Girona, Spain: Costa Brava Road Bike Tour

There’s a reason why so many pro cyclists call Girona their home when they are not racing. Situated roughly half-way between the French border and Barcelona, Girona is perhaps THE cycling epicenter of Catalonia. Blessed with numerous sunny days, quiet mountain roads and the Mediterranean only a short distance away, it is the perfect base to explore all this amazing region has to offer.

BIKE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploring the quiet roads and small villages of Catalonia
- Discovering the roads that expatriate pro cyclists use as their off-season training routes
- Riding along the mediterranean sea
- Savoring the local Catalan Cuisine
- Sitting in one of Girona’s many sidewalk cafes and watching life unfold, Girona-style

QUICK FACTS
- Challenging cycling routes for avid cyclists
- 100% GPS routes (bike GPS provided for your use during trip).
- Four Star Accommodations
- Most Meals Included (breakfast every day, some lunches, and most dinners)
- Fully supported / guided tour with van and trip leader(s)
- No shuttling required to/from the ride. You can always ride door to door if you wish. Van support always an option too.
- Small groups (max 10) for a more personalized experience
- Maximum flexibility of when you travel. You pick the dates you'd like to go and we arrange it for you.

BIKE TOUR OVERVIEW AND DAILY ITINERARY
We’ll truly be “living like a local and riding like a pro” this week in Girona. Many of the routes on this week’s cycling itinerary have been favorites to the expatriate pros that have lived here over the years. The terrain is moderately challenging with a mix of rolling hills, twisting descents and some steeper climbs as we head west towards the mountains. It’s a great week of cycling. We’ll be staying right in the heart of Girona’s historic medieval center, so there will be some excellent opportunities to explore, eat and shop when not on the bike.

Day 1
We’ll pick you up in Barcelona and then shuttle north to Girona. There will be time to assemble your bikes, have a light lunch and discuss the week ahead, before we head out for an afternoon ride in the surrounding countryside. Today’s ride is a chance to loosen up the legs, meet your fellow travelers and make sure your bike is ready for the week ahead. This evening, we’ll have a welcome cocktail and group dinner. Ride: approximately 40 km (24 miles) with 479 m (1572 feet) of climbing.

Day 2
Our first full day of cycling includes a classic and challenging route, the Sant Hilari Loop. We’ll pedal westward out of town, passing through several small villages before tackling the climb up to Sant Hilari and beyond. There’s an additional 6km effort for those who want the challenge, before we begin our descent back towards Girona. Beautiful terrain on small roads. Tonight’s meal will be in town, together as a group. Ride: 121 km (75 miles) with 1512 m (4961 feet) of climbing.

Day 3
Our longest day of cycling awaits you today. We’ll start our ride by gently climbing northward toward the foot of the Pyrenees and the Garrotxa mountains. Near the town of Olot we’ll turn eastward and cycle through the Zona Volcànica de Garrotxa, an area of extinct volcanoes. On our descent, riders have the choice of testing their legs on the Rocacorba. Dinner will be as a group. Ride: 131 km (82 miles) with 1230 m (4035 feet) of climbing.

Day 4
After yesterday’s longer effort, today’s cycling route will be on the shorter side, allowing you plenty of free time to explore Girona in greater depth, have a leisurely lunch, shop or perhaps indulge in a customary siesta. The ride will consist of a loop to the east of town on small, rolling roads through medieval villages. It’s also an excellent day to take a cafe break while out on the route and soak up some of the local culture. Dinner will be on your own tonight at a restaurant of your choosing. Ride: 74 km (46 miles) with 650 m (2133 feet) of climbing.

Day 5
The Mediterranean or bust! Today we’ll cycling southward toward the fortified seaside village of Tossa de Mar, before rolling north along the Mediterranean Sea. This is the Costa Brava, perhaps at it’s most picturesque: the sea on your right, mountains on your left. While most of the day is mildly rolling, you will be put to the test as we re-approach Girona. The Els Angels climb tops out at 7% over its roughly 5km. Ride: 119 km (74 miles) with 1199 m (3934 feet) of climbing

Day 6
One last Catalan breakfast together before shuttling back to Barcelona to say “adéu” (goodbye).

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