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Javea 2026

This is the first year that Ayr Burners Travel Inc is running two foreign trips. The first, our 5th visit to Blancabikes in Javea, will be followed by a visit to the French Alps in September. As a result of the extra trip, the numbers were down on previous years, with 11 Burners being augmented by Donald Smith (a frequent attender at Burners events) and Charlie Middleton of Paisley Velo.

In true Burners fashion, it wouldn’t be a Javea trip without some drama, and the shakedown ride on our first day saw Davy Arthur take Rob Parris’s long-standing record for earliest puncture, by a margin of almost half a mile.

Our team of ace mechanics and supervisors had Davy back on the road soon(ish), and the ride was completed without further drama (although plenty of coffee and cakes might disagree). However, Davy encountered further problems with the same wheel the next day, resulting in a taxi back to base, and a day spent enjoying the sights of Javea. On foot !!!

The route for the second day was a familiar one with a twist – the famous Coll de Rates but anti-clockwise for a change. This meant that we’d be going down the horrible ramps at the top, but also that we’d have to get there via the very steep hairpins after Castell de Castells. They were just as horrible as expected, but probably less dangerous than going down.

Normally the view down Coll De Rates is behind us, but this time it was in front of us all the way. Quite distracting when hurtling downhill !!!

The one thing that was consistent with previous trips up that direction was the destination at the end. The lady at La Esquina was very surprised, upon seeing all the Burners tops, that no-one ordered a Club Sandwich !!!

As well as all the cycling, there was plenty of good food on offer. The second night saw us round at Da Giulia’s restaurant (indoors) where another fantastic meal was had.

It was getting warmer day by day, and the third day was Vall de L’Aguar day. Difficult enough on a cool day, the difficulty was compounded by temps nudging the 30 degree mark. It’s hard to decide which of the ramps is the hardest, but the short ‘wall’ in Benimaurell is right up there. For those that did it and didn’t choose the easy way round the back of the village, that is *.

*Names available on request !!!

Everyone made it up, which is a good achievement as it’s recognised as being one of the toughest climbs in the area. The descent, although long, twisty and steep in places wasn’t the best due to the (unusually for the area) poor surfaces in places.

The last day was the hottest yet, and we split into two groups. One lot went up Vall D’Ebo while the others (with a guest appearance by Peter Murdoch) went over to Granadella and then, via a steep and tortuous descent, and climb back out, went to Cala Clemence cafe for a coffee.

Both groups had a great time in the roasting weather, with considerable climbing (even in the ‘easy day’ group).

All too soon it was time to head off to the airport. With no delays or issues whatsoever. before we knew it we were back at a damp Prestwick Airport, when only a few hours earlier we were here –

We often discuss the possibility of going elsewhere, but the convenience of Blancabikes and the roads around Javea are hard to beat. The bikes, the routes, the food, the coffee stops (we now have gold cards for Parcent cafe) were all top-notch. We had a great group of guys and everyone got on like a house on fire. A special mention should be made to Donald and Charlie from Paisley Velo. They went from not knowing many of our guys to being like they’ve known everyone for years, all in the space of a few days.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Alps trip will compare, but there’s a very high probability we’ll be back here next year.

Even if it’s only for the ice-cream !!!