ITINERARY

Our typical day will involve around 2.5 hours riding to the lunch location, then 2 hrs back to town. Our final day is a big one, but not beyond anyone’s ability. In terms of fitness and riding ability, you should be capable of several hours of riding on consecutive day over challenging terrain, but with two guides, we can cater for varied fitness levels. Climbs can be steep and occasionally longer than 15 minutes. We will send detailed information on recommended equipment and clothing.

Each morning we meet at for coffee at 9.30am, and roll out at 10am, returning to base for rehydration and refuelling around 3-4pm.

Saturday – bike build, fitting, coffee then roll-out for a 2 hours shakedown ride

Sunday – Big Banyoles Loop, with lakeside lunch and optional swim

Monday – Mountain taverna lunch, climbs and medieval villages

Tuesday – Second breakfast and Beach day!

Weds – South into Gravel Heaven, with picnic lunch

Thursday – Easy optional 2.5 hour ride, energy restored for the big day!

Friday – Going big before we go home – 110km with 1700m, with Taverna lunch

Saturday – Depart

GUIDES

You will be accompanied each day with two ride guides, who have years of experience when it comes to the best gravel of the Girona region. They guide by knowing the routes rather than by looking down at GPX files. When they aren’t guiding, they’re exploring, so that you can focus on enjoying the ride rather than wondering if you’re on the right track. The routes that they have created for this week really do show the best of Girona gravel and perhaps the best gravel you’ll ever experience.

With backgrounds in world class off-road coaching and wilderness guiding, your guides will ensure that your week with The Handle Bar is full of all the kinds of challenging and funny incidents that create the best kinds of memories. Technically the routes vary from smooth fine gravel to rough farm tracks and singletrack, but there will be nothing that a standard gravel bike and competent cyclist is not able to cope with.

We have also arranged for a walking tour of Girona on one of the evenings, not only essential for fans of Game of Thrones but anyone interested in navigating the cute stone streets and discovering more of this stunning little city.

ACCOMODATION

Your stay in Girona will be at a high quality hotel on the edge of the old town. Close to exceptional bars and restaurants, game of thrones locations and literally a few minutes ride from the gravel trails leading out of town.

Your hotel caters for cyclists with secure storage and a wonderful terrace bar for the retelling of the days stories.

Restaurants in Girona are world famous and you’ll not be disappointed with the food on offer, whether it’s pinxos in a locals bar or fine dining at a Michelin restaurant.

One evening we will eat together as a group in a select restaurant, dinner being included in the cost of your trip.

Lunches on rides are at exceptional venues ranging from mountain tavernas serving local Catalan specials to lakeside bars serving a swim with a sandwich.

We have included a vineyard tour and tasting lunch with return by taxi for bikes, riders

INCLUDED

Cost per person for the week is €2390 and includes the following:

• 7 nights bed and breakfast in a quality hotel, based on two sharing. Single room supplement €60 per night.

• Welcome pack of gravel gifts

• Welcome drink

• Guided rides with vehicle support when appropriate

• One picnic lunch including drinks

• Walking tour of Girona

*Not included are flights, airport transfers, lunches and evening meals (unless specified)

We require a deposit of 50% on booking, with the balance due 1 week before the trip.

Optional extras.

• Airport transfers

• Bike rental: €80 per day for high end gravel bikes

• Massage: €60

• Yoga session: €25