Category: Bikes & Gear

The La Purito Sportive is not for the faint hearted and is one of the toughest cycling challenges of the year. Taking place on the 4th August 2019 the event is widely dubbed ‘Europe’s toughest sportive’ with the brutal Andorran course covering 145km and 5,200m of climbing. If those stats don’t look too bad to you consider that the starting altitude in Sant Julià de Lòria is 908m rising to a maximum of 1,980m on the Coll d’Ordino.

History of La Purito Sportive

The sportive is the eponymous brainchild of retired Spanish professional cyclist Joaquim ‘Purito’ Rodriguez. Rodriguez acquired the nickname ‘Purito’ (which is Spanish for ‘little cigar’) during his first professional team camp after he ‘smoked’ some of his team mates on a climb whilst gesturing smoking a cigar to show he wasn’t really exerting himself after which he was made to smoke a real cigar at dinner that day!

La Purito Sportive Location

Andorra is known as something of a cycling playground and a climber’s paradise. Many professional riders use the principality either as a full-time base or for altitude training camps. There is no such thing as an easy day in Andorra; what goes up must come down and going uphill there usually includes some super steep climbing!

La Purito Sportive Course

La Purito Sportive course is all about the cols and the profile resembles a jagged razor-edge of relentless up and down. Departing from Sant Julià de Lòria the route heads close to Andorra La Vella before riders complete a loop around Ordino and Encamp ticking off Collada de Beixalis and Col d’Ordino before descending back towards the start town of Sant Julià de Lòria. From there comes the next climb of Alt de la Rabassa immediately followed by the super-steep Col de la Gallina. Following the descent of Gallina the parcours eases off slightly, but don’t underestimate the power of the short but steep Alt de la Comella to zap power from the legs right before the finishing climb of Els Cortals d’Encamp!

The Key Climbs of La Purito

There are six main climbs on the route and while some of them are slightly more forgiving than others none should be taken lightly and pacing is essential if you are to reach the finish!

1. Collada de Beixalis: 6.6km at 8.4%
2. Col d’Ordino: 9.9km at 7%
3. Alt de la Rabassa: 17.8km at 6.2%
4. Col de la Gallina: 12km at 8.5%
5. Alt de la Comella: 4.3km at 7.9%
6. Els Cortals d’Encamp: 8.9km at 8.5%

La Purito Cycling Challenge – You Ready?

Are you ready take on the cycling challenge of La Purito? If you’re geared up to test your body and mind on this epic course then call us on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online, and allow us to organise everything! And, to read a first-hand account of what it’s like to ride La Purito then check out journalist Emily Chappel who joined us last year and later wrote about her epic experience for Casquette!

Something Less Brutal Than La Purito?

Looking for something equally challenging but slightly less brutal? Why not join us next March for the Strade Bianche Gran Fondo to ride the course of the World Tour race along the iconic white roads of Tuscany.

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Amy is a cyclist from the UK who started riding in late 2016 and is taking on a big challenge this year. She joined us for our Girona Women’s camp in April in training for her goal of completing the Trans Pyrenees Challenge in June in aid of two charities: The Brain Tumour Charity and Duchenne UK.

We caught up with her to find out why she decided to take on the challenge, and how she’s preparing for it.

Describe your personal journey and why you are taking on this challenge.

I started cycling in October 2016, having previously been allergic to exercise, unless you count snowboarding which is, if I’m honest, more drinking than exercise.  My first ride was 3 miles and I was toast! That first year on a bike is pretty exciting because everything is a milestone. My first 20 miles, first 50 miles, first 100km, and then first 100 miles, each box ticked was a nod to the progress I’d made.  In March 2018 I went to Mallorca with Queensbury Queens of the Mountain CC, my all-female cycling club, just for a weekend, but I got to tackle my first long climb in Sa Calobra, and I discovered a love for climbing. So in June I headed off to Italy in search of some more long climbs, and it didn’t disappoint, ticking off a few more 10 km+ climbs along the way and still hungry for more!  With my new love of climbing I decided I needed to find myself a mountain challenge that would allow me to raise money for some charities close to my heart. Having lost 2 people in recent years to brain tumours I am passionate about raising as much money as I can for The Brain Tumour Charity, and then with a friend’s son being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy last year I decided to split the funds with Duchenne UK as a charity that was helping them to support their son.  And as everyone knows I like riding my bike up hills, I had to make sure the challenge was suitably epic so that everyone didn’t just think I was off on a holiday!

So here I sit, challenge accepted, 7 weeks out from attempting to ride from Girona to San Sebastian.

How are you preparing both your bike and your body?

I’ll be riding my Canyon Ultimate for the challenge, albeit with the front end brought back up to a more comfortable position for long days.   Having tested the legs and the bike in Girona on ESC’s Women’s Week in April I’m going to add a 34t chainring to the front before the Pyrenees.  You can never have too many low gear options right? The 52/36 I have at the moment gets me up climbs just fine, but riding multiple mountain passes each day it can’t hurt to have an even more spin-friendly option for tired legs.  

I’m on the turbo or in the gym most days in the week, and the weekends are now dedicated to seeking out hills.  In the Pyrenees they built roads that snake around the mountains, in Yorkshire they just decided to build them straight up!  Maybe I’ll be eating my words soon enough, but at the moment I think Yorkshire and the Peak District are way tougher than the Pyrenees!

 

What are your goals for the challenge?

If I make it to the finish line without having to get in the van at any point I’ll consider that a massive success.  I’m not in any rush to make it there, I just want to make it. I’ve been training hard, but for a still novice cyclist this is a challenge of epic proportions.  I’m travelling solo for this adventure, not knowing anyone quite as crazy as me to want to take this challenge on, so I’m hoping to make some good friends out on the road.

What are you most nervous about?

It’s the weather I’m most worried about for the adventure.  I can get myself fit enough, I can make sure my bike is in good shape, but I can’t do anything about the weather, and unlike on the Women’s Week if I look out of the window and see the heavens have opened there’s no option to go for a nice walk around town and have lunch instead, there are miles to be covered to the next hotel.  The weather in the mountains can be highly unpredictable, could be 35 degrees, could be snowing, maybe both on the same day! But at least we have van support so that we don’t need to carry kit for all conditions in our pockets. And I have no desire to descend mountain passes in a snowstorm, so if I need to make a decision to stop for safety then I will.  Always safety first!

 

What are you most excited about?

I’m incredibly excited about tackling the Aubisque, assuming I make it that far!  And I’m really hoping there’ll be a moment in the last day or two where we get to the top of a climb and can see across to the ocean at San Sebastian for the first time, knowing that we’ve ridden all the way across the Pyrenees from Girona to the opposite coast.  I think that would be the moment that makes the whole trip special.

Photos courtesy of @openautograph

You can follow Amy’s progress via social media @snowtosea and @ridelikeagirlrs

 

We look forward to supporting Amy this June! If you would like to join her and take on the Trans Pyrenees Challenge for yourself then don’t hesitate to email info@eatsleepcycle.com or call +34 972 754 301 to secure your place!

 

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In this post Eat Sleep Cycle Partner Brian waxes lyrical about cycling in his homeland of Ireland.

Scanning the Eat Sleep Cycle cycling tours you’ll quickly realise we have a penchant for sun-spoilt cycling pockets all over Europe. Yep we’ve the big ones covered in Majorca, Gran Canaria, the Costa Brava, Girona and the Pyrenees, and then we have Ireland, our newest offering.

Ireland, you say? That bucks the trend and doesn’t really follow the ESC ‘trend’, right? Wrong.

The Emerald Isle, so called because of the green countryside, is where we’re headed next and if a cycling tour with rolling hills, sleepy villages, wonderfully remote countryside and world-famous sites are what you seek, then it’s a tour for you! Read on to learn more!

Cycling Tour of Ireland’s West Coast

Those searching for epic days, ascending col after col, can move along because in a country where the highest paved road is less than 800 metres – and we go nowhere near it – this one isn’t for the mountain goats or hardened road riders.

No, this one is for those who prefer to experience a country’s unique culture, its rich heritage and traditions, and learn just why almost 80 million people worldwide claim Irish heritage (almost half of them American).

This tour, titled the Tour of Ireland’s West Coast, is one I feel very strongly about and gives you, the guest, the very best insight into what exactly makes Ireland so appealing to so many people.

Mention of the word Ireland automatically conjures up images of green fields, pints of Guinness, trad music, dramatic coastline and country roads and on this tour you´ll have more than your share of all of the above.

I feel very blessed to have lived in one of the cities we´ll travel through on this tour, and when guests visit Galway on days 3 and 4, I know they’ll feel the very same sense of belonging and excitement I felt when I moved there to study in 2008.

Galway and The Wild Atlantic Coastline

Though I only spent one year in Galway, it was the perfect base for which to explore the Wild Atlantic coastline north, west and south. To the south are the jaw-droppingly beautiful Cliffs of Moher which we’ll visit on day two after an opening warm-up ride up Spancill Hill to check those gears are running smoothly. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear ‘Spancill Hill’ belted out from one of the many bars in Ennis, Galway or Westport as it’s a very famous ballad composed by Michael Considine who was born there but migrated to the US to chase a better life. The song bemoans the plight of the Irish emigrants who longed for home from their new lives in America.

Galway is home to less than 80,000 people but the energy of the place in summer makes it feel there´s 800,000 around, and sitting in Eyre Square in the heart of the city on a warm summer’s day is a memory I cherish from my college days there.

Finding The ‘Real’ Ireland

West of Galway is where you’ll discover the ´real´ Ireland and if the country’s capital on the east coast, Dublin, is where you´ll find sprawling housing estates, global tech companies, social media giants and endless columns of fast-moving trains and buses, Connemara is where life moves at a very different clip.

The longest ride of the trip is the road to Clifden where you hug the coast as it meanders its way west. When I lived here, I told myself there is nothing as beautiful as a tailwind on the smooth blacktop roads out around Roundstone with the Aran Islands visible in the distance and the 12 Bens Mountains providing an idyllic backdrop.

Interestingly, the first non-stop trans-Atlantic flight was 100 years ago this year but it was a rather ill-fated adventure because the plane flown by two British aviators crash-landed not far from Clifden. Miraculously, neither of them died as it was a soft landing into a bog, but locals helped themselves to the remains of the plane to display as souvenirs.

Feel At Home in Westport

I´m often asked if I´ll ever return to Ireland from Girona and I always usually the same; only if I end up in Westport!

Simply put, the place has it all, from historical attractions, to outdoor adventures, to fine dining and a great community spirit. It’s easy to feel at home in Westport and I guarantee you´ll feel the same way on our last night here.

With no need for luck at all we’ll happen upon a live music session in Matt Molloy´s (because they have it seven nights a week), owned by a member of the legendary traditional Irish band The Chieftains. It´ll be the perfect way to relax, unwind and reflect on the trip of a lifetime.

More Than Just European Cycling Trips

At Eat Sleep Cycle were determined to bringing you on more than just cycling trips in Europe, it’s our mission to showcase the very best of what each destination has to offer. We want to show you more than just roads, we want to show you a country’s identity, which is why we always try to use local guides.

So join us on this trip by calling us on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online, and allow me show you the ‘real’ Ireland!

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Autumn is a beautiful time of year to ride bikes in Europe, the busy summer cycling destinations have come to a close but the weather is still warm and the sun is still shining. The high summer season of July and August is over and the tourists have largely gone home, leaving roads open for business for two-wheeled adventures. Here is our pick of the top destinations for an Autumnal European cycling vacation.

Girona Autumn Cycling – Home of the Pros

We may be biased towards our hometown but the fact that it is the chosen base of some 150 professional cyclists speaks for itself. We think that Autumn is the best time of year to visit Girona with the summer tourists gone and the temperatures hovering around the cycling sweet spot of the mid-twenties. With plenty of time to explore the mountains before winter creeps in and plenty of space to wander through the Old Town for a post-ride stroll, Girona is a great place to be in the Autumn months.

Highlights include the classic climbs of the area such as Rocacorba and Els Angels, the picturesque Banyoles lake and the Old Town of Girona itself.

Girona Cycling Tours

• Girona Classic Climbs: tick off all the Girona favorites in one week! 8th- 14th September & 6th-12th October 2019
• Pyrenees Mini Break: discover the hidden beauty of the pre-Pyrenees. 27th – 29th September 2019 & 25th – 27th October 2019

The Costa Brava – Coastal & Mountain Tour

For similar reasons to Girona, the Costa Brava is an ideal spot for an Autumn cycling vacation, with the beautiful, coastal towns becoming much quieter but staying equally as charming in the Autumn sunshine. At this time of year the winding coast roads are practically free of cars and the beaches are still habitable for a post-ride dip in the Med.

Highlights include the gorgeous coastal town of Cadaques, Girona and fresh seafood in Tossa de Mar.

Costa Brava Cycle Tours

• Tour of the Costa Brava: Ride Point-To-Point And Explore The Best Of The Costa Brava Region. 9th-13th November 2019

Andalucia Autumn Cycling – Sunshine and Smooth Roads

To ensure the need for less winter cycling kit Andalucia is the place to go in the colder months. Andalucía enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine a year and only 40 days of rain on average. While other parts of Spain are still much warmer than their Northern European counterparts during the Autumn, the South is warmer still. This is a great time of year to soak up the rich culture that the region has to offer alongside the fantastic riding on smooth roads.

Highlights include the Caminito del Rey, the Alhambra Palace, and the historical and picturesque cities of Antequera and Ronda.

Andalucia Cycling Tours

• Trans Andalucia: Ride Point-To-Point From Andalucia To Seville. 29th September – 6th October
• Andalucia Experience: Discover Granada, Antequera & Ronda. 22nd – 28th September

Costa del Sol – The Clue’s in the Name!

The region with Europe’s mildest ‘winter’ climate naturally boasts stunning Autumn conditions too. Much like neighbouring Andalucia, sunshine and smooth tarmac characterise the Costa del Sol and it’s for this reason that cyclists flock here during the autumn and winter. The Costa del Sol is the perfect place to go to extend a summer of riding or begin those early preparations for the following year.

Highlights include the Puerto del Leon climb, and the towns of Almuñécar and Orgiva.

Costa del Sol Cycling Tours:

• Costa del Sol Ride Camp: Explore The Coast & Climbs Of Andalucia. 24th-30th November 2019

Calpe – Training Heaven

The Calpe/Alicante area is known in summer as a haven for those seeking sun-soaked partying but in the autumn and winter it attracts a very different kind of clientele who mix with the stalwart mahogany ex-pats. Cyclists flock to the region in search of sun and smooth tarmac, which they receive in abundance. As with the rest of Spain the draw is not only the fantastic riding but also the laid-back lifestyle and delicious food and drink on offer, re-fuelling with some delicious tapas and a cerveza is a must!

Highlights include the Col de Rates climb, the Cumbre del Sol and Confrides.

Calpe Cycling Tours

• Calpe Ride Camp: Join The Pros And Head South To Smooth Roads & Sun! 17th – 23rd November 2019

Mallorca – The Old Favourite

The classic favourite amongst all kinds of cyclists as an Autumn/Winter cycling destination for a reason, Mallorca is a cyclist’s paradise. Ride to the Cap de Fortmentor lighthouse – the most northern point of the island, for nothing else if not a photo opportunity. An ascent of the sinewy climb of Sa Colabra, by far the most famous climb on the island and one of the most well-known in the world is also essential. Off the bike there is plenty to see and do including visiting the capital, Palma. For more check out our guide to cycling in Majorca!

Highlights include the Sa Colabra Climb, Cap de Fortmentor lighhouse, Col de Soller

Mallorca Cycling Tours

• Mallorca Ride Camp 20th-26th October 2019

Inspired To Ride Some European Autumn Cycling Destinations?

If one of these top European autumn cycling destinations has inspired you to ride then contact us online or via info@eatsleepcycle.com for more information on any of our tours!

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[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Enter our competition to win a place on our fully supported Girona Classic Climbs tour taking place this October 6th-12th and worth €1,500.

See below for details on how to enter.

Girona Classic Climbs Autumn Tour Giveaway

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#cccccc” scene_position=”center” text_color=”custom” custom_text_color=”#ffffff” text_align=”left” id=”team” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ font_color=”#000000″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” bottom_margin=”20″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”TERMS & CONDITIONS” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23ff836e” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][toggles style=”default”][toggle color=”Default” title=”WHAT’S INCLUDED”][vc_column_text]The winner will be selected at random and be eligible to claim a place on our October Girona Classic Climbs tour.

The prize includes:

• 7 day guided & supported ride itinerary taking in the classic climbs of Girona
• 6 nights 4* hotel accommodation in Girona city centre
• Breakfast every day
• A welcome & farewell evening meal
• Ride nutrition every day
• 7 day Bike Hire (model subject to availability)

The prize does not include:

• Flights & airport transfers
• Lunches, coffee stops & additional evening meals

To see full details of the tour visit the Girona Classic Climbs tour page.

We reserve the right to update the Terms & Conditions at any point.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/toggle][/toggles][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Summer in the cycling world is the season of high mountains and epic adventures. The snow has melted and heading up high is in order, plus longer days mean longer rides and warm weather makes kitting up and heading out both easier and far more appealing (although these winter cycling destinations break that mould – always something to look forward to!). We would spend the whole season riding our bikes from one European mountain range to the next if we could, but there’s work to be done so we’ll leave the cycling to you… And to help you decide where you want to go this summer, here’s our pick of the best European cycling tours to ride this year.

Trans Pyrenees – Classic Trans Challenge

We’ve mentioned it before but Trans Pyrenees is the original Eat Sleep Cycle tour and one that we think everyone should ride. From Girona to San Sebastian with plenty of Cols to tackle in between it promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with culinary and cultural discoveries too.

Trans Pyrenees Tour Dates:

• 30th June – 7th July 2019

Trans Dolomites – Classic Trans Challenge

The classic climbs of the Giro are the target on the Trans Dolomites Challenge point-to-point from the Zoncolan to the Mortirolo with the mighty Stelvio in between. In total a whopping 611 km with 17,100 m of climbing of course all supplemented by delicious Italian food!

Trans Dolomites Tour Dates:

• 16th – 23rd June 2019

A Gravel European Summer Cycling Tour

Are you looking for a different type of European summer cycling tour or something that is off the beaten track? Then this trans alps gravel tour is for you! Maybe you’ve already completed Trans Dolomites or Trans Pyrenees, maybe you’ve done all there is to do on the road and you’re wondering what’s next? Introducing: the Trans Alps Gravel Bike tour. Take things off road this summer and cycle to Munich To Verona Via Germany, Austria & Italy on gravel whilst taking in the stunning scenery along the way.

Trans Alps Gravel Bike Tour Dates:

• 30th June – 6th July 2019

Classic Climbs of the Alps – Summer Cycling Tour

Immortalised by the epic battles of the Tour de France, the classic cols of the French Alps are a must-ride for any cyclist and an experience to be ticked off the bucket list. Take on the likes of Alpe d’Huez, col du Telegraphe, and the Galibier over a week in one of the most stunning places you can possibly ride a bike.

Classic Climbs of the Alps Tour Dates:

• 7th – 13th July 2019

Tour de France Summer Cycling Tour

If you want to watch the world’s greatest bike race at its most dramatic you need to head to the Pyrenees. This tour is all about soaking up the atmosphere of the Tour de France and following the pro’s pedal strokes on the iconic Cols of the Tourmalet, Peyresourde and Aspin. The tour is based out of the perfectly located and charming French town of Bagnères de Luchon where such climbs are right on your doorstep! (psst, going to watch the Tour this year? Find out what the pros think about the 2019 Tour de France route!)

Tour de France Tour Dates:

• 16th – 21st July 2019

La Purito Summer Cycling Tour

If you prefer to be in on the action rather than just watching it then entering an event like a sportive is the way to go, and they don’t come much harder than La Purito! Taking place in Andorra, an undiscovered theme park for cyclists, La Purito is the legacy of retired Spanish pro Joaquim Rodriguez and comprises an epic course over 145 km and 5,200 m!

Tour Dates:

• 3rd – 5th August 2019

Ready to Book Your European Summer Cycling Tour?

If you’re inspired to ride then contact us online of via info@eatsleepcycle.com for more information on any of our tours!

Don’t See What You’re Looking For?

Looking for something different to these summer cycling tours? Browse our tours and find the perfect European cycling holiday for you! If you have any questions about which tour will suit you best – then give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online for more info!

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Getting the right nutrition for cyclists both on and off the bike is one of the most important aspects of cycling. Ensuring that you fuel correctly for the ride ahead can make the difference between flying to KOMs or bonking and subsequently crawling home. Of course, different cycling challenges require different nutritional strategies, the type of fuel needed for a leisure ride vs a hard-core endurance event are vastly different. So how do you fuel correctly for each kind of ride? In this post we’ll give you some examples.

All-day Leisure Ride – Cycling Nutrition

Leisure cycling is all about enjoying the scenery and going at your own pace, usually stopping for lunch along the way and just soaking up the feeling of being out and about on two wheels. Therefore, a strict nutritional strategy is not really necessary, there’s definitely no need for gels or energy bars designed to replenish vastly depleted carbohydrates and electrolyte stores. Rather, simply eating meals as you normally would or maybe snacking on fruit and nuts should suffice.

Example ride: Pirinexus

The Lunch Hour Blast

For a short but fast ride in the middle of the day you’re going to need something light but high in energy like a natural bar or some homemade energy balls. Trying to cram in a proper meal or anything more filling is going to result in some rather unpleasant sensations during the ride if you eat it any sooner than 2-3 hours before.

Nutrition for A Big Day Out/Sportive

Make sure you are optimally hydrated in the 24 hours before the event, this is almost more important than what you eat. Eat breakfast 90-120 minutes before the ride, oats are the ideal option as they provide slow-release energy and if the ride is really long then eggs can provide additional energy as well as protein. On the bike you will want to make sure that you are drinking enough (between 500ml and 1L of liquid per hour depending on the conditions). In terms of food the key is to eat before you need it, once you start to bonk or feel hungry it’s already too late! This translates to consuming roughly  0.5-1g of carbohydrates per kg of bodyweight per hour.

Example ride: La Purito Challenge

A Week-Long Cycling Vacation

A week on a cycling vacation can be as easy or as hard as you make it, but if you want to make the most of your time away then you will typically be riding most days for between 80 km and 120 km. Therefore, you will need to make sure you are consuming enough energy and drinking enough liquid. Fuelling during a cycling vacation need not be a structured and serious affair, it’s simply about avoiding the dreaded bonk so you can continue to enjoy exploring your destination! If you’re riding all day then a lunch stop is a good idea where you can make sure you fill up on food and drink (but not too much) ready to get you back ‘home’. An additional coffee stop with cake wouldn’t go amiss  – you’re on holiday after all! Make sure you’re carrying energy bars and maybe a gel or two to get you through on the bike, and remember to eat and drink before you start to get hungry or thirsty.

Example tour: Classic Climbs of Girona

Trans Challenge Cycling Nutrition

One of the best parts of being a cyclist is that burning all those calories means that you need to replenish them which means eating more food! On an epic cycling tour like a Trans Challenge it’s vital to make sure you are consuming enough calories to sustain the effort needed to climb those Cols on those super long days in the saddle. What you eat during the ride is as important as what you eat off it so make sure you are eating approximately 0.5-1g of carbohydrates per kg of bodyweight per hour and drinking around one 500ml bottle per hour. If you find yourself bonking or dehydrated on the bike this can negatively affect how you feel the next day so staying hydrated and fuelled is vital. It’s important to ensure that you are also filling up with  slow release carbohydrates at mealtimes and eating enough protein for recovery.

Top pick: Trans Pyrenees

Nutrition for Cyclists – Are you Fuelled Up?

Are you fuelled up and ready for a cycling vacation? We have a range of tours (and nutrition for cyclists to get your through them!) available. Browse our tours and find the right level for you! If you have any questions about which tour will suit you best – then give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online for more info!

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Some might say that the custom cycling clothing market is saturated, in the Girona area alone there are a number of manufacturers, so how can a brand make themselves stand out from the crowd? Tactic, a Girona-based sportswear brand, have been in the industry for many years with the bulk of their output based in custom design. However, they have recently made some developments to give them an edge over their competitors.

On the Pulse

Behind many of these changes is a young marketing team with their fingers on the pulse both locally and internationally, who between them possess a combination of visual and strategic skills that have helped to grow the brand exponentially over the last few years. One such change is the introduction of a core collection to run alongside the usual custom production which has garnered more attention for the brand as more and more riders kit up in their stylish designs. Their marketing efforts have culminated in innovative photoshoots to promote the collection with compelling concepts behind them; their latest ‘Trailblazers’ campaign (pictured above) has a ‘American Western’ theme but was in fact shot in Monegros near Zaragoza.  

 

Social Space

Clothing aside, Tactic have recently transformed their factory space on the outskirts of Girona into an open, spacious area with glass partitions between the offices and the factory floor and added a social area complete with sofas and a TV. Here, they have already hosted events such as the launch of the Rocacorba Gran Fondo and next month will officially open their space with an open weekend followed by a launch party and accompanying ride. Part of this new phase will include guided tours of the factory, which anyone will be able to arrange, in which guests will be taken through the entire production process from customer services to the finished product and everything in between. I took one of our Eat Sleep Cycle Bromptons out to Salt to get a sneak peak of what the factory tour is about.

Factory Tour

When I arrived in the morning the place was already buzzing with life and energy with production in full swing (they can manufacture 700 jerseys a day at maximum capacity). I was met by Francesc and Sergei, the aforementioned marketing team, and offered a coffee from The Broom Wagon, which is now stationed there, before we got on our way. We moved through the factory processes from customer services to the final quality checks and everything in between. It might not seem like a tour of a sports clothing factory would be the most thrilling day out but it was truly interesting to see the process that goes into making the kit and how each part of the production knits together. For example, I was impressed to discover that each garment (up to 300 a day) undergoes a manual quality check before leaving the factory and that the temperature to transfer the design from the paper to the material is 250°.

Visit Tactic

At a mere 5km from Girona centre Tactic HQ is well worth a visit if you’ve ever wondered what goes into the kit manufacturing process and want to see how some quality, locally produced sports kit is made. So grab a Brompton, or any bike, and head over to their new space for a coffee and to see what it’s all about.

Tactic’s new ‘Trailblazers’ collection is now available to buy from the Eat Sleep Cycle Hub and the Tactic website. If you are interested in a tour of Tactic’s space email girona@eatsleepcycle.com to arrange!

Electric bikes are changing the cycling tourism industry whether you just need that bit of assistance on an epic climb to keep up or prefer to be powered along bike paths on a leisure cycling holiday, more and more people are embracing electric bikes, and anything that encourages more people to get on their bikes can only be a positive thing!

An Electric Bike Does Not Equal Zero Effort

Some may argue that a huge part of riding bikes is the challenge of getting to the top of a climb on your own steam and that electric bikes minimise this experience. This may be partly true, however, an electric bike does not equal zero effort. Many electric bikes are designed to assist rather than to take pressure off the pedals entirely. Thus, guests who are still looking to challenge themselves but may not have previously been able to join their friends or their club for that epic point-to-point cycling vacation can call on the motor when they need it but still ride off their own power for the remainder of the time.

Electric Bikes in Girona – A Change of Experience

The riding here in Girona can sometimes be more challenging than people are used to, the views at the top of the famous Rocacorba climb for example are a must-see but the 10%+ gradients can be inhibiting. Hiring an electric bike in Girona can change the way you experience your cycling holiday – being able to ride out further without worrying about not being able to get back, or getting to the top of one of the classic climbs of the area that would have otherwise been too challenging and then enjoying the thrill of the descent.

Cycling Holidays For All?

Electric bikes can also open up cycling holidays to those who are not ordinarily big on riding bikes. You don’t need to train multiple hours per week to take an electric hybrid bike along a bike path such as the Via Verde Pirinexus route but can still benefit from the gorgeous scenery and the freedom of the ride. Similarly, for those who want to embark on a bikepacking holiday but find the prospect of carrying heavy bags around daunting an electric bike is a great option.

The beauty of electric bikes is that they create more accessibility for those who may otherwise be excluded from a particular route or terrain – or from riding at all and the joy of riding bikes is something that everyone should be able to experience, whether that’s flying up a Pyrenean Col or cruising along a coastal road.

Electric Bikes That Are Changing Cycling Vacations

So, now that we’ve discussed some of the why behind why electric bikes are changing cycling vacations let’s take a look at two very different electric bike options by Orbea, a Basque company leading the way in developing the technology & aesthetic appeal of electric bikes.

Electric Road Bike: Orbea M20 Gain

A masterpiece in disguise the Orbea M20 Gain looks on first glance like a normal road bike. An Orbea Gain carbon frame with a monocoque structure houses a Shimano Ultegra 11 speed groupset, hydraulic disc brakes & an integrated battery. The battery is activated by a simple touch of a small button located on the top tube, visible only at close range. It’s relatively light for an electric bike and crucially has no bulky components associated with everyday electric machines. The ride experience is not compromised and the bike is designed to enhance the ride, not dominate it.

• Great For: Making a big day out on a bike accessible to all. When you’ve signed up for a cycling challenge and not had time to train. Bringing friends, family, partners & different age groups together for a stress-free day out which is enjoyable for all.

Electric Hybrid Bike: Orbea Keram Comfort

Whilst maybe not topping the style charts, the name of the Orbea Keram Comfort says it all. This the bike of choice for those looking for an active day out on a bike in comfort. The bike offers an upright position giving great visibility and easy, stable handling. The bike is intuitive to use and has a decent battery range, as well as a rack for carrying the picnic, beach towels, extra layers, or even a spare battery if you’re planning a long day. Be warned – the bike is heavy and not easy to carry up and down stairs or even push on rough sections of a bike path. Choose routes with smooth surfaces & make sure your planned route is in range of the battery. It’s tough to pedal if you run out of juice!

• Great For: Riding on or off road, enjoying relaxed days out on the bike & transporting picnics.

An Electric Bike For Your Next Cycle Tour?

Inspired to ride an electric bike? You can hire an electric bike in Girona from our Hub or reserve one for your next cycling vacation with us. If you’ve any questions about which electric bike will suit you best – or any questions on how we can configure it – then give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online for more info!

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At first glance, cycling and yoga may not seem to naturally go hand in hand, however the benefits of practicing yoga off the bike has been linked to some serious on the bike benefits. That’s why we’ve joined up with our friends at La Bruguera de Púbol to offer a yoga & cycling retreat to combine riding and relaxing in the heart of Girona with cycling-specific yoga classes.

The Benefits of Practicing Yoga as a Cyclist

Kirsti Abernethy of Bindi Yoga explains, (Kirsti lives in the beautiful Empordà, has practiced & studied Yoga for over 20 years):
“Cycling is such a regular, repetitive, rhythmic pursuit, that it often creates tension, tightness and chronic pain in participants. Yoga is an ideal, low-impact, low-stress way of addressing these issues. Stability and strength of the core muscles is also critical to delivering power to the legs, which makes Yoga an ideal way to make your cycling body more efficient.”

Breathing is key in cycling – and many riders have no idea this can be trained and improved. Breathing techniques to improve endurance, as well as staying focussed and calm, can be learned through yoga, and applied to cycling.

Also, cycling, either at endurance, challenge or racing levels, is a heavily mental pursuit, and requires focus, energy management, and mental strength to get through the highs and lows of competition and achievement.  Yoga again, is ideal for developing riders’ awareness of the needs of their minds, bodies and souls, on and off the bike.”

The Yoga Classes

For these interests in common, yoga teacher Kirsti Abernethy (http://bindiyoga.life ) and cycling coach Mike Duff (La Bruguera de Púbol) have come together to develop a series of classes for cyclists, bringing the benefits of yoga to the world of two wheels.

Kirsti’s Hatha yoga classes include asana (postures), breathing techniques for equilibrium, vinyasa (moving sequences with rhythmic breath), deep relaxation, mantra (chanting) and contemplation. Her teaching is inspired by her constant learning and experience of Qi-Gong, martial arts, Dhrupad (North Indian classical singing) and Indian dance.

Yoga Poses for Cyclists

Here, she demonstrates two yoga poses, and explains their benefit from a cyclist’s perspective:

Pose: Anjaneyasana
Benefits for Cyclists: Elongates the thighs, opens up the groin and chest – all areas of tension and tightness in regular cyclists. Brings awareness of how to isolate and release the muscles of the lower back consciously, giving riders the ability to do this on the bike.

Pose: Prasarita Padottanasana
Benefits for Cyclists: Strengthens & lengthens the inner legs & backs of legs, tones abdominal organs, and opens the chest.  Also helps to relieve lower back ache.

La Bruguera Eco-Retreat Centre

The setting for these activities is worth a mention – introducing La Bruguera de Púbol. Formerly the home of Catalan artist Casademont “Le Vieux” and his family, it consists of 9 acres of oak and pine forest and gardens, a large villa, a purpose built yoga studio, a forest treatment room and a heated saltwater pool, nestled in the beautiful rolling countryside of the Baix Empordà.

Sustainability is important to the new owners, Mike & Michelle, and they’ve completely renovated the estate’s infrastructure such that electricity is provided from solar panels, heat and hot water from heat pumps or log boilers, and water from on-site wells. Guests can focus on their self-improvement, knowing it comes at no cost to the environment.

Guests can enjoy meals prepared onsite by chef Cabell d’Àngel, with ingredients grown in the estates vegetable gardens. In keeping with the philosophy of sustainability the menu is vegetarian, with each dished designed to contain all the macro-nutrients yogi’s and cyclists require to stay fueled all day.

Experience The Synergy of Yoga & Cycling

If the above has got you interested in the benefits of yoga for cycling then find out more information by following Kirsti & La Bruguera on Instagram:
@labrugueradepubol & @yogakirst or visit them online at labrugueradepubol.com and bindiyoga.life. For any of your cycling needs (or to book a yoga cycling retreat) give us a call on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online.

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