The route leaves Archena and follows the Segura valley upstream through Ulea, Ojós and Ricote to Blanca. It links local roads, the RM-522, RM-521, RM-553 and RM-520, which follow the river and rise and fall along the valley sides. It is a short ride, easy to combine with other routes in the area or to enjoy over an unhurried morning.
The ride crosses the Valle de Ricote and Vega Alta del Segura comarcas, through the municipalities of Archena, Villanueva del Río Segura, Ojós, Ricote and Blanca. The Segura cuts its way between dry hills and leaves a green strip of orchards, fruit trees and palms behind it, with small villages of narrow streets. The Ricote Valley was one of the last places in Spain with a Morisco population, and that past still shows in the layout of its villages and orchards.
It is about 21 km and roughly 40 minutes without stops. Altitude ranges from around 110 m to about 300 m, and some 74 bends are counted along the way, all gentle and with no hairpins. The roads are narrow and go through the villages, so expect pedestrians, tractors and farm machinery. In summer the valley is very hot, especially around midday.