Practical advice
Get ready: the stages of the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route as it passes through the Region of Murcia have been selected so cyclists of all levels can do them without excessive difficulty. In addition, the essence of cycling tourism and the EuroVelo network is to enjoy the journey without competition. Now you must have a minimum physical preparation since the fuel and engine of the bike will be... you!
Choose your bike properly: the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean route as it passes through the Region of Murcia has different surfaces and slopes. Take this into account when choosing your bike, with mountain bikes, gravel bikes or mixed bikes being the most recommended for doing the stages. And remember, you'll always have e-bikes as an alternative in order to have assisted pedalling, depending on your level.
Tracks - Don't get lost: although you'll find the whole EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean route signposted, on this page you can download all the GPX tracks to include them on your mobile or GPS device and follow each stage without having to worry about anything except pedalling.
Weather conditions: the ideal time to do this route is from February to mid-May and September to mid-November. You'll find very few rainy days and very pleasant temperatures. Don't forget to take enough food and drink in June, July and August, since staying hydrated is essential with the heat, in addition to sun cream.
Equipment: just as important as choosing your bike properly is choosing clothing suitable for the circuit and season of the year you do it in. Firstly, clothing should be comfortable, fitted and adapted to the season we're going to be pedalling in. The comfort of the chamois, the main point of contact between the cyclist and their bike, or the cycling jersey, in a comfortable and breathable material, will allow you to enjoy the experience without any problems.
Remember to always use a helmet. The route is of low technical difficulty, but there are some dirt paths and mountain pass descents where, in addition to taking all the necessary precautions, your helmet will be your best ally in the event of a fall. Your glasses are another essential item in cycling which will protect you from the sun's rays and more importantly, from any object which may strike your eyes during the route.
Don't forget the front and rear lights for your bike either. In addition to being mandatory, they'll improve your safety and that of others in low-light or low-visibility settings.
Of course, equip yourself with a good set of tools (tyre levers, Allen keys, hexagon keys, cross-head and flat-head screwdrivers, multi-tool, chain tool, quick release link and cable ties), enough spare inner tubes, a bicycle pump, puncture repair kit and any other items which will allow you to finish your bike trip without any mechanical problems.
Remember to charge your phone battery, your GPS device, and remember that it's always a good idea to carry a spare external battery.
Also take your documentation and some money with you. If you're a cyclist doing the route on your own, it's always a good idea to carry some information about your basic information and medical details (allergies, blood group...).
In principle, you don't need saddlebags or haulers on these stages. However, if your level is good enough and you've decided to do longer distances, it's always a good option for carrying your equipment.
As for nutrition, this is one of the key points so you can finish each stage in a good condition. Take enough water and plan where you'll be able to fill your canisters on the route, so you'll always be well hydrated. Solid food is equally important. Energy bars, gels, salts or nuts will help you to recover strength at the most difficult times.
Regulations
- Remember, bikes are vehicles and therefore you must comply with the regulations, respect traffic signals, traffic lights and other elements like everyone else.
- Helmets are obligatory on intercity routes, but of course we also recommend you to use it on your whole route, in addition to the urban setting.
- Front and rear lights are obligatory in low-visibility settings. Also equip your bike with a bell for getting noticed. In addition, you should wear a reflective jacket at times of low light which will allow people to see you at a minimum of 150 m distance on intercity roads.
- Signal your manoeuvres well in advance. This is vital to warn other vehicles of your movements and to guarantee your safety.
- In the town centre, whenever you aren't using cycle lanes, remember to pedal in the centre of the lane if you're on the road, away from parked cars which may open the door at any time. Be extra careful in the city, especially at junctions and traffic lights, avoiding the blind point of motorised vehicles, especially lorries, vans and buses.
- On intercity roads, if you're not using cycle lanes, use the right side of the road. If you¿re in a group, remember to go in double file maximum. In long descents you can ride in the centre of the lane.
- It's prohibited to use headphones. Nor can you use your mobile phone (except in hands-free mode) when you're riding a bike.
- If you're in a group and the first cyclists enter a roundabout, the rest of the group has priority over other vehicles. But it's always a good idea to be careful all the same.
Signposting
In order to save on the number of signs, the continuity of the route will be signposted on the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route as it passes through the Region of Murcia, with vertical signage, making the most of the signs which are already part of the route. It will be signposted in both directions, with simplified, one-way signage.
Cycling tourists will find informative welcome signs when entering the Region of Murcia, informative urban signs in each town along the way, and directional signs for confirmation or orientation every 2.5 kilometres (maximum).
Identifying sign for EuroVelo 8 route
Orientation signs
Warning signs for complex intersections
Information panels
