Girona Road
A True Cycling Paradise
Ride the majestic countryside of Spain.
Girona has garnered attention over the past few years as a new cycling mecca – and we can’t wait to share this fantastic place with you. The area gained fame when the many professional riders called Girona home between grand tours like the Tour De France, Giro D’Italia, and Vuelta Espana. The riding is amazing, and you have everything from rugged coastlines along the Costa Brava to farmlands and the foothills of the Pyrenees.
We love Girona for many reasons, but we added this iconic location because guests could easily immerse themselves in Spanish culture in one of Europe’s most beautiful walled cities. Velo Vern, our accommodations, are ideal for exploring the narrow winding streets on foot. Stroll down to Espresso Mafia and The Service Course for a pre or post-ride espresso and take in the vibrant cycling culture that Girona has become.
Interested in riding gravel? Check out our Girona gravel trip here.
Highlights
- A single room is included in the trip rate. Couples sharing the same room will receive a discounted trip rate.
- Six days of guided, supported rides through mountains, vineyards, and the rugged Costa Brava coastline.
- Stay in the beautiful old-city district of Girona.
- Eat chef-prepared meals inspired by Mediterranean cuisines.
- Ride the Costa Brava and explore the Spanish countryside
- Indulge in everything Spain in the historic city of Girona.
- Interested in riding gravel? Check out our Girona gravel trip here.
Food
Everyone comes to Girona for cycling, but some of your favorite memories may be of the local food. Every morning starts with a casual breakfast and espresso before heading out on the day’s riding adventure. Our chef prepares Mediterranean-inspired cuisine featuring authentic Spanish foods. We’ll be sure to eat out at some of our favorite restaurants in Girona so you can plan on a nice mix of eating in and eating out.Â
Accommodations
We’ll be basing out of the Velo Vern apartments which is in the heart of the old town of Girona. The apartments are meticulously restored and each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and shared living space. Old town Girona is one of the most well-preserved medieval city’s in Spain and also one of the most interesting in Catalonia.
Off the bike, enjoy the wonderful walled city of Girona, and explore the narrow winding streets. You will feel like a local and are immediately immersed in the Spanish culture.
A single room is included in the trip rate. Couples sharing the same room will receive a discounted rate.
ITINERARY
Bienvenido a España
We will pick up guests at a prearranged meeting point in Girona, Spain.
For those flying into Barcelona, we will send details on how to get to Girona. TCH does not offer a shuttle from Barcelona, but it’s easy to take a train, taxi, or private car from Barcelona to Girona.
Upon arrival, our team will help get everyone settled into their rooms. Our mechanics will get to work building bikes, and after lunch, guests can get fitted to their rental bikes.
The arrival spin will take us outside the walls of Girona, and we will take our first pedal strokes in the beautiful countryside. Post-ride guests will have time to unwind before our arrival day meeting, with dinner to follow.
Today’s Ride:
Arrival Day Spin: 20 miles, 1,500′. Canet d’Adri.
Hincapie Loop
Girona became an international cycling destination thanks to some of America’s most iconic cycling legends. Many riders called Girona home between grand tours and lead-ups into their training.
The route ascends Girona’s most infamous climb; Els Angels and Santa Pellaia. The ride offers stunning views over the Gavarres Natural Park and the Meditterian Sea in the distance.
Today’s Ride:
Hincapie Loop: 40 miles, 3,100′
Costa Brava
No cycling trip to Girona is complete without a ride to the Costa Brava coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. The first 17 miles are an excellent warm-up with small climbs and descents. At this point, we are met with a 3-mile climb before descending to the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful village of Tossa de Mar, where we will stop for a Cortado – Espresso with steamed milk – the beverage of choice while cycling in Spain.
Post coffee, be sure to stop at Mirador Tossa De Mar – incredible views of the Costa Brava! At mile 32, we start the biggest climb of the day, Saint Grau. The climb is 4.8 miles long, gaining 1,400′ at an average grade of 4.7% and max grades of 18% – don’t worry, the max grade is short.
From the summit of St Grau, it’s just over 22 miles back to Girona, and we lose 2,000′ and climb 700′. This ride is what cycling dreams are made of!
Today’s Ride:
Costa Brava: 60 miles, 4,100′
Hilary Loop
The first 15 miles will be a nice warm-up; after we pass the village of Angles, we climb. Don’t worry; it’s a nice grade with beautiful views. The climb is 15 miles long, gaining 2,500′ at an average grade of 3.1% and max grades of 7.4%. The climb tops out at Sant Hilari Saclam, and the real fun begins.
Over the next 12 miles, we descend 2,300′, landing in Santa Coloma de Farners. From there, we have just over 15 miles back to Girona – the route has a few climbs with equal ascents to descents.
Post-ride, we will be met with a wonderful spread of recovery foods prepared by our Chefs.
Today’s Ride:
Hilari Loop: 60 miles, 4,100′
Banyoles & Rocacorba
The main option is a recovery ride to the beautiful Banyoles Lake and then back to Girona. Climbing Rocacorba, a challenging climb, can be an option for guests looking for more time in the saddle.
Ride details and route coming soon.
Mare de Del Monte
The first 30 miles are a nice warm-up for leading us to the Queen stage. After mile 30, we start climbing up Mare de Del Monte. The climb is 8 miles long, gaining 1,800′ at an average grade of 4.2% and max grades of 14.4%. From here, guests can continue onwards and upwards or start the descent down into Besalu – ultimately, all riders will stop here for lunch.
The bonus climb is not for the faint of heart. The climb is 4.2 miles long, gaining 1,700′ at an average grade of 7% and max grades of 20%.
Post-lunch, guests can pedal the final 22 miles back to Girona or jump in the van. The route gains 1,400′ and descends 1,600′.
When we return, we will have time to relax before packing bikes. Our final dinner will be a celebration of an epic week of cycling!
Today’s Ride:
Mare de Del Monte : 68 miles, 6,000′
Mare de Del Monte Epic: 77 miles, 7,700′
Mare de Del Monte – Shuttle home from Lunch: 46 miles, 4,400′
Adiós
Today we will shuttle guests back to the Girona train station or the Girona airport for departing flights.
Guests that are departing out of Barcelona will need to arrange their own transportation and we can help with those logistics.
Today’s Plan:
Shuttles to Girona train and Girona airport.
Guests need to arrange their own transportation to the Barcelona airport.
DATES & PRICES
- 2024
- Apr 2 - 8 $4,795 / Person
- Oct 15 - 21 $4,795 / Person
DETAILS
What's Included
- 6 nights/7 days accommodations (single occupancy – couples sharing a room will receive a discounted rate)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)Â
- Mechanical support (including bike build and breakdown)
- Professional trip guides
- Daily sag support
- Ride nutrition products
- High-quality ride photo
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers to/from Barcelona Airport (BCN)
- Bike rentals
- Gratuity for guides
- Mid-ride café stops
- Personal shoppingÂ
- Massage therapyÂ
- Beer and Wine
Questions?
BIKE OPTIONS
Rent A Bike
Traveling through the airport with a bike—and paying for it to fly—is not everyone’s idea of a fun way to start a vacation. Fortunately, we offer high-quality, full carbon bikes on all of our trips across the United States and Europe. Want to just show up and ride? Just bring your shoes, pedals, helmet, and saddle (if you want), and rent one of ours.
Bring Your Own
Your bike is yours—we get it. Bringing your own bike has obvious advantages in terms of individual comfort. Before your trip, we suggest getting a tune-up at your local bike shop so it’s ready to roll for your week of riding. Once you arrive, we’ll be sure to have our mechanics build it and help with any necessary tweaks. Check out some helpful resources here:
Skip The Bike
If you or your travel partner want to enjoy the trip and explore a new destination without a bike, drop us a line and we’ll discuss options. Some trips are better suited for non-rider participants than others.
