9-day tour for serious cyclists
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Tour price: from £1695 per person*
*based on a group of 4
Even though the ride distances may not be as long as some of your longer rides at home, this itinerary will test your endurance as you get a taste of the training grounds for Ethiopia’s top cyclists. The route takes in four of the toughest climbs in Ethiopia. It also includes the 127km ride from Adigrat to Axum which Richard rode with Cyclist magazine editor Pete Muir for The Big Ride featured in May 2017. The second half of the route heads south to Maychew and takes you over the 3,050m peak at Imbalage.
Itinerary: 9 days in Ethiopia | 7 days cycling | Total distance 850km
We aim to get you to Mekelle, the starting point for your tour, as quickly and efficiently as possible. To do this, you will have to take a short connecting flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle; which flight you take will depend on your international flight arrival time. You will be met on arrival at Mekelle airport and taken to your guest house in Mekelle. This will give you time for some food and rest, before you assemble your bike and – tiredness permitting – go out for a short test ride before evening dinner.
Overnight stay at Parrot Guest House in Mekelle
Ride distance: 118km
Overnight stay at Canaan International Hotel
You rise early ahead of your longest ride and after breakfast in the hotel set off on the road going west to Adwa. This opening section comprises a challenging 12km climb (5-10% gradient) to the summit at just over 3000m followed by a breath-taking 20km descent into Bizet where you make your first stop. Over the next 20km, as the jagged Adwa Mountains come into view, the road undulates until you reach Enticho where you stop for lunch. There are more climbs ahead on the road to Adwa and on the final stretch into Axum. Before darkness falls, you have chance to see the magnificent Stelae Park and its underground burial chambers.
Ride distance: 130km
Overnight stay at Armah Hotel
Ride distance: 125km
Overnight stay at Maylomin Botanical Garden Lodge
Although this is the shortest ride distance, the route includes one of the hardest climbs in Tigray – and one of the favourite sections of tarmac used by Tsgabu Grmay for his European races. You stop in Hagere Selam just beyond the top of the climb, and then can enjoy one of the best road descents anywhere in Ethiopia as you sweep down towards Mekelle.
Ride distances: 95km
Overnight stay at Parrot Guest House in Mekelle
Overnight stay at Hatse Yohannes Hotel in Mekelle
Ride distances: 130km
Overnight stay at Tadele Hotel in Maychew
As you set out today, you feel the early morning chill of the high altitude in Maychew. The scenic route takes you past Lake Ashenge, through Korem, and to Gra Kassu from where you have a stunning view towards the plains of Alamata. You stop in Alalmata for lunch and then turn back north on the new road to Mekelle. You stop in Mekoni and transfer from here by vehicle to Mekelle.
Ride distances: 140km
Overnight stay at Parrot Guest House in Mekelle
Ride distances: 110km
What’s included:
- 8 nights’ hotel accommodation sharing twin (£200 single supp)
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- All ground transport including the option to travel by vehicle for part of the route
- All luggage and bike transfers for the rides
- Full support* on your ride from drivers and cycling guides
- Maps and profiles of the rides supplied as pocket-sized ride cards
- Airport transfers
*All rides are fully supported with lead vehicle and tail-end vehicle; motorbike rider; cycling guides; mechanics to assist with assembly of bikes and any mechanical problems; nutrition for rides including water, energy bars, gels, bananas, tea/coffee
Not included:
- International and domestic flights
- Visa for Ethiopia ($50)
- Travel insurance