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
The cycling is going to change a lot in the next few months and years after COVID 19. Social distancing in cycling will be an issue and not easy to handle. We still don't know much about the future of professional races, but it seems quite clear that there are 2 factors that will make it very difficult to be back to the "normality". One is that the professional peloton is always about 150-180 racers of different teams, most of the time the bunch pedaling very close to each other. The second thing is that cycling is one of the only sports that you can watch live for free. Then, there are many people watching the classics or the Grand Tours stages live, especially the ending. This will not happen until a vaccine for COVID is found. On the other side, it is not easy to prevent the people to attend to theses kind of open-air events. Hard to imagine a 15 km long climb closed with fences. Now, not just about professional cycling, but also about popular events like the sportives or Granfondos. There are many events open for popular cyclists all over the world. Some of them reaching over 30.000 people attending (yes, 30.000!), but there are many of them with over 5000 or 10000 cyclists. It won't be possible neither for a while. No masks could prevent any infection among so many people cycling together (and breathing heavily, spitting, etc.). Worth to mention that during confinement, the indoor cycling raised hugely. Even in Spain (at least) the rollers and indoor trainers were sold out. Amazing how the races in Strava Zwift have been so popular! Then, what is the near future for amateur cycling? Given the social distancing in cycling, solo riders and solo travelers will be
The cycling is going to change a lot in the next few months and years after COVID 19. Social distancing in cycling will be an issue and not easy to handle. We still don’t know much about the future of professional races, but it seems quite clear that there are 2 factors that will make
If I were to invite a friend to know how is cycling in Catalunya, it wouldn't be difficult to find the best place to go cycling: Costa Brava. We have sea, mountains, good weather throughout the year, a cyclist paradise. We have so many choices, medieval villages, thermal villas, challenging mountains as Montseny and Montserrat, but there is a place I would take him for sure: the road from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols. I don't know if it is really the most beautiful road all over Catalunya. It is a subjective opinion, but in my opinion if not the best, it would be very close to that. Costa Brava is a magical place. On that road we can enjoy 25 kilometers of coastline, steep sections with stunning views over the normally calm Mediterranean Sea. Two factors play in favor: you can roll there throughout the year (something cannot be said about the Catalan Pyrenees mountain roads) and traffic is very scarce. More? The asphalt is perfect and the guardrails along the highway are made of wood, matching the environment. It is a very special road. Even on windy days, you can enjoy better the atmosphere of clear sea and views on. Did you notice I like this road? Road from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols Suddenly, in Sant Feliu de Guíxols returns overcrowding, then continues through Platja d'Aro and continues heading north. Dream is over. We are back to reality. To be honest, this is just in summer that riding around these tourist towns can be uncomfortable. In autumn, winter and spring it is still possible to ride without much traffic. But the road along the cliffs is over. Pity. The touristic massification, fortunately, has not arrived there, the tourist tour operation and
If I were to invite a friend to know how is cycling in Catalunya, it wouldn’t be difficult to find the best place to go cycling: Costa Brava. We have sea, mountains, good weather throughout the year, a cyclist paradise. We have so many choices, medieval villages, thermal villas, challenging mountains as Montseny and Montserrat,
Camino de Santiago is an amazing trip that you can do in so many ways: walking, on a mountain bike (gravel bike), on a road bike... There are also many different Caminos, depending on your starting point and the different ways you can follow. The trip we suggest is a road bike trip following the classical french Camino, starting at Saint Jean de Pied de Port in France, and getting to Spain through Puerto de Ibañeta. Some trips start at Roncesvalles, already in Navarra (Spain) avoiding the climb to Ibañeta. There is also the Northern Camino (along the coast), the Via de la Plata, or the Portuguese Camino (see map above). The Camino de Santiago road cycling trip we suggest here includes stages about 100 km long, and the end is at the Atlantic Ocean in Finisterre (the end of the earth in Galician language), instead of Santiago de Compostela. Obviously it is very easy to shorten the trip in one stage and arriving at Santiago de Compostela in just 7 stages and 790 km. The trip gets all the highlights of Camino de Santiago as Roncesvalles, Puente la Reina, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos, León, Ponferrada or Monasterio de San Julián de Samos. The villages, the cathedrals, the paths, the hostels, the restaurants... Such an amazing experience the Camino is! The stages: Stage 1) Saint Jean de Pied de Port-Estella 120 km, 2300 mts elevation including Ibañeta Stage 2 Estella-Santo Domingo de la Calzada 100 km, 1500 mts elevation Stage 3) Santo Domingo de la Calzada-Fromista 138 km, 1800 mts elevation including Puerto de la Pedraja. Stage 4) Fromista-León 112 km, 700 mts elevation Stage 5) León-Ponferrada 107 km, 1400 mts elevation including Foncebadon-Cruz de Hierro Stage 6) Ponferrada-Sarria 100 km, 1300 mts elevation including O Cebreiro Stage
Camino de Santiago is an amazing trip that you can do in so many ways: walking, on a mountain bike (gravel bike), on a road bike… There are also many different Caminos, depending on your starting point and the different ways you can follow. The trip we suggest is a road bike trip following the
Montserrat is the magical mountain close to Barcelona, and a bike tour is the best way to discover it. The meaning of Verge de Montserrat for Catalan people goes beyond the religious feeling. Visiting the virgin in pilgrimage is the usual thing to do to thank for anything that happened. This is also the reason why visiting the Monastery and the Basilica is better on working days rather than at the weekend. Saturdays and Sundays local people are also visiting, on top of the usual foreign visitors. Then, much better avoiding the weekend. The usual thing to do in Montserrat is touching the virgin (for that you will have to wait in the long queue at right on the Basilica) and also lighting a candle. Sports in Montserrat are a great experience. No need to say that rock climbing is king in these steep walls. Lots of rock climbers around! Also hiking is a great experience in Montserrat. Our recommendation is to get the highest point of the mountain (Miranda de Sant Jeroni, at 1200 mts), from the monastery (at 700 mts). You can do that in just a couple hours (way and back) and the views from the top are stunning! Click here for the detail of the route. In our cycling tours we will lead you to the best roads around Montserrat. We will take you to tiny roads without any traffic, and will surround the whole mountain. This way you will see the massif walls from all prospectives. This is an amazing trip with great views, do not miss it! The end of our cycling tours is, obviously, the monastery. The steep final climb is, in words of one of our customers, a mistic experience, fighting the road and the slopes! Once at the Monastery, the classical
Montserrat is the magical mountain close to Barcelona, and a bike tour is the best way to discover it. The meaning of Verge de Montserrat for Catalan people goes beyond the religious feeling. Visiting the virgin in pilgrimage is the usual thing to do to thank for anything that happened. This is also the reason
Pirinexus cycling route is a marked cycling route around Catalonia which includes gravel paths and small roads. No need to say that Catalonia has become one of the best places for cycling. For both road cycling and gravel cycling. The total distance of this Pirinexus route is 360 km, then it is possible to do it in just 1 day (tough ride, indeed!), or 2 days, also 3 stages (pretty doable for experienced bikers), etc. The route is mainly easy even if it crosses the Pyrenees (border Spain-France). The highest point is Coll d'Ares, at 1513 mts, but from the Spanish side it is much milder than from the French side. If done from the north side, Coll d'Ares, starting at Arles Sur Tech, it is a remarkable climb 32 km long with a total elevation of 1250 mts. In general, this Pirinexus cycling route is much easier if done clockwise Girona, suggested starting point. A good starting point could be Girona, as it is one of the most important cycling destinations in the world. Mainly for road cycling, but also for gravel cycling. Then, from Girona, the main towns to go through are Olot, Camprodon, (Coll d'Ares), Prats de Molló, Arles Sur Tech, Le Boulou, La Jonquera, Perelada, L'Escala, Palamós, Sant Feliu de Guixols and finally again to Girona. One of the most important cycling infrastructures in Catalonia is the Greenways, the so-called" Vies Verdes", former railways converted into bike paths. This Pirinexus route goes along some of the main Greenways. Especially remarkable is the way from Sant Feliu de Guixols (at the coast) to Olot, getting through Girona. But all the Pirinexus cycle route gets to perfect paths for cycling, so it is a great experience in which you can discover Catalonia, southern France, and have a taste
Pirinexus cycling route is a marked cycling route around Catalonia which includes gravel paths and small roads. No need to say that Catalonia has become one of the best places for cycling. For both road cycling and gravel cycling. The total distance of this Pirinexus route is 360 km, then it is possible to do
Cycling in Montseny mountain is one of the best rides you can do if you are staying in Barcelona city. But it is also a very good area if you are staying at Barcelona northern coast, or even Costa Brava. For the locals, cycling from Barcelona to Montseny is a classic ride, even if it is about 140 km long. The loop Coll Formic-Santa Fe del Montseny is a classic, and possibly one of the best rides you will do in your life. The roads are very well surfaced and especially during the week (working days), you won't find any traffic. 90 km to enjoy cycling. The highlight is the 25 km descent from Santa Fe del Montseny to Sant Celoni, which is absolutely stunning. I always recommend doing the tour clock-wise, especially to ride this descent. But there are other possibilities. One of the most interesting is climbing the whole way to Turo de l'Home (Sant Celoni-Mosqueroles-La Costa del Montseny-Fontmartina). Then, instead of taking the bad road to Turo de l'Home you reach Coll de Santa Helena (where the big antennas are), and then you follow a precious tiny narrow road that leads to Santa Fe del Montseny. The highest point of Montseny mountains is Turó de l'Home, at 1700 mts height, although in the last 5 km the road is in very bad shape. Montseny mountains get together with the Guilleries range of mountains which is linked to Girona province. All the roads in the area are simply beautiful and solitaire. I would like to mention Collsesplanes, Sant Hilari Sacalm and Coll de Ravell as some of the rides you should not miss if you are in the area.
Cycling in Montseny mountain is one of the best rides you can do if you are staying in Barcelona city. But it is also a very good area if you are staying at Barcelona northern coast, or even Costa Brava. For the locals, cycling from Barcelona to Montseny is a classic ride, even if it
Cycling in Catalonia has it all to get the best cycling experience: good weather all year long, very good road surface, helpful and friendly drivers, great food and very good hotels. There is no way you don't get a fantastic cycling experience here in Catalonia. No wonder many professional cyclists and triathletes chose Girona as a living town in the last few years. In our self-guided cycling trip from Barcelona to Girona you will understand why. Putting together the big metropolis of Barcelona with the beautiful Girona through the best roads is a nice challenge that will take you through the Catalan landscapes and culture. You will be able to get to know the Catalan culture and our amazing Mediterranean diet, always tasty and healthy. This is not just about cycling (even if the average distance is 80 km per day), but also about knowing some details of Catalonia and Spain. Amazing spots On the way from Barcelona to Girona you will find amazing spots to ride through: Costa Brava (with the best road in Catalonia from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols), Tiny medieval villages as the less known Peratallada, Nice hills as Santa Pellaia, Beautiful hot springs destinations as Caldes de Malavella or Pretty nice coastal villages as L'Escala. Not to mention one of our favorite destinations: Figueres, where the genius Salvador Dali was born and you can visit his Museum, just a few meters from the hotel you will be staying. Self-guided trip A self-guided trip is the best way to discover a region at your own pace. You can stop for lunch wherever you want and your luggage will be at your destination when you arrive. The hotel selection is very accurate, all of them are bike-friendly. Food is also very good in all
Cycling in Catalonia has it all to get the best cycling experience: good weather all year long, very good road surface, helpful and friendly drivers, great food and very good hotels. There is no way you don’t get a fantastic cycling experience here in Catalonia. No wonder many professional cyclists and triathletes chose Girona as
Girona has it all to be the great cycling destination it is, and especially they are the hills that make the experience so enjoyable. has become one of the top destinations in the cycling world since Lance Armstrong came and lived here and put Girona on the cycling map. He was wrong in so many ways, but also many people should be grateful for what he did. Girona has everything to be a paradise for cycling, no wonder many professional cyclists and triathletes live here nowadays. Good weather all year long, smooth roads, scarce traffic and polite drivers and last but not least, different terrain to train: flat roads, demanding climbs in the Pyrenees, and also nice hills not very long nor very steep, but ideal for a good training session. The most beautiful climbs We have lots of nice hills (watch out, I don't mean that steep first category climbs, I mean mild climbs no longer than 10 km), but let me just point my favorites: Els Angels: From Quart (close to Girona) to Madremanya. This climb starts just from Quart, very close to Girona, and is probably the most famous of them all, as Lance Armstrong used to train and test himself in this climb when he lived in Girona. The Girona side is 13 km long, and the other side from Madremanya is steeper and the road is not in so good shape. Anyway, fantastic climb to enjoy just beside Girona. Santa Pellaia: From Cassà de la Selva to La Bisbal d'Empordà. This is probably the climb around Girona that represents what cycling in Girona is. You will find many more cyclists than cars. Very good surface, lovely descent on your way to La Bisbal Romanyà de la Selva: Road from Calonge to Llagostera. Romanyà is a
Girona has it all to be the great cycling destination it is, and especially they are the hills that make the experience so enjoyable. has become one of the top destinations in the cycling world since Lance Armstrong came and lived here and put Girona on the cycling map. He was wrong in so many
