Today is though day, since you will have to climb about 650m, in the first 12km, from Pola de Allande to Puerto el Palo. This pass, at an altitude of 1146m, is dividing line between the green and wooded areas of Allande and the arid slopes of the south face. Of course, you can always walk your bike in the hardest parts...and enjoy the landscape! From el Palo, you will literally "fly" down the mountain, through Grandas de Salime, a pleasant village with a Romanesque church and interesting ethnograpich museum. It´s also the last larger town in Asturias on your way into Galicia. Today´s another important ascent is between Grandas and the pass at Alto del Acebo (1030m). Once you´ve crossed over into Galicia, you leave the steep ascents and mountainous areas behind, moving into a gentler rural landscape, dotted with picturesque hamlets. However your destination for today - A Fonsagrada - is conveniently located on a hilltop wich makes for a steep ascent at the end.
If you decide to finish the route in Grandas de Salime, you can hire a transfer from there to Fonsagrada, this would be an extra transfer that you would have to request when booking the trip.
Challenge:
OPTION 1: Pola de Allande - Fonsagrada MTB 67km, 3004m ascent, 2586m descent
OPTION 2: Pola de Allande - Grandas de Salime HB 39km, 1423m ascent
OPTION 3: Pola de Allande - Fonsagrada HB 32km, 1282m ascent