Where to ride in winter near Madrid
Winter in Madrid doesn't have to stop you from cycling. The key is choosing the right areas and adapting your route a bit. The Community of Madrid offers warmer, safer, and more pleasant options for continuing to cycle when temperatures drop.
1. South of Madrid: the warmest option
If you're looking for milder temperatures, the south is your best bet. Areas like Chinchón, Titulcia, Aranjuez, and Valdemoro are typically 3 to 6 degrees warmer than the north. These routes are perfect for maintaining a good pace without feeling the cold.
Flat and rolling terrain, quiet roads and open landscapes allow you to train endurance without worrying about ice.
2. Henares Corridor: dry and rolling
Alcalá de Henares and Torrejón offer wide open spaces, clean roads, and less humidity than mountain areas. Ideal for midweek training or dry, cold days.
3. West of Madrid: sun and good land
Towns like Brunete, Villanueva de la Cañada, and Boadilla typically enjoy a sunny microclimate with little wind. Perfect for rolling routes and interval training.
4. Safe gravel riding in winter
If you're riding on gravel, avoid very shady or clayey areas. The best options in winter:
- Soto de Viñuelas : fast slopes, excellent drainage.
- Rivas - Southeast Park : dry, spacious and with firm ground.
- Algete - Cobeña : open tracks without dangerous mud.
5. And the saw?
The Sierra de Guadarrama is spectacular, but in winter it requires caution. There is often ice, snow, or extreme humidity, especially in La Morcuera, Canencia, and Navacerrada.
If you want to climb some elevation gain without risks, try:
- Colmenar - Guadalix - San Agustín
- Galapagar - El Escorial
- Alpedrete - Villalba
6. Tips for enjoying winter more
- Start later to take advantage of the daylight hours.
- Wear gloves and shoe covers: these are the areas that suffer the most.
- Drink even if you're not thirsty: the cold dehydrates you without you noticing.
- It has front and rear lights: essential in winter.
- Avoid shady areas before 11:00: risk of sunburn.
Riding in Madrid in winter is all about choosing the right area. And if you need equipment, checkups, or personalized advice, at Dog Days we'll help you enjoy the cold weather even more without giving up your rides.
