Route 99 by Motorcycle: The Adventure through the Forgotten Villages of the Valencian Community

Starting the engine, feeling the throaty sound emanating from the exhaust, and knowing that hundreds of kilometers of winding, lonely roads lie ahead. Pure magic, right? Today, from MotoCorner, we bring you one of those proposals that sounds like music to the ears of any two-wheel lover. We're talking about Ruta 99, an initiative that connects towns with fewer than 100 inhabitants in the Valencian Community. Forget congested highways and tolls; here we're here to burn rubber, get lost in the mountains, and rediscover what it truly means to travel by motorcycle.

What is Ruta 99 and why will you fall in love with it?

Dubbed by many as the "Valencian Route 66," Ruta 99 is a tourist and cultural project that puts 24 small municipalities spread across the provinces of Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante on the map. We're talking about the "Empty Spain" in its full glory, places where time seems to have stopped, asphalt snakes through virgin natural landscapes, and the scent of pine and rosemary accompanies you on every turn.

For the biker, this route is a blank canvas. It's the perfect setting for slow travel. However, due to the orography of these regions, mountain passes, imposing gorges, and hidden valleys await you, which have nothing to envy from the most spectacular routes in Spain. It's an experience that demands concentration on the curves and inspiration when you lift your visor.

Preparing the machine for adventure

Riding through almost depopulated areas is a marvel for the soul, but it requires meticulousness with mechanics. In these remote regions, a flat tire or a silly breakdown can ruin your day, as workshops are not exactly abundant on every corner.

Before heading to Ruta 99, make sure to check tire pressures and wear, oil level, chain tension and lubrication, and the condition of the brake pads. To leave nothing to chance, we strongly recommend managing your motorcycle and maintenance properly before packing your bags and setting off to devour kilometers. A well-tuned bike is synonymous with a clear mind; and a clear mind translates into adrenaline flowing safely through your body.

Planning the route: Curves and navigation

Given that there are 24 towns scattered throughout the Valencian geography, completing the entire route in a single day is unfeasible (and a sacrilege if you want to truly enjoy it). The ideal is to divide the route into different stages or weekends.

To connect the points intelligently and avoid endless straight stretches, you'll need to plan your itinerary, always seeking maximum fun in every curve. Nowadays, there are many tools for this, but if you have doubts about which software to use, don't overcomplicate it and discover which is the best free route planner so your GPS becomes your best ally. Once on the road, you can also use your mobile to record and share interactive GPS routes with your buddies or discover new sections that the community has marked.

Essential stages of Ruta 99

Although every biker is different, we propose a review of the natural blocks into which this impressive road odyssey is divided:

1. The wild interior of Castellón (Els Ports, Alt Maestrat, and Alto Mijares)

Castellón is the province with the most municipalities on this list (14 in total) and, for many, it's the holy grail of national motorcycle tourism. Here we'll find fairytale villages like Castell de Cabres, Herbés, Villamalur, or Villanueva de Viver.

The roads are truly incredible. You'll find yourself climbing solitary mountain passes in the heart of Maestrazgo, circling impressive abysses, and carving curves between dry stone walls. The CV-105 or CV-170 are roads that, once you ride them, are etched forever in a biker's memory.

2. The roof of Valencia (El Rincón de Ademuz and La Serranía)

In the province of Valencia, the route takes us to the extremes. On one hand, we have regions like La Serranía, the Valle de Cofrentes-Ayora, and La Canal de Navarrés, visiting the tiny hamlet of Sempere.

But the main attraction is El Rincón de Ademuz. Riding to Puebla de San Miguel means ascending above 1,000 meters in altitude, with a harsher climate and landscapes of red pine and junipers that transport you to another planet. The roads are a bit narrower, perfect for trail or touring bikes, and will demand precision with the throttle.

3. The mountainous jewels of Alicante (El Comtat and La Marina Alta)

Many associate Alicante with the long coastal straightaways in summer, missing out on the true magic of the province: its rugged interior. Ruta 99 descends through the Alicantine valleys, discovering true hidden diamonds like Tollos, Famorca, or Benillup.

Riding through the Valle de Gallinera or crossing the foothills of the Sierra de Aitana means linking hairpin bends with surprisingly good asphalt. Here, the ride becomes smoother, more melodic, scraping the footpegs to the rhythm of the warm easterly wind.

Tips to make the most of this route

• The Ruta 99 passport: There are physical credentials (like a passport) that you can get stamped in each of these small municipalities. It adds a very epic touch to your journey.
• Fuel: Keep an eye on the gauge. In areas like Maestrazgo or El Rincón de Ademuz, gas stations are not abundant. Refuel whenever you have the chance if your tank drops below 50%.
• Gastronomy and rest: Stop to eat in the village squares. Talk to the locals, support local businesses, and try a traditional stew. Also, if you want to live the complete experience and divide the route into several days, find out well about where to sleep on motorcycle routes to ensure secure parking and a well-deserved rest.

Conclusion: Dare to discover the forgotten

Riding Ruta 99 by motorcycle is not simply going from point A to point B. It's a journey back in time, embracing the mountain cold in the morning and the asphalt heat at noon. It's supporting those warrior villages that resist disappearing, filling their streets with the noble sound of your motorcycle engine.

Gear up, notify your riding companions, turn on the intercom (or turn it off, as you prefer), and get out there. The little giants of the Valencian Community are waiting for you to give them gas. V's to the sky and happy riding, companions!