eMTB Route: Ascent to the Virgen de la Cabeza

E-MTB ride to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cabeza in the heart of the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Distance: 65 km.
• Elevation gain +: 1,400 m.
• Refreshments: It's recommended to bring water and food for the route. You can refill your supplies at:
  • km 30: in the bars of the Sanctuary
  • km 50: in Andújar
• More info: It's important to measure the battery life or carry a spare battery or extend it as there is no charging or collection point.

Departing from Marmolejo towards the Marmolejo Spa, we cross the San Bartolomé Bridge and from this point enter the foothills of the Sierra Moreno Mountains.

After just over 11 km of climbing along a wide track, with a gradient of 4% and with hardly any car traffic, we enter the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park and until we reach the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cabeza, about 36 km from the start, we will cross farms through small and fun trails and tracks without leaving the livestock route and GR-48.

Once at the Sanctuary, and having entered to see "la Morenita" (for those who wish), we will head towards Andújar through the famous Caracolillos, a rocky descent with a medium-high technical level in some areas until we reach the Jándula River, a famous tributary of the Guadalquivir for its beauty, a paradise for the Iberian lynx.

Climbing the very steep slope of El Madroño, you would reach the pilgrim's statue and viewpoint, which is a must-visit and you should take a photo for its uniqueness.

Very close to it is the hermitage of San Ginés, the starting point for the second most fun descent of the route, the horse ride.

After completing this descent along very fast trails, we will arrive at Andújar and from there, we will head back to Marmolejo.

For much of the ride, you'll enjoy the same route followed in the legendary stage of the Andalucía Bike Race.