I rode this crazy route from Fómeque to El Calvario in the rugged mountains of the Eastern Cordillera with a group of friends in late-2022. The first part follows a well-maintained gravel road with great views and a few challenging climbs, and then a gentle 25km paved descent takes you through a couple of tunnels to the start of the main event: a mythical, 8.2% average gradient, 20km gravel climb. The views on the way up are breathtaking, the road surfaces are challenging, and the sense of achievement when you reach the top is unparalleled. It’s one of the most intense climbs I’ve ever done; although there aren’t many super-steep ramps (just a couple near the start and end), the gradient is relentless and doesn’t ever let up until you reach the top. The climate starts warm at 1,200m and gets progressively cooler as you climb to over 3,000m, so layering is essential. Another challenge is that once you turn off the main road there is nowhere to get water until you reach the town of El Calvario, where you’ll find a couple of rustic guesthouses and a handful of shops and restaurants.

Download gpx