? Who was the better descender?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Hi Toks! Hope all well Sir 💯 Tenerife surpassed all my expectations - and for sure, I’ll also be back out . Jayne loved it - the hotel on the Adeje coast was really nice, plus she came out on 3 rides - which was about her limit for the little adventures 👍. Her e-bike, complete with shopping rack, would descend like a rock… but I think I managed to edge it on the driving Miss Daisy descending skills 🤣

[@theademerckxfiles9967]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy Good to hear! Good luck on the next training camp 😉. That FTP must be growing nicely 👊🏽

[@OldGreyPunk]

Not jealous at all Phill.......... One thing which is causing increasing (and irrational) irritation though, when did hairpin bends become switchbacks? As far as I'm concerned switchbacks are where the road undulates up and down dramatically, and hairpins are when the road bends back on itself. So if hairpins are now switchbacks, what are switchbacks called now?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

Cheers OldGrey Punk🙏 - and tonight I’ve learned something new. I’d no idea that a switchback was different to a hairpin! And for sure on your definition, it should be hairpin heaven in the title 💯😊

[@OldGreyPunk]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy maybe I'm just showing my age, I also go by the moniker of old grey grump! :-)

[@OldGreyPunk]

And being a nerd I just looked it up, and according to Wikipedia: "A hairpin turn is a bend in a road with a very acute inner angle, making it necessary for an oncoming vehicle to turn about 180° to continue on the road. It is named for its resemblance to a bent metal hairpin. Such turns may be called switchbacks in American English, by analogy with switchback railways. In British English "switchback" is more likely to refer to a heavily undulating road-a use extended from the rollercoaster and other types of switchback railway." So that explains it, it's the Americans fault!!!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@OldGreyPunk 🤣 - very funny !

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@OldGreyPunk ahhh the pesky American misuse of the term ! Thanks for clarifying 🙏

[@foundfoundfound1]

it’s much better, and a more enjoyable experience, to shovel in fresh fruit & vegetables than slough off ‘loadsamoney’ on synthetic alternatives like athletic greens.

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I couldn’t agree more FFF ! 💯 Believe it or not I enjoyed that exact salad so much I ate it 10 days in a row for lunch 🤣. But super filling and rammed full of nutrients. I didn’t bother with the green supplement when away, but the one I use is organic, and is a quick extra supplement to the diet - which remains high in veg (albeit not quite as enticing) when in the UK! And forgot to answer your Strava - is there a possibility of getting me on the Lake District triathlon? …… I quite fancy a crack at a fell run… but not the swimming 👍

[@foundfoundfound1]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy where is loadsamoney now? has anyone seen him? living somewhere in essex in garish splendour, i suppose?

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@foundfoundfound1 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Harry Enfield is getting on a bit now - but yep - rich !