DAY 1:
|
Details: You will be greeted with a smile and a snack at the Barcelona airport and make our way to the charming town of Girona.
Assemble your gravel bike or get fitted on a rental bike before an easy spin. The ride will be in the direction of Lake Banyoles, the site of the 1992 Olympics Rowing events, with some undulating gravel roads and some climbs to work out any jet lag.
We will have a short walk to dinner at a restaurant with Catalan cuisine and an intimate atmosphere encouraging conversation and excitement for our week ahead. |
DAY 2:
|
Ride Description: Today’s route is a beautiful day out, heading towards the coast. It’s a longer ride but with the same elevation as yesterday, so it’s a little easier on the legs and comfortable at whatever pace you’re feeling. There are more road sections today including a nice climb known as La Ganga heading back inland at the halfway mark, and most of the route is smooth gravel…nothing too technical.
Details: Spend your afternoon exploring the narrow windy streets and medieval walls of Girona or relax in a comfy chair at the cafe and compare stories of your adventures with your riding mates. Dinner will be a short walk with a menu full of local wines and delicacies. |
DAY 3:
|
Ride Description: Today we stay local to Girona, heading into the hills of Els Angels just to the east of town. Although today is a short ride, it’s definitely punchy! It features two substantial climbs, a couple of technical descents, and then a nice long cruise back into town. Put your legs up after today or explore Girona by foot, as tomorrow’s ride is solid!
Details: Enjoy a massage post ride before embarking on a magical night outdoors full of Moroccan and Catalan cuisine. Your tastebuds will dance in the candlelight as we feast on fish and tagines. |
DAY 4:
|
Ride Description: This ride, while not the longest of the week, is sure to have everybody on the ropes, if you like . You’ll head out of Girona to the West, following the Vias Verde or Green Path…a disused railway line that has been turned into a shared gravel track. Once off the Vias Verde you’ll start to climb, heading up and above to Susqueda Dam. The first few kilometres of the climb are on the road, then it changes to gravel and the views are incredible. This climb is at least 45 minutes long so stay within yourself and enjoy. After you reach the top of the climb you’ll have an 8km road descent then it’s back onto the gravel for more undulations and climbing. The final part back into Girona is flat and a nice way to end a hard ride.
Details: Who doesn't like pizza? Tonight we will enjoy a simple dinner with down to earth Italian food. |
DAY 5:
|
Option of a Day Off: Enjoy another beautiful day on the bike or take the day off and enjoy a trip to Costa Brava to play in the ocean and relax on the beach. Or explore Girona's Jewish Quarter, walk on the medieval walls, and visit the Girona Cathedral.
Ride Description: Today’s loop is The Service Course favourite. It begins with a very steep and tough climb out of Girona and then follows many beautiful, flowing single and double tracks to the west of the city in a clockwise direction. It’s never too flat and never too steep…a great day to take at an enjoyable pace.
Details: Enjoy a bit more recovery with a massage before an evening full of fun as we learn to cook local dishes and gain more insight in to the history and culture of Catalonia. |
DAY 6:
|
Ride Description: This loop is another tough one and the climb in the middle is sure to sap a few legs! The ride starts on mainly flat gravel tracks with some small rises but nothing too serious. Notice the ridge to your right? That’s what you’ll be climbing over at the midway point, so don’t go out too hard. After 33km you’ll climb from Sant Aniol de Finestres up, up, up, before descending down to Mieres - a great place for a lunch stop. A couple more steep climbs on the way home make sure you’ve earned your post-ride gelato and some well-deserved rest!
Details: Our evening is a bit fancier tonight with white table cloths and a fun and innovative gastronomic flare. |
DAY 7:
|
Ride Description: Ending the week in the best way, today we ride up one of Girona cyclists favourite climbs - Sant Hilari Sacalm. The ride starts and ends quite flat, but the climb in the middle is 15k’s of steady, smooth switchbacks that can be ridden fast or slow depending on how you’re feeling. Once at the top, catch your breath, take a couple of photos and then enjoy a lovely descent down the other side. You’ll come back to Girona on the Vias Verde and that ends an epic week of gravel riding in Catalunya!
Details: Our final evening together will be full of celebration, laughter, and toasts all around as we recount our successes, adventures, and highlights from the week. |
DAY 8:
|
Savour every last bite of your favourite morning treat and slowly sip your coffee as this is our final morning together.
Reminisce on trip highlights, exchange contact info with new friends, and look forward to riding together again. Say goodbye as we head back to the airport in Barcelona and make our way home. |
INCLUDED:
|
|
NOT INCLUDED:
|
|
FEES IN CANADIAN
|
|