Grottes de beni aad is a climb of 3.4 kilometers (category 2). Grottes de beni aad tops out at 1,126 m above sea level. It is located in Ouchba, Tlemcen ⵜⵍⴻⵎⵙⴻⵏ تلمسان, Algérie ⵍⵣⵣⴰⵢⴻⵔ الجزائر. The average gradient is 7.5% with a maximum of 13.8%. The climb has 255 meters of elevation gain.
Analysis of the difficulty:
This 3.4 km climb is a concentrated challenge. The crux is the central section, between km 1.5 and km 2.5, where the gradient ramps up to 11% over nearly a kilometre. This stretch accounts for almost half of the total elevation gain (115m out of 255m) and is clearly the key section. The gentler finish (5%) gives you a chance to recover.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Save something for later on the first kilometre. The start at 2-7% is deceptive. Use it to settle into your rhythm without going too hard.
2. Keep some in the tank for the double-digit section at 11%. That's where the climb is won. Select a gear that lets you hold a steady cadence and avoid blowing up.
3. Use the final kilometre at 5% to kick on. The easier gradient lets you shift back up a gear and build speed for the finish.
According to riders who have climbed it, the road to Beni Add Cave is a real challenge. It's described as tough, twisty and at very high altitude, with tight switchbacks that demand constant attention. The approach is a climb in its own right, best left to seasoned cyclists and experienced drivers.
The effort is nonetheless richly rewarded. The scenery on the way up is described as magnificent, with unbroken views over the mountains of the Tlemcen region. The climb leads to one of the largest caves in Africa, a natural wonder whose geological formations, some 65,000 years old, leave visitors speechless.
Riders point out that the site is well set up at the top, with an organised parking area. It's a chance to cool down after the effort, as the cave stays fresh and constant at 13°C all year round, which is very welcome after a long climb in the sun.
One point to watch, mentioned by some, is the cave closure between noon and 1:30 pm. It's therefore essential to plan your arrival time carefully so you don't find the doors shut after all that climbing.
Despite the beauty of the site, some reviews lament the lack of tour guides on site to enrich the visit. That said, the overall experience is described as unforgettable, a ride destination that is both a sporting and cultural highlight and sticks in the mind.
3.4 km • 255 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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