Pico de las Nieves (Gran Canaria) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

Only 100km west of Morocco, Gran Canaria is often overlooked in favour of its big brother Tenerife, but dig a little deeper and you soon discover an island of diversity, wonder and pure magnificence. From golden sand dunes and endless beaches in the south to a complete diversity of landscapes, vegetation, intricate roads and breath taking views across the island. I first visited back in the late 90’s and immediately felt something special. The smell of pine and eucalyptus still brings back vivid memories of exploring every nook as a young pup on the bike, but don’t for a moment drop your guard. This is a hard island, one for the climbers and grinders for sure, so let’s get this party started!
Although there are a multitude of routes up to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island, many base themselves in and around Maspalomas. This is where it’s the sunniest so perfect for post ride recovery although (confession time) I’ve only had a fleeting glance at the beach in all my visits, my eyes are normally firmly fixed on the big peaks to the north.
Often a climb in excess of 40km can be a daunting prospect. The trick here is to think of it as a journey, breaking it down into smaller sections. In that respect the climb up to Pico, (starting on the GC60) is kind, often giving you a short descent just when you need it to recover and enjoy the view. Use all of these opportunities wisely as no sooner have you had a breather then BOOM(!) the gradient kicks back in and it’s time to find your rhythm for another round of switchbacks.
With around 11km to go you hook a sharp right hander at Ayacata to join the GC600. If you (or your bike) need a break then take five at one of many Free Motion Bike Stops on the island. You’re about to hit the hardest part of the climb as the gradient cruelly bites at your quads and calves like a wild dog (which in percentages translates to 15 on the wild dog bite-o-meter! Woof-woof!) It’s at this point that you really need to dig deep, the island’s most significant landmark is just around the corner and what a marvel it is. A 90 metre high monolith of volcanic rock formed over 4.5 million years ago, Roque Nublo (Rock in the Clouds) once served as a holy monument, a pillar of heaven and a ritual place for natives to sacrifice to the sun-god……and if that wasn’t enough it looks freakin’ cool so try not to pass out before this point ;-)
As Pico’s dome shaped radar comes into view you’ve now got another landmark to lock your superman eye lasers onto all the way to the top. Suddenly, today, it turned into a race against the sun. Second confession of the ride, I spent waaaay too long gawping at the views on the way up that time was slipping on by un-noticed. Don’t make the same mistake if you have to get all the way back down as well!
So my lack of time keeping actually worked in our favour. They say that Africa has the best sunsets in all of the world and being so close to the continent I’m not going to argue with that. As I climbed above the clouds and rounded the final bend up to 1,949 metres altitude the rich glow of the final light of the day reminded me exactly why I ride a bike. Silhouetted mountain peaks and Tenerife’s Mount Teide at peace in the distance. What a phenomenal ride, one that I will cherish for life.
Start: Maspalomas
Length: 44km
Summit: 1,949m
Elevation gain: 2,278m
Average gradient: 4.7%
Max gradient: 15%
Ridden in February
Special thanks to FREE MOTION for their help and support. These guys really know how to look after you offering top notch bike rental, guided rides and island expertise. If you’re planning a holiday to the Canary Islands then check them out at www.FREE-MOTION...
Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Lezyne, MyPower by InfoCrank, Muc Off, The Sufferfest, TORQ and USE for enabling us to bring these truly special mountains to life for you all. If you're in need of new bike kit in the future and you enjoyed this video then bear them in mind and help keep the wheels turning :-)
For more help and advice visit our website at thecolcollectiv..., become part of our col community and sign up for our free newsletter for monthly updates. And if you fancy riding with us then we'll be hosting a small number of cycling experiences in the Pyrenees in the summer. Details available at thecolcollectiv....
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Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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[@smeaty100]

its a beautiful ride! I made to San Bartholome, then back through Santa Lucia. Not bad for an old man 62yrs........awesome ride!

[@Rich-rp9xy]

i went for the first time to Gran Canaria, tried cycling route Pico de las Nieves, despite being amateur cyclists. Had lots of difficulties, i went by walk lots of times, but i didnt gave up and the effort was worth it! Now i see why people recommend cycling in Canaria. I will try next year but i will definitely prepare myself better for this one. I had lots of battle with the wind.

[@nathanmuller6680]

I never heard of that climb before, but that's also the beauty of the Col Collective : discovering many new magnificent climbs! great video again Mike, thanks for the inspiration!

[@alanbishop8708]

I was there last April May and cycled up to Roque Nublo from Puerto Rico and back down. I am there again February 27th... Cycling up to Pico from maspalomas and dropping down other side of island to Galdar.... Then touring the island for a few days eventually getting back to maspalomas. Great video.

[@mucherek]

Yeah, the day I rode it for the first time we went from 28C in Maspalomas to 8C at the top. And then my buddy snapped chis chain right at the pico, I was shivering for the first couple of miles on the downhill.

[@thomasclarke427]

Another brilliant video! G.C is an amazing place. Ive driven down gc60 to roque nublo and its no easy road

[@peter_smyth]

The roads in The Canaries look so smooth and perfect, a far cry from home in the UK.

[@larsduque9191]

Thick asphalt

[@S9999Frank]

On the higher part of this climb the asphalt is actually quite bad. But in the beginning it is very smooth indeed !

[@cameronsmith3966]

Another nice piece from the "col" crew. Mike tearing up the pitches with that distance. Fun to watch

[@normandrobert62]

I have been eyeing this climb for more than a year now on Google Map. So happy to see a report on it. I want to do it even more now. Thank you!

[@normandrobert62]

Yes I have watching this mountain weather station on a nearby Island: www.not.iac.es/weather/

[@asaasad6766]

its very much worth it - tho really keep eye on the weather, 20degrees and sun in maspalomas and 6 degrees on top heavy rain might be very unpleasant surprise - yr has direct link www.yr.no/place/Spain/Canary_Islands/Pico_de_las_Nieves/

[@lukestockton7348]

was absolutely epic on Saturday and even saw a pro rider coming down. the roads are so smooth for the majority and this is a real gem alongside serenity and Soria. The GCN epic ride is definitely worth a ride. Beautiful island amazing for cycling. Free motion were excellent as well.Thanks Mike

[@ricardocastro8117]

I know that place and the way you describe that, the way you show us climbing on bike! Perfect, sorry my bad English but the only thing I can say is keep going!

[@MikeCotty]

Ricardo Castro thank you kindly.

[@cyclingmrc]

Thanks for shooting and posting this video. I watched it many times before I finally got to ride in your tyre tracks and tick off one of my biggest things on my bucket list. Two weeks ago in mid 30*C I made it to the top in just over 3 hours, well chuffed. The views were incredible. Thanks again

[@TheColCollective]

Legend! Very well done Martin!

[@uwet716]

I will be there end of March, can't wait to get there

[@cyclingscientist]

What a great video, Mike rocks!

[@leftymadrid]

Mike you are one fit cyclist!!!!!! 36-25 gearing too, geez that's a monster climb! This channel is so well put together, the rider ( Mike), the people who shoot the videos and editing is just fabulous really!!

[@Guoenyi]

Nice timing to catch the beautiful sunset!

[@TheColCollective]

We were super lucky to have the sun set like that. Amazing end to the day! :-)

[@brianhansen8574]

Awesome vids again thats one more for my bucket list hehe, keep them coming Mike :0)

[@ashleywebb1835]

Gave this a whirl last week, it is a great climb, took me about 4 and a bit hours to get up as I’m a plodder. The road surface is a lot rougher after San Bartolomé which was a bit of a pain. I was lucky enough not to have clouds so the view of the north part of the island was brilliant. Ditto from the top.

[@finbarrohalloran6907]

Very inspiring 10 min clip and beautifully shot! Chapeau!

[@MikeCotty]

Finbarr O'Halloran Thank you for your appreciation. Ride safe. Mike

[@budikeshop]

Hi Mike, we have also great climbs in Czech Republic :) Lysá Hora, Praděd :)

[@edwarddenheijer1292]

I just returned from my holiday on Gran Canaria. My third year riding there. You can make so many great rides on Gran Canaria, it's Cycling Paradise. I climbed Pico twice this year, but also made a ride around the island twice. Your video is great. It shows the beauty of climbing on G.C. Not many riders around though in your video, but I think you started late on the day. Most people start in the morning to get back in time. I rent my bike at Bike 10mil. The owner is a great guy and a fanatic rider himself. He knows all the routes on the island. Definitely recommended to visit G.C. for cycling and fun.

[@geoffreyhughes9979]

As always Mike, a perfect video.Well Done !.....

[@xriz8409]

done it myself several times... its really cool from sea level to the mountain. apart from short steep sections its big fun for an average rider :)

[@markavogler]

Thanks Mike. This video bought back a lot happy memories from my recent trip to Gran Canaria. you made it look easy with a 25 cassette on the back 😱

[@MikeCotty]

Mark Vogler must've had my poker face on 😐

[@ricodeguzman5338]

looks like a pretty HOT route. Beautiful no doubt, but if I get a chance to do this ride, I'll definitely get an early start. :)

[@ipad.unknown]

Great video & audio production. Your videos are like watching a documentary. Very enjoyable and inspiring.

[@SpencerEvans1]

I did this climb a couple weeks ago, it's great

[@ruben6924]

I will go there in 3 weeks, thanks for the amazing video and tips!

[@MikeCotty]

ruben6924 you are going to love it!!!

[@davidmcilvenna3710]

Hi Mike! That was a brilliant video... Thank you! I was in GC last week.. We climbed up Pico from Maspalomas-Puerto Mogan-up the Tauropass- across to Ayacata & left up to Pico. We bumped into some Trek Segafedo pros up there... Then we descended via San Bartolome & Faraga: is epic! My mate was out with Free Motion & they met Fabien Cancellara on the Soria climb! Thanks again! Oh yea... I had a bad throat infection & was on heavy antibiotics for the week i was down in GC... Still had to climb up to Pico!

[@MikeCotty]

David McIlvenna it's such an incredible island! Hope you're fighting for again now!

[@davidmcilvenna3710]

+Mike Cotty hey Mike! Thanks for getting back to me! I think GC is my favourite Canary Island for road biking... Lanza & Fuerta are too windy & Tenerife is mostly up Teide or down Teide! Do you work in the bike industry? Did you ride professionally ? Another great place for cycling is around Nice: Col de La Madone etc & of course Mallorca....

[@davidmcilvenna3710]

+David McIlvenna i am much better thank you....! What is it about getting sick, when you go on holidays!

[@alcek2004]

Incredible video, I've discover your channel today, I'm hoping to see the rest of they!!

[@javisoto8980]

Mike, congrats. You made ti again. Impresive climb.gonna try it. It Was already time for Spain. Go for Angliru and Sierra Nevada (higuest road in europe). Again congrats.

[@MikeCotty]

javi soto both are on my list, hopefully can ride them one day!

[@fabiangq]

Thanks for the rides Mike, and to all your team! I am spanish and haven't visited Canary Islands yet, this and Mt Teide have given me the final push to go for a couple or three rides there... Keep it up, excellent work!!

[@kohjun7634]

Another awesome video!! Thank you Mike.. ^^

[@MikeCotty]

Koh Jun you are very welcome, thank you for watching. M

[@mattbrooker4679]

Mike - thanks for the inspiration!! Just got back from riding the Pico de las Nieves and it was amazing. Super tough though!

[@noch21Gramm]

epic ride

[@Pinarelloi]

A fantastic video Mike, thank's very much for sharing. Professionally done and very inspirational. You have a lovely pedalling style on the bike. I've only ever cycled up Serenity and Soria climbs in Gran Canaria, but would love to try Pico de las Nieves, the next time I visit.

[@raiklaub975]

been often on Pico, had temperature from 4°C till 36°C (while regular temperature at sea level). Once there was little snow in march on top of Pico - melting. Wheather can change rapidly from warm to wind/rain/cold and vice versa. Often you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a cloud. So take care, it can always be a surprise. I had winds suddenly throwing me and my bike in the crash barrier with a gaping abyss behind. Sometimes little rocks fall down from mountaintops at the street, esp. on the road from Tejeda to Artenara (anyway a "must-drive"!) but mostly when you have storm or rain. It's a paradise but it can be dangerous - so be prepared.

[@paultheworldking]

I love GC ridden some of that route but not all the way to the top. Will give it a go this summer if I can get away from the family all day:) your making me jealous!

[@MikeCotty]

Paul Appleyard good luck Paul!!

[@BikeBodyMind]

wow, look amazing!

[@janjasiewicz9851]

great vid! made my day! thanks Mike for doing these

[@MikeCotty]

Jan Jasiewicz you are very welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@massspike]

I just bought a new laptop that can display HD video on my monitor in full screen mode...I hadn't realized what I had been missing until this video...thanks.

[@MikeCotty]

Mike Williams go, go, HD!!!

[@davekealaher9844]

A mesmerising video, did the ride back in October but not quite to the top as followed a route I had back down another way. Anyone know what the music is on the last part by the peak as really gets inside your head, ----- so inspirational

[@jorgeacosta2431]

Mike cuando quieras. Vienes a Colombia acá hay puertos de doble dígito que llegan a los 3000 y 3500 mt

[@andresvazquez4960]

Tienes que hacer los míticos de la Vuelta a España: Angliru, Ancares, Camperona, Farrapona...

[@andresvazquez4960]

Lagos de Covadonga

[@Charles_on_the_Line]

great as usual @mikecotty

[@ohhFura]

Actually, the finish was timed perfectly: you got to see the sunset from the most beautiful place of the island!

[@MikeCotty]

Jeroen we we're very luck to arrive with the sun setting. Simply magnificent.

[@melanogaster2969]

Just recognised that you are driving more seated now 👍😅

[@RixterNow]

Lenard Kre maybe Mike was trying to be more aero because of the wind

[@MikeCotty]

Lenard Kre Ha, yeah the wind can be a challenge. Gotta keep low!

[@SiopaoSauc3]

Yah, he was even in the drops for a little bit there.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

... you don't "drive" a bike, you ride it.

[@bornagainroadie]

Mike, you don't wear cycling gloves> how come? Sorry if you've been asked this before! Love your work with Mavic. You are the man!

[@TheColCollective]

Hi Bill, no real reason I just prefer the feeling without them. Thanks for your support. Ride safe, Mike

[@johnnyboy4711]

I would say that island would put manners on ya

[@Ledomestique]

Owesome !!! congrats, we more videos like this!!! Very instructive!!!

[@MikeCotty]

Cristian hamed loads more coming :-)

[@vacardencarmar6126]

excelente

[@lason999]

Hey Mike, I'd done the Pico 2 days before you posted the video :) Very nice climb. Have you tried the Valley of the Tears while on GC? This one is a real challenge :)

[@MikeCotty]

Wojtek Lasoń Great timing! Yep, I've done the VOTT a few times and it really is an absolute MONSTER! The worst was in the dark, seriously thought I'd bitten off way more than I could chew that time!

[@lason999]

Wow, I can hardly imagine doing it in the dark. It must be seriously depressing on these over 20% ramps. My problem was that I didn't feel the cold until I reached the top where was 6 degrees celsius. With no jacket or even a long sleeve...

[@sharifb507]

Amazing video! wow a dream to ride this route!

[@louiswassong211]

Another fantastic journey! I noticed you did not wear cycling gloves for this ride. Do you normally not wear gloves for summer or hot rides?

[@MikeCotty]

Louis Wassong Good question. Personally I don't really wear gloves in the summer. I feel more comfortable without them. In the winter yes but not summer. Thanks for watching. Mike

[@PedroLopez-xr7zd]

Riders should also consider to try La Gomera and La Palma roads, if they like to climb, they're not famous but they're legs destroyers.

[@Xesteiras]

Hi Mike! You've ridden this climb in february. I assume it's doable all year round, right? I will be in Maspalomas in december and hopefully can ride both Pico de Las Nieves from Ingenio and Valley Of The Tears.

[@RixterNow]

Quite different. What was the temperature like Mike? Couldn't imagine riding in +40° weather.

[@MikeCotty]

Rixter it was around 20 degrees but by the summit as the sun set it was pretty darn chilly so be prepared!

[@ZCZako]

How long does this take to ride Mike? Incredible video as ever!

[@asaasad6766]

according to this strava segment anything between 2h:20 and 6hours - up to you to test :) www.strava.com/segments/3315787

[@JensFredeRasmussen]

Going up that next June. Gotta start really early to avoid heat. Is the road as quiet as it looks or is there tourist busses going up there?

[@MikeCotty]

Jens Frede Rasmussen You've got a good plan, start super early to avoid the heat (especially in June). There are some tourist buses so the early start will help you avoid these. I'm my experience the road has been a pleasure to ride. Good luck!!

[@leedorney]

Those roads are soo idylic - also has Mike changed his position ?

[@MikeCotty]

lee anthony dorney position should be the same, it's a newer EVO than some of the previous videos but in the whole set up is similar.

[@pkelly20091]

im a 45 year old guy weighing around 75 kilos. In the UK, i go on 3 hour cycles, and I can sustain an average of around 140 watts without going into the red. The routes I go on are not hilly. With the right gearing, would I have any chance of climbing to the summit of Pico de La Nieves without actually having to get off and walk up some of the steeper parts ?

[@TheColCollective]

With the right gearing I'd say that there is every chance you'll be able to conquer Pico! The main thing on a climb like this is to pace yourself, use the easier sections to recover, maybe stop to refuel at Ayacata before the second half and (most importantly) enjoy the ride! It's such a beauty. Putting the physical element to one side often it's being mentally strong that will get you to the top. Having the right mindset and will power is more important than pure horsepower in my opinion. Let me know how you go! Good luck! Mike

[@markavogler]

If you have a bike with a compact chainset & a 32 tooth cassette & you should be ok. (Free motion if you need to hire) They do a guided ride with a lunch stop in Ayacata that might help. It really is a beautiful ride if you decide to go for it

[@biking261]

You can see the 'Golf Ball' from waaayyy down the climb

[@kovacvisuals]

Las Palmas or Maspalomas?

[@gokhanugurr]

fantastic Mike what is your drinking climb?

[@mpaterflight]

Why there isn't any traffic when you film these vids ?

[@MikeCotty]

mpaterflight Col Collective magic ;-)

[@lukestockton7348]

Majorca at some point?

[@TheColCollective]

Where there's a climb there's a video to be made so never say never :-)

[@zoso73]

Aboard a Cannondale SuperSix EVO.

[@cyclinginslovakia1906]

Definitely dont try climbing this insane mountain on a hot summer day with temperatures 35°C+. The rocks radiate enough heat to make you feel like a pancake on a frying pan. For this reason the temperature could get even hotter than at sea level. I tried to do the climb without realizing the consequences of the heat and had to turn around halfway through in San Bartolome suffering like never before. At one exact moment, the thermometer showed 45°C!

[@asaasad6766]

good reason to enjoy this beauty in march/april

[@alexmorgan3435]

Too much use of slow motion shots is really irritating.

[@TheColCollective]

That was me in real time, it's a hard climb!! ;-)

[@vacardencarmar6126]

excelente