Join us for a beautiful week of cycling in Northern Spain. Girona is the training base of dozens of top level pros and we know their secrets! We’ll ride the quiet roads that they use for training and the tough climbs to test the legs. We’ll ride along the rugged Mediterranean coast as well as deep into the Catalan Pyrenees mountains. It’s not just the riding that is spectacular. We’ll pass and stay in medieval towns with impressive settings and architecture. Halfway through the tour we’ll have a rest day in Girona to recover and spend some time sightseeing. For those looking for a somewhat easier trip, we offer shorter rides on some of the toughest days. Non-riding partners are welcome to join.
Below is a summary of our itinerary. See our brochure for full trip details as well as activities for non-riders.
Friday September 20th: Departure on an overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain.
Saturday September 21st: Arrival at Barcelona airport and group transfer to Besalu (1.5 hrs).
In the afternoon you can put your bike together and go for a quick test ride.
Sunday September 22nd: Vulcanos Loop (distance: 68 or 76 mi, vertical: 6,000 or 7,600 ft)
We’ll ride out of town past ancient towns like Castellfolit, which is built on the edge of a cliff. The route includes the extinct vulcanos of the Garrotxa region, the quaint town of St Pau and the Banyoles lake. At the end of the ride there is an optional first category climb: the Mare de Deu del Mont. The view from the top stretches all the way from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day.
Monday September 23rd: Besalu to Girona (59 or 72 mi / 4,100 or 6,500 ft)
Mostly rolling terrain today on our way to Girona. Optional first category climb of Roccacorba, the ultimate test climb for the pros based in Girona.
Tuesday September 24th: Costa Brava (84 mi / 7,500 ft)
We’ll ride the spectacular cliffside road along the Costa Brava (‘Wild Coast’). Return via the rural roads around Madremanya and the Alto Els Angels climb, another of the pros’ favorites.
Wednesday September 25th: Rest Day
Today you can explore the beautiful old town of Girona or take the train (1 hr) to visit Barcelona.
Thursday September 26th: Girona to Ripoll (69 mi / 7,500 ft)
It’s mostly uphill into the rugged Catalonian countryside to the ancient town of Ripoll, our base for the next two nights. The old town has impressive architecture including a medieval monastery.
Friday September 27th: Coll de la Creueta (56 or 74 mi / 6,400 or 8,600 ft)
We’re heading into The Pyrenees today toward the highest point of our tour: the Coll de la Creueta at just over 6,000ft is a first category climb which is often used in pro races like the Vuelta a Espana and the Volta a Catalunya. The longer route also includes La Molina, another famous first category climb.
Saturday September 28th: Ripoll to Besalu (53 mi / 4,200 ft)
Back to our starting point via a paved bike path through the valley and some very remote mountain roads. In the afternoon you’ll have time to pack your bike and enjoy the town. At night we’ll have a celebratory dinner to finish off the tour.
Sunday September 29th: Flight home A private bus will take us to Barcelona airport early in the morning for the flight home.
Please contact Carolyn and Pieter for more information and booking at info@bikeplustours.com