The best road cycling routes in Rio Grande Do Sul

Rio Grande do Sul offers a diverse range of road cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find easy urban loops, moderate rides through rolling hills, and challenging routes with significant elevation gain in areas like the Serra Gaúcha and the Canyons region. Out of 14 routes, 4 are considered easy, 5 moderate, and 5 difficult.

The terrain varies significantly across the state. You can expect smooth asphalt on urban routes and some scenic stretches, but also a mix of paved and unpaved roads, especially in the Serra Gaúcha region. The Canyons area features dramatic ascents and descents, while the Pampa region offers flatter, open grasslands. The state's unique geography includes rolling hills, dramatic canyons, and extensive plateaus.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Expeditionary Monument – Sunset at Beira-Rio loop from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul is an easy 31.3 km urban route offering scenic views. Another easy option is the Roadbike loop from Santa Maria, which is 20.7 km long.

Rio Grande do Sul is rich in scenic beauty and cultural landmarks. In the Serra Gaúcha, you can cycle through charming towns with European architecture like Gramado, Canela, and Nova Petrópolis. The Lago Loesch – Belvedere Vale do Quilombo loop from Gramado offers stunning views. The Canyons region, including Itaimbezinho and Fortaleza Canyons, provides breathtaking natural formations. You might also encounter vineyards in the Vale dos Vinhedos near Bento Gonçalves, or coastal views near Torres.

Rio Grande do Sul experiences four distinct seasons, offering varied conditions. Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) generally provide pleasant temperatures for cycling. Summers (December-February) can be warm, especially in lower elevations, while winters (June-August) can bring cold temperatures and even occasional snow in the highlands, making for a different, more challenging experience.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Rio Grande do Sul are designed as loops. Examples include the Sunset at Beira-Rio loop from Farrapos, an easy 35.7 km urban route, and the more challenging Roadbike loop from Bento Gonçalves, which covers 73.2 km. The Roadbike loop from Novo Hamburgo is another moderate loop option at 79.1 km.

For challenging routes with significant elevation, focus on the Serra Gaúcha and Canyons regions. The Lago Loesch – Belvedere Vale do Quilombo loop from Gramado is a difficult 107 km route with substantial climbing. Another demanding option is the Mirante do Paredão – Mirante loop from São Sebastião do Caí, which spans over 100 km with considerable elevation changes.

Yes, the region around Bento Gonçalves, known as the Vale dos Vinhedos, is the heart of Brazilian wine production. Cycling routes in this area often pass by vineyards and offer opportunities for wine tasting. The Roadbike loop from Bento Gonçalves is a difficult 73.2 km route that explores this scenic area.

For urban cycling, the capital city of Porto Alegre offers several accessible routes. The Expeditionary Monument – Sunset at Beira-Rio loop from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul and the Sunset at Beira-Rio loop from Cavalhada are popular choices, providing scenic views along the waterfront.

The Rota Romântica (Romantic Route) is a scenic 355-kilometer route connecting 14 municipalities in the Serra Gaúcha region, known for its strong German influences. While parts of it traverse unpaved secondary roads, it offers stunning natural scenery and charming European-style towns. Cyclists can collect stamps in each town and receive a certificate upon completion. More information can be found on Wikipedia.

The road cycling routes in Rio Grande do Sul are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from reviewers. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from urban waterfronts to challenging mountain passes, and the beautiful natural landscapes and cultural experiences found along the way.

While specific cycling routes may not lead directly to the base of major waterfalls, the Serra Gaúcha region is home to impressive natural features like Caracol Falls, located near Canela within Caracol State Park. Cycling in this region, such as on the Lago Loesch – Belvedere Vale do Quilombo loop from Gramado, will place you in the vicinity of these natural wonders, often with scenic viewpoints accessible nearby.