Barcelona is a great destination for gravel cycling. Well, it is a great destination for any kind of cycling, but as it is a big city, road cycling can be a bit stressful for those not used to cycling sharing the roads with cars. The mountains surrounding Barcelona are beautiful, with plenty of gravel paths, and hidden tracks to enjoy cycling at its best. The Collserola range of mountains, which highest point is Tibidabo, has a lot to offer to those who love cycling. The highlight is possibly the so-called Carretera de les Aigües (translated from the Catalan language: water road). It is a 10 km long path overlooking the city. An amazing balcony from which you can see the whole city. But it is not only the mountains surrounding Barcelona. Also very interesting is Serralada Prelitoral, leading north Barcelona, with big amount of mountain paths to enjoy with a gravel bike. Another nice path follow river Besos on the north part of the city and also following Llobregat river on south. A very nice option for gravel bikes is linking Barcelona with Girona. This nice town north Catalonia has become one of the biggest cycling destinations in the world. Especially for road cycling but also for gravel cycling. No need to say that the nice weather all year long makes possible to do the gravel routes from January to December. Great experience!
Barcelona is a great destination for gravel cycling. Well, it is a great destination for any kind of cycling, but as it is a big city, road cycling can be a bit stressful for those not used to cycling sharing the roads with cars. The mountains surrounding Barcelona are beautiful, with plenty of gravel paths,
Penedes is probably the best region for cycling around Barcelona. Bike tours in Penedes region are very popular and the roads around the vineyards are very quiet and solitaire. Cycling at its best! This wine region is known for the Catalan Cava (sparkling wine, often confused with the French champagne). Nevertheless, there is also a big production of white, red, and rosé wines. Our tours can be adapted to everyone's ability, customizing distance and difficulty. We can include some very difficult short climbs or it can also be a mostly flat route. Whatever it is, the main thing is enjoying an amazing day on safe and quiet roads surrounded by vineyards. Our day experience includes pick up at your hotel in Barcelona, guided tour about 75 km long (about 4 hours riding), lunch after ride, and finally (if you want), visiting some of the best wineries of the region. Our favorites are Bodegas Torres or Pares Baltà. We also love other big Cava producers as Freixenet or Codorniu. They are family-ruled businesses, sagas as Falcon Crest, do you remember the series? No need to say that the weather is very dry and sunny most part of the year (it is what vineyards need, of course!). Bike tours in Penedes are not just about cycling. It is also about knowing a little more about the Catalan culture, gastronomy and, of course, about the wine.
Penedes is probably the best region for cycling around Barcelona. Bike tours in Penedes region are very popular and the roads around the vineyards are very quiet and solitaire. Cycling at its best! This wine region is known for the Catalan Cava (sparkling wine, often confused with the French champagne). Nevertheless, there is also a
Climbingb the Alps is one of the biggest challenges for every keen cyclist. A very nice way to get to know some of the best climbs in southern Alps is to try the "Confrerie des 7 majeurs", an amazing route of 360 km and over 12000 meters elevation. Not a joke. In this route, the loop includes some of the most famous climbs included in the Tour de France: Col de Vars, Col d'Izoard, Col d'Agnelo, Passo di Sampeyre, La Fauniera, Col della Lombarda and finally Col de la Bonette. The starting point is usually Jausiers (also Barcelonette) and the loop is done clockwise. There are several ways to attempt this challenge. The hardest is doing this route in just 24 hours, amazing effort. Also amazing to do it in 48 hours, remember they are 12000 meters elevation! And then there is a way to get it for human beings which is in 4 stages. Challenging but at the same time doable!! At Montefusco Cycling we are supporting a bunch of cyclists doing the route in 4 days starting in Barcelonette on August 19th. We will transport luggage and will be ready to support in case of any issue. A challenge is ok, but also safety first!
Climbingb the Alps is one of the biggest challenges for every keen cyclist. A very nice way to get to know some of the best climbs in southern Alps is to try the “Confrerie des 7 majeurs”, an amazing route of 360 km and over 12000 meters elevation. Not a joke. In this route, the
Girona is one of the most important cycling destinations all over the world. A very significant cycling climb around Girona is Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. The variety of routes is also a very good reason to come to Girona for cycling. Flat tiny roads, together with scenic routes and also steep climbs, so close the Pyrenees are. Sant Pere de Rodes has 2 sides to climb from. One from Vilajuiga and the second one from the sea, from Port de la Selva. Especially recommended Port de la Selva side, as the views over the Mediterranean sea are amazing, and the climb is a little steeper than Vilajuiga side. On top of that, this side has been recently asphalted, then the road is in perfect conditions for the road bikes! No need to say that one of the main appeals of this climb (whichever the side) is the impressive monastery on top. This Monastery refers to Romanic Catalan art and was built in the XI century. Some interesting loop including Sant Pere de Rodes There are several very interesting loops in which to include Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes. Maybe the most interesting is starting in Perelada (a nice wine destination by the way), and getting France via Coll de Banyuls. Then return to Spain on the very nice coastal road to Llançà and Port de la Selva. Once there climbing Sant Pere de Rodes and finally descent to Vilajuiga and back to Perelada. It is also worth mentioning that this area close to France is sometimes hit by fast winds (the so-called Tramuntana). It could make really hard even to get up on a bike. Be careful if the Tramuntana is blowing! Cycling in Sant Pere de Rodes and the climb to the Monastery is a big challenge
Girona is one of the most important cycling destinations all over the world. A very significant cycling climb around Girona is Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. The variety of routes is also a very good reason to come to Girona for cycling. Flat tiny roads, together with scenic routes and also steep climbs, so close
Puig d'Arques is a little known climb in Girona province. You get it from Romanya, the nice little village on top of a hill, very close to Girona. You can get Romanyà from 4 sides: From Calonge. This a difficult side, with 4,2 km at 5,7% average gradient, very wide road with very little traffic. From Llagostera From Sant Feliu de Guixols, similar climb to the previous mentioned, they share the last kilometer. It is 5,24 km long at 5,1% gradient. Maybe the most unknown side is from Platja d'Aro. You have to follow the indications to El Masnou, or also the Golf course. There is a very steep kilometer (one of the steepest km in all of Catalonia, see road sign at 17% to the right). The road from the Golf to Romanya is in poor condition but still rideable on a road bike Once at the village of Romanyà, a little further direction to Calonge, there is a crossroad to the left indicating "Puig d'Arques". There starts the dead end road leading to Puig d'Arques, the highest point in the Selva region at 472 mts height. It is 5,3 km long and includes a steep part up, then a descent, and the final climb to the highest point. The road is pretty narrow with no painting and the final meters are in concrete, very rough surface. At the top of the mountain, there is a big white sphere for the weather station that you can see from far away.
Puig d’Arques is a little known climb in Girona province. You get it from Romanya, the nice little village on top of a hill, very close to Girona. You can get Romanyà from 4 sides: From Calonge. This a difficult side, with 4,2 km at 5,7% average gradient, very wide road with very little traffic.
A few weeks ago we introduced a nice cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. But climbing the eastern Pyrenees has many other options. Now, let me show you another version of a cycling trip in the eastern Pyrenees. In this trip we include some very nice climbs, quite known in the cycling world. It is 5 stages long and start/finish is in the french/Spanish border, at Cerbere. This is our suggestion: Stage 1 Cerbere-El Pertus. Start direction north, and in Banyuls sur Mer we lead inland to climb the short but very steep Col de Banyuls. After the long descent, we head north at the very border to climb a dead-end climb called Pic Neulós (literally Misty peak, in Catalan language), via Col de l'Ouillat. Then descent to El Pertus to stay overnight. Stage 2 El Pertus-Arles sure Tech. This stage includes a couple of nice unknown border passes. They are La Vajol (a former pass for Catalan exiles people during the Civil war in Spain) and Alt de Costoja, a nice wide climb crossing villages as Maçanet de Cabrenys and Tapis. No more than 90 km but plenty of climbing in solitaire roads. Stage 3 Arles sure Tech-Camprodon. One of the main Catalan border passes is Col d'Ares, which is the main pass at this stage. It is very demanding on the north (french) side. Not the same from the Catalan side. The stage could lead straight to Camprodon, but the route heads to a very nice and demanding loop, climbing a couple of short but very steep mountains. Absolutely wonderful area for cycling in tiny solitaire roads. Stage 4 Camprodon-Puigcerdà. Camprodon is a nice mountain village. This stage starts with the climb to the pretty known Vallter 2000. This climb,
A few weeks ago we introduced a nice cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. But climbing the eastern Pyrenees has many other options. Now, let me show you another version of a cycling trip in the eastern Pyrenees. In this trip we include some very nice climbs, quite known in the cycling world. It is
Let me introduce you all to a great cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. The idea comes from a local club in a little french village near the coast named Bompas. It includes the eastern part of the Pyrenees, getting to the Mediterranean sea. In fact, the trip includes an amazing coastal road in the Spanish-french border, and then a stunning climb to the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery overviewing the coast. It is 676 km long and includes all 3 Catalan-speaking countries: Spain, France, and Andorra. The route includes many important climbs in the area such as Coll d'Ares, La Quillane, Puymorens, Envalira, Collada de Toses, or Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes. The highest point is Coll d'Envalira, at 2407 mts height, in fact, the highest pass in the whole Pyrenees range of mountains. The total elevation of the trip is over 9700 mts. Possible start at Ripoll, we climb Coll d’Ares then to Prats de Mollo, towards Pertús, La Jonquera to Roses and then heading north to France until Collioure and Bompàs (home of the club who suggested the tour). Then to Rivesaltes, Sournia, Prades, Sant Miquel de Cuixa, Sant Marti del Canigo, Vilafranca de Conflent. Climb to Coll de la Quillane. Mont Louis, Llac de las Bouillouses. then you have to climb to Puymorens and Port d’Envalira. Descent to Andorra and back to Catalonia then Collada de Toses and back to Ripoll. Nevertheless, there is also some additional climb that should be mentioned and included if you have time enough on a trip like this. Let me suggest one of my favorite climbs in the whole Pyrenees, which is Port de Pailheres. When to do the trip This trip is possible in summer, and also late spring or early autumn. It is also possible to do
Let me introduce you all to a great cycling trip in the Catalan Pyrenees. The idea comes from a local club in a little french village near the coast named Bompas. It includes the eastern part of the Pyrenees, getting to the Mediterranean sea. In fact, the trip includes an amazing coastal road in the
After the first post about historical facts in Tour de France some weeks ago, with some interesting statistics, here you have some more of them, related to Tour de France history: The longest successful breakaway in Tour de France history was by Albert Bourlon in 1947, being away for 253 km and winning the stage with 16 min 30 sec. The longest difference was by Jose Luis Viejo in Tour de France 1976 winning by 22 minutes and 50 seconds in the stage Montgenevre-Manosque. Another remarkable fact is the 234 km long solo breakaway by Thierry Marie in Tour de France 1991. The rider with most days in yellow jersey so far is the Belgian Eddy Merckx, with 96 days in yellow during his career. Second is Bernard Hinault with 75 and third Miguel Indurain with 60 days in yellow. Just 3 times the winner wore the yellow jersey for all the stages from beginning to end. The first one was the Italian Ottavio Bottechia in 1924, Nicolas Frantz (Luxemburg) in 1928, and Romain Maes in 1935. On the other hand, just 2 times the winner did not wear the yellow jersey not even for one day, as he got it on the last stage. This is the case of Jean Robic in Tour de France 1947 and Jan Janssen in Tour de France 1968. The rider with the most stage victories so far is still Eddy Merckx with 34 stage victories. Second is the brit Mark Cavendish (30 stages) and third Bernard Hinault (28 victories). The largest winning margin in GC was in the first edition in 1903. The distance between the winner Maurice Garin and the second Lucien Pothier was 2 hours 49 minutes 45 seconds. Doping has always been an issue in cycling. In Tour de France's
After the first post about historical facts in Tour de France some weeks ago, with some interesting statistics, here you have some more of them, related to Tour de France history: The longest successful breakaway in Tour de France history was by Albert Bourlon in 1947, being away for 253 km and winning the stage
Collada de Toses is one of the most classical cycling passes in the Pyrenees in Catalonia. It is the most important pass between the Ripolles region and La Cerdanya, the trendy region close to France. La Cerdanya is a very popular holiday destination for many people in Barcelona and all of Catalonia. Especially it is a ski destination, as close to the top of Collada de Toses there is La Molina ski station. Several times, La Molina has been stage ending in Volta a Catalunya professional cycling tour. Collada de Toses is the road N260, and goes from Ribes de Freser to Puigcerdà (direction north) or opposite direction. The pass is named after a little village close to the top called Toses. It is a nice, wide road, 2 big lanes, no narrow pass even if a couple of cars cross at any point. Scenic road, the views are amazing. At the top of Collada de Toses (1790 mts height), there is a large hotel (now called La Collada, belonging to Guitart hotel chain). Collada de Toses is one of the most dangerous roads in Spain (according to some reports), but that refers to the ski season when many cars take this road to get La Molina ski resort. My advice is then avoiding this road during the ski season (and yes, this road could be ridden during winter with the right gear on a bright sunny day, even if a little cold). A couple suggested cycling routes Last, let me recommend a couple of loop routes for cycling Collada de Toses (one on the north side, and the second on the south side) that will offer you a fantastic way to get to know this beautiful road: Southside from Ribes de Freser. Start climbing Collada de Toses direction north,
Collada de Toses is one of the most classical cycling passes in the Pyrenees in Catalonia. It is the most important pass between the Ripolles region and La Cerdanya, the trendy region close to France. La Cerdanya is a very popular holiday destination for many people in Barcelona and all of Catalonia. Especially it is
Barcelona is a great place for cycling, there is no doubt. In a former post, we introduced 10 of the most popular climbs around Barcelona, but today let me introduce some short and steep hidden climbs close to Barcelona, not very known (or maybe not known at all) for most of the local cyclists. Some of them are dead-end climbs, leading to some remote urbanization with fantastic views. No need for many words in this article, I just join the names, short description, and the link to the Strava segment, so you can find them, get there and challenge yourself to get to the top. Carrer Llobregos (Barcelona), 1,4 km at 8% average, with some parts over 17%. Inside Barcelona city, in the Carmel mountain. By the way, near the top, there is a great viewpoint from the Bunkers del Carmel. Mas Ram. 257 m. 1,8 km at 9%. Starting at Tiana in a crossroad very close to the highway. Dead end road at the top of the urbanization. Supermaresme. 3km at 9% average gradient. This luxury urbanization has some magnificent luxury houses with stunning views. Some VIPs are said to be staying around here when they come to Barcelona and they don't want want to stay at the city center. It is one of the few climbs listed here which has 2 sides (except the last common stretch). It can be included in a loop ride. Sant Carles. Starting at Santa Agnes de Malanyanes. The interesting side is starting at C-35 road and the steepest part is a 500 mts long 12% straight part. It is properly a road, not a street in the urbanization. It hurts. Can Massuet-El Far. They are 2,9 km at 9% average gradient and includes some very steep short stretches. From the little village
Barcelona is a great place for cycling, there is no doubt. In a former post, we introduced 10 of the most popular climbs around Barcelona, but today let me introduce some short and steep hidden climbs close to Barcelona, not very known (or maybe not known at all) for most of the local cyclists. Some
