Category: Lifestyle

Christmas is just around the corner and thoughts are turning to buying gifts for friends and loved ones. If you’re looking to treat someone who is cycling-mad this Christmas, then let our gift guide outlining the top Christmas gifts for cyclists for 2020 inspire you!

Gifts for Cyclists

Aficionados of cycling can be tricky creatures to find a gift for – there are cyclists who have everything, cyclists who love riding trails, tackling road climb or simply pottering to the local shops. There are commuter cyclists, leisure cyclists, athletes, mountain bikers, road cyclists, gravel riders, urban riders. If you’re not sure where to start read on for our top picks of stocking fillers to luxury gifts!

Stocking Fillers for Cyclists, Gifts Under €25

There are plently of options if you’re looking to treat your favourite cyclist this christmas to something cool that wont break the bank.

Safety first – Knog Lights, from €20

Perfect lights for keeping your loved one safe & visible on the winter roads or trails. Shop Knog

Eat Sleep Cycle Classics, from €8

We have a cool collection of Eat Sleep Cycle buffs (€10), ass savers (€12.50), velopacs (€8), musettes (€12), t-shirts (€25), caps (€25) & bidons (from €6). Great for anyone who loves to live the eat, sleep, cycle life. Shop Eat Sleep Cycle.

Fingers Crossed Socks, from €20

Seriously cool socks from Fingers Crossed – choose from classic cycling socks or winter merino woolies! Shop Fingers Crossed Socks.

Mini Pumps, from €18

Choose from our cool range by Fabric, Lezyne & Tols. Shop Pumps.

Christmas Treats for Cyclists, Gifts Under €75

From casual cycling t-shirts, cool cycling artwork to accessories & cycling kit, here’s our top pick of mid-range gifts for cyclists.

Posters of Girona, €30

If you havn’t been able to visit this year, remember the good times climbing Girona with these beautiful posters desgined by photographer David Powell celebrating Girona’s Classic Climbs. Shop Posters of Girona.

Rocacorba T-Shirts, €30

Choose from a range of styles & colours by Girona-made Rocaorba Clothing.

Castelli Tutto Nano Cycling Glove, €44.95

Keep your loved ones hands warm when they head out for a ride! Shop Castelli.

Fingers Crossed Pouch, from €35

A lux leather pouch is a stylish answer to keeping cash & keys safe when out on a ride. Shop Fingers Crossed.

Casual – Eat Sleep Cycle Mantra Sweater, €50

Keep things cool off the bike with the Eat Sleep Cycle Mantra Sweater. Shop the Mantra Sweater.

Silca Premio Seat Roll, €57,60

Silca is a luxury brand specialising in beautifully made cycling accessories. A Silca Premio Seat Roll is a perfect gift for a cyclist who has everything & appreciates a touch of style & class. Shop Silca Premio Seat Roll.

Merino Casuals by Chrome Industries, from €60

We are big fans of Merino wool & the Chrome Industries merino range is comfy, warm & breathable – perfect for a casual ride to the bar or people with active lifestyles. Shop Chrome Industries Casuals.

Eat Sleep Cycle Jersey, €70

Get ready for spring time with the Eat Sleep Cycle Basics Jersey, made locally in Olot. Shop Eat Sleep Cycle.

Next Level Gifts For Cyclists, Gifts Under €150

Special gifts for the special cyclist in your life!

Bliz Sunglasses, from €79.95

Bliz are making waves in the world of sunglasses with great value sunglasses that offer good protection & still look the part! Shop Bliz

Set of Tyres, from €100

All cyclists will appreciate a beautiful set of new rubber. Choose from Continental, WTB, Vittoria, René Herse, Pirelli & more. Ask us if you need advice on what to buy! Shop Tyres.

Girona Bar Bag & Eat Sleep Cycle x Buck’it Bar Bag – coming soon!

Look out for our collection of handmade bar bags, a perfect gift for any cyclist!

Long Sleeve Jersey, from €108

Choose from a selection by Tactic, MAAP, Katusha & Eat Sleep Cycle. A long sleeve jersey is a perfect choice to take riders from Autumn through Spring. Shop Long Sleeve Jerseys.

Eat Sleep Cycle Basics Bundle, Jersey, Bib & Socks, €138

A full Eat Sleep Cycle kit & socks with a cool saving of 20%! Shop the Bundle.

Seriously Nice Christmas Treats for Cyclists, Gifts Under €500

If the cyclist in your life has been extra-good this year why not treat them to something from our lux list? Remember, our team in on-hand to help you select the perfect gift for your cyclist. Browse our suggestions below or contact us for help!

Ride 100% Sunglasses, from €168

The coolest glasses on the market. 100% have a great range of awesome styles for you to choose from. Shop 100%.

Suplest Cycling Shoes, from €169

Lux cycling shoes – choose from Road or Cross Country & from the Sport, Performance or Pro model. Shop Suplest

Chrome Industries Barrage Rucksack, €200

A seriously cool & practical fully waterproof rucksack for cyclists who commute by bike. Shop Barrage Rucksack. Shop Chrome.

Fi’zi:k Adaptive Saddle, from €249

The latest 3D printing technology promises unrivalled comfort on the bike. Shop Fi’z:k Saddles.

Wahoo Elemnt Roam €350

There are few riders nowadays who venture out without some kind of device, we love the Wahoo Elemnt Roam– a versatile all-rounder with industry-leading navigation capability.

Fi’zi:k Vento Stabilita Road Cycling Shoe, €399

The Fi’zi:k Vento Stabilita is a high-performance competition shoe that prioritizes foot stability with a complete arch support and fit system. An amazing treat for the road cyclist in your life! Shop Fi’zi:k Stabilita.

Silca Super Pista Hiro Edition Floor Pump, €495

The perfect gift for a cyclist who has everything! A luxury floor pump built from stainless steel, aluminium, wood & brass with a full lifetime warranty. Shop Silca.

Give the Gift of Cycling – Ultimate Gifts for Cyclists – New Bike Day!

The ultimate Christmas present for a cyclist is of course a bike, and for those who have really stayed on Santa’s good side in 2020 a new bike is a dream gift! We can offer support & advice to help you choose the right type of bike, size & set up for your loved one.

Ex-Demo Bikes

Shop our ex-demo bikes for a great value new bike day. Give us a call & we’ll help you to select the perfect bike for the cyclist in your life! Browse ex-demo bikes.

New Bikes

We have a wide range of bikes in stock & ready to go! We stock road, gravel, mountain & leisure bikes & work with boutique frame makers to offer fully custom builds. Browse new bikes.

Custom Bikes

We love to create bespoke builds for our customers & can help you to create the perfect bike for your loved one! Find out more about custom bikes.

Kids Bikes

For the little people in your life! We have balance bikes & kids bikes from Kokua, Early Rider, Focus & Ridley, from €149. Shop Kids Bikes.

Christmas Gifts for Cyclists

We hope the above suggestions will help make the Christmas gift buying for the cyclist in your life a bit easier but if you’ve any suggestions that we should add to the list please comment below to let us know. And, if you’d like to find out more about any of our tours as gifts, give us a call now +34 972 649 131 on or contact us online!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

Christmas is a mere six weeks away and it’s around the time when thoughts turn to buying gifts for friends and loved ones. If you’re looking to treat someone who is cycling-mad this Christmas, then let our gift guide outlining the top Christmas gifts for cyclists for 2019 inspire you!

Gifts for Cyclists

Cyclists can be baffling, lycra-clad creatures to the uninitiated, even for those in the know they may seem to have every piece of tech or kit on the market, as such buying gifts for them can prove a challenge. But with the help of our guide to Christmas gifts for Cyclists you’ll be able to find something for every type of cyclist, whether they’ve been naughty or nice

Gifts For the Really Lucky Rider

The ultimate Christmas present for a cyclist is of course a bike, and for those who have really stayed on Santa’s good side in 2019 a Ridley Helium X is the perfect gift. A brand new road or gravel machine is the perfect way to spoil them too!

Bikes for a Bargain
Shop our ex-rental bikes to give the gift of a first road bike in the form of a Ridley or spoil them with a Factor O2 for a steal.

PLUS, free Europe-wide delivery on all of our ex-rental bikes!

Gifts To Look Good on the Bike

MAAP Encore Pro Women’s Long Sleeve Jersey in Lava, €170
This long-sleeved pro-fit women’s jersey by MAAP, one of the most stylish cycling brands out there, is a sure fire hit for the female cyclist in your life, plus the ‘Lava’ colour is great for visibility on dark winter days.

CHPT3 Girona Long Sleeve Jersey, €140
With CHPT3s signature Girona design, this long-sleeve jersey offers the ideal midway point in your wardrobe, taking the sting out of early mornings without the need to carry extra layers.

…And Gifts for Off the Bike

Rocacorba Clothing Climber’s T-Shirt, €28
Whether you’ve tackled the infamous Rocacorba climb or you’ve never even seen the iconic phone masts, this Rocacorba t-shirt is a stylish ode to the Girona classic.

CHPT3 Low-Key Logo T-Shirt, €35 (also available in White and Pink)
Made with Organic Cotton and printed with 100% water-based inks, this CHPT3 t-shirt is an understated but stylish way to show off your favourite Girona-based brand!

It’s all in the Detail

Wahoo Elemnt Roam €350
There are few riders nowadays who venture out without some kind of device, we love the Wahoo Elemnt Roam– a versatile all-rounder unlike some counterparts it also has full navigation.

Oakley Sutro, €152
Oakley’s are the classics when it comes to cycling eyewear and ‘bigger is better’ is the style du jour. The Oakley Sutro is a great option.

Kask Protone, €235
Combine safety and style with the Kask Protone helmet.

Knog Plus Front and Rear Lights, €20 each
Short, dark winter days mean visibility is especially important at this time of year which calls for a decent light. These Knog front and rear lights are bright, waterproof, versatile and USB rechargeable.

Fingers Crossed “Hell Yeah” Socks €20
Socks don’t have to be a boring, disappointing present at Christmas, these Fingers Crossed ‘Hell Yeah’ slogan socks are fun and stylish.

ESC x MAAP Cap €25
Warm your head up in style with our Eat Sleep Cycle cap in collaboration with MAAP.

Cycling Gifts to Keep the Cold Out

Eat Sleep Cycle SISMIC Rain Jacket €95
Our SISMIC rain jacket is waterproof for when the heavens open and easy to fold up and fit in your pocket when not needed.

Eat Sleep Cycle Buff €10
Protect yourself from the elements with this snug buff from SISMIC.

 

Escape the Cold

They might be dreaming of a white Christmas… or they might be wishing they could ditch the cold-weather gear and head to sunnier climes. Give them the gift of some winter sun and a head-start on the 2020 season with an Eat Sleep Cycle winter tour or ride camp for one of top European winter cycling destinations.

From €1,699 -> buy now!

 

Experience Gifts

Give the gift of a cycling experience with our new experience vouchers, now available on our online shop!

Stocking Fillers for Cyclists

Endurance cyclist extraordinaire and 2016 Transcontinental winner Emily Chapelle, has a new book out about her Transcontinental Journey, read her account of what it took to win such a prestigious race and be inspired!

Strava Summit Membership
If, like many, the cyclist in your life spends hours on the bike followed by hours of analysing their ride on Strava then a Strava Summit membership might be for them. Choose a pack based on their goals and interests resulting in tailored extra features.

From €2,00 /month -> buy now!

Charity gift
Give the gift of cycling to those less fortunate with a donation to World Bicycle Relief.

Christmas Gifts for Cyclists

We hope the above suggestions will help make the Christmas gift buying for the cyclist in your life a bit easier but if you’ve any suggestions that we should add to the list please comment below to let us know. And, if you’d like to find out more about any of our tours as gifts, give us a call now +34 972 649 131 on or contact us online!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

[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]Our cycling vacations are Europe-wide but Girona, Spain is our base. We’ve written previously about why we chose Girona and how much we love this Catalan city, however, Girona is more than just where we live and where we operate our tours from – it’s also home to The Eat Sleep Cycle Hub.

What is The Hub?

The Eat Sleep Cycle Hub is our physical base in the heart of Girona. It’s our one-stop-shop for all things cycling; bike hire, cycling kit, cycling accessories, mechanical assistance, massage, guide hire, GPS device hire and more. More than just a shop, however, The Hub is a place where we host events, where our rides such as Lazy Lunes start from and where we all gather to watch a bit of bike racing!

The Genesis of The Hub

The Eat Sleep Cycle Hub is in its second incarnation. Our location at Carrer del Vern, 3 is Hub 2.0, opened after we out-grew the original, much smaller version which started life as just three partners, a mechanic and 7 bikes aimed at the growing demand for Girona bike hire. In February 2018 we opened the current Hub, bigger and better, with room for plenty more bikes and over two floors with plenty of space to showcase our brands and what we do![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” 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” shape_type=””][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_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGcU9yd3ByXzZSZXMlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][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]

What’s in The Hub?

The Hub is where we sell a collection of products from carefully-chosen selection of forward-thinking brands with like-minded goals. Both a combination of local brands such as Tactic and CHPT3 and not-so-local but compatible with the Eat Sleep Cycle ethos such as MAAP.

The Bikes

The Hub is also home to our ever-expanding fleet of rental bikes. Our bikes are now used for more than just Girona bike hire, they are transported all around Europe on our European cycling tours! We also sell bikes at The Hub from the brands we use for rental bikes which has now increased to five different brands; Basso, Factor, Ridley, Brompton, and Worx.

The Workshop

The Hub workshop is where all of the aforementioned bikes get treated to some much-needed TLC! Our amazing mechanics make sure the bikes are thoroughly checked over and turned around for their next outing with a guest. The workshop is not limited to our rental bikes, however, the workshop team also take care of people’s personal bikes and use their extensive knowledge and skill to fix and build bikes for the Girona community!

The People

Which brings us on to the people who make The Hub what it is… Our team are at the centre of the Eat Sleep Cycle experience and without their dedication to ensuring that everyone who walks into The Hub gets the highest level of service The Hub would not be where it is today. Here’s a quick introduction to the people who make the magic happen:

Zulma – Front of House
Zulma is from Colombia and is returning to Girona after living in London for several years. Zulma has a background in retail, is getting into cycling & looks after our Girona Hub.

Bernat – Front of House
Bernat is from Catalunya and is obsessed with all things bike. Your go to guy for technical questions and the low down on the latest gear.

Joan – Mechanic
Joan is from Catalunya and is an insanely skilled mountain biker. When not cycling Joan is fixing bikes in the Eat Sleep Cycle workshop.

Daan – Mechanic
Hailing from The Netherlands, Daan is the latest member of the crew, a committed roadie, he keeps our rental fleet running silky smooth.

Chris – Team Leader
Hailing from the UK, Chris relocated to Girona to manage all things Hub & tours!

Visit The Hub!

Book a Girona cycling vacation and come and see The Eat Sleep Cycle Hub for yourself! Give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

Images: Gin Torrado, Daan Vaan Meeuwen, David Powell, Szymon Kotowski.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Barcelona is one of the most famous cities in the world, the Catalan capital is home to some fantastic architecture and stunning scenery and attracts an estimated 32 million tourists every year – but what is it like for cycling? A bustling city may not be the first port of call for those seeking tranquil roads and mountains to climb, however despite its size and population Barcelona has all of this in spades on its doorstep. And, after giving you a guide to cycling in Majorca and cycling in Girona it’s time to give you a guide to cycling in Barcelona!

Road Cycling Barcelona

One way get the most out of riding in a new place is to hire a local guide to show you the way & help you to get out of town. CycloCat is a great resource for off-road routes and ideas about where you can reach from Barcelona.

If you’re looking for more than a couple of days of cycling from Barcelona we recommend taking a 40 min train ride east and making Girona your base. Plenty of local Barcelona riders regularly make the journey to their sister city and make the most of a weekend or day-trip to add variety to their riding.

Climbs Near Barcelona

If you’re looking to get off the road and test yourself with some climbs then these are some spots near Barcelona to check out!

• Santa Fe de Montseny
  From Sant Celoni this climb is one of the most popular in the area, whilst the gradients are not particularly challenging (4.8% average) it is the length (24km) that mean that is can be a tough climb if you do not pace your effort!
• Montserrat
  This climb is stunning however choose the right time to attempt it as the roads can get extremely busy during peak seasons with tourists visiting the monastery at the top. The name of the climb translates from Catalan as ‘saw mountain’ due to the jagged peaks of the rock which are spectacular to see. The climb itself is 8.5km long with a somewhat challenging 6.9% average gradient and gets steeper at the top – so save energy!

Although Barcelona can be great for road cycling the best riding in the region really is further North towards the Pyrenees around Girona where there are a wealth of climbs and a mixture of terrain.

Gravel & MTB Barcelona

Of course, you could avoid the roads altogether and hit the trails! Why not explore the Serra de Collserola Natural Park, the trails on Montjuic & the limestone hills of Parc de Garraf. Cyclo Cat offers the best resource of routes & every January hold an annual gravel ride from Barcelona to Girona.

Barcelona Cycling Culture

Whilst Barcelona has amazing cyling on the road, gravel and climbs it also has a great cycling culture that can really enhance any trip to the region.

Best Bike Shops in Barcelona
One of the best bits about Barcelona is the amazing bike shops and city cycling culture. Be sure to visit Velodrom & Brompton Junction to complete your Barcelona Cycling experience.

Best Coffee
Whether you’re stopping for coffee on a ride or just on the hunt for a caffeine fix whilst exploring the city. Check out On y Va for coffee and brunch or Nømad Coffee for a home-roasted cup.

Food
Barcelona is packed full of incredible places to eat for cyclists on all budgets. Top of our list is Flax & Kale for a fresh, healthy feed and tiny Tapas bar La Cova Fumada to try ‘La Bomba’, a Barcelona specialty.

Barcelona Cycling Day Trip

On top of the culture Barcelona is perfect if you’re looking for a cycling day trip – either explore the city or take in some scenery.

• Brompton Bike Tour of the Famous Sites – cruise along Barcelona’s network of cycle paths on a Sunday for a perfect day out.
• Head to Girona – Girona is a mere 40 minutes away by train and is home to some of the best road & gravel riding in Catalunya. Rent a bike and guide from Eat Sleep Cycle and take in the scenery or simply explore the beautiful medieval city.

Bike Friendly Places to Stay

If you’re racking up the km in the saddle whilst exploring Barcelona then you’re going to need good spot to rest your head (and keep your bike safe). Here are some bike friendly places to stay whilst you’re in Barcelona.

• If you’re a cyclist on a budget stay at Bed & Bike Barcelona  a bike-friendly hostel in a great location
• Try Hotel Villa Emilia for a spot of 4* Luxury for excellent value. Enjoy an evening on the rooftop bar & soak up the views.
• It’s well worth spending a few nights in Girona if you’re a keen cyclist!

Cycling Trip to Barcelona

We hope the above has piqued some interest in a cycling trip to Barcelona or has helped you plan out some of your next tour when here. If you’ve any questions about cycling in Barcelona or would like to find out more about our Barcelona cycling tours then us give us a call now on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online for more info.

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

Whether you choose to celebrate it or prefer to ignore it, there’s no escaping that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and love is in the air! After our guide to Christmas gifts for cyclists it’s time to double down and give you some ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts. If your true love is a cyclist or you just want to treat yourself (do we cyclists really need an excuse to buy some new gadgets or kit?) our gift guide has got you covered. There’s really no excuse for getting some petrol station flowers or a pair of socks now!

A Mini-Break – The Ultimate Romantic Gift for Cyclists

Top of any list for Valentine’s gift-giving is a romantic getaway, and what better for a cyclist couple than a cycling mini-break? Combine riding and romance in a three-day getaway to the stunning, unspoiled Pyrenees including a stay in a beautiful C12th guest house!

From €699

The Gift of Style

Make sure your other half is the best-dressed in the bunch – we think these offerings from MAAP and Tactic are sure to have your love looking pro.

For Her
Tactic long-sleeve ‘Hard Day’ jersey in Leaf
€170 buy now

For Him
MAAP Pass Pro long-sleeve jersey in navy
€108 buy now

The Gift of Comfort

Long hours in the saddle call for comfortable kit and ASSOS have you covered – their bib shorts have one of the best chamois out there for both men and women for matching comfort and style – how romantic!

For Her
ASSOS T.LAALALAISHORTS_S7
€190 buy now

For Him
ASSOS T. MILLE_s7 shorts
€130 buy now

Cycling Sunglasses

An essential aspect of looking the part on the bike is a stylish pair of sunnies!
For Her
Oakley Flight Jacket in pink and black.
€212 Buy Now

For Him
Oakley Jawbreaker Cavendish special edition.
€222 Buy Now

The Gift of Safety – Kask Protone Helmet

Give your significant other the gift of safe riding with the Kask Protone Helmet. A gift that very much shows that you care!
€190 Buy Now

Strava Summit Membership

If, like many, your cyclist loved one spends hours on the bike followed by hours of analysing their ride on Strava then a Strava Summit membership might be for them. Choose a pack based on their goals and interests resulting in tailored extra features.
From €2.00 /month buy now!

A New Bike

The number one gift for any cyclist is of course a new bike – n+1=<3!

Ridley Helium X
Both light and stiff, the Helium X is sure to get their heart racing!
€1,949 -> buy now!

Ridley X-Trail Carbon Ultegra Ex-Rental Bike
A gravel bike for those who love to adventure together!
€2,325 ->buy now!

Brompton
For those who commute or just need to get around the city a Brompton is perfect for travelling in style!
€ ->buy now!

Romantic Gifts for Cyclists

The above isn’t an exhaustive list of romantic gifts for cyclists but should help give you some ideas about what to get the cyclist in your life this Valentine’s Day. If you’ve any top tier romantic gift suggestions then comment below as we want to hear about them!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

The Pyrenees are best known for the iconic cols of the Tour de France where epic battles are played out between the best riders of the pro peloton. The headline climbs such as the Tourmalet steal the show and are on many cyclist’s bucket lists. But some of best riding and more in the Pyrenees is off the beaten track, hidden amongst the tiny towns and villages dotted in the mountains.

Culture and History Meet Epic Riding

The Catalan Pyrenees are a perfect example of this and one such place is La Pobla de Lillet. A picturesque village in the comarca of Berguedà around 114km north-west of Girona with a rich artistic and industrial history; La Pobla is home to the Artigas Gardens designed by Antoni Gaudí in the 1900s as well as a cement train – a remnant of the industrial revolution in the area which still runs today. 

La Pobla de Lillet is also surrounded by some fantastic riding including climbs to test even the strongest of riders such as the killer Vallter 2000 – a climb up to a ski station at 2,000m consisting of 11km at an average gradient of 7%. Col de la Crueta is also a must-climb for the amazing views from where you can see the mountain of Pedraforca, named as such because its three points resemble a fork.

And that’s just on the road – hidden amongst the forest are some fantastic mountain bike trails too as well as plenty of trails for running or hiking.

A Guest House with a Story

Located in La Pobla de Lillet is an incredible guesthouse with a long and interesting history. El Castell, run by couple Alvaro & Montse, was originally built in 1927 and they have transformed it into a stunning place to stay with an open kitchen, spa and beautiful mountain views. We sat down with them to learn more about both them and El Castell.

Montse, tell us about the history of El Castell? When was it built and how long has it been a hotel?

The original Castell dates back to 1297. At the beginning of the ’90s, my parents bought the building of El Castell, which was absolutely in ruins.. After almost 4 years of work, we finally have the finished result!  A hotel of 9 rooms, a spa area with massage service and a show-cooking service for the foodies. We think it’s a perfect spot for groups (to celebrate or just to come together) or even for businesses who want to make a retreat to do team building, meetings, etc. But when there’s no group bookings, it’s a perfect place for those couples who want to relax and enjoy a few days in nature.

Alvaro, where are you both from?

I am from the south of Spain and Montse is from the Berguedà region. In 2015 we got married here in the Artigas Garden and started a new phase at El Castell as managers. 

Why did you choose to live & Pobla de Lillet and run El Castell?

Montse: For 7 years my parents were in charge of managing el Castell, but when they retired we took over and dedicated ourselves exclusively to renovate it and spread the word about this fantastic place that deserves to be discovered!

Alvaro: I studied gastronomy and cooking has always been his passion. I loved that the kitchen was open to the public meaning that showcasing the cooking was inevitable which would mean a transparency and communication between the cook and the guests.  

Montse: I love the Berguedà area and discovering new corners of it to recommend to guests. Making the change to come and live in La Pobla de Lillet is one of the best decisions we have ever made!

Alvaro, you are the chef, tell us about your inspiration to cook? Describe your food…

The combinations and concoctions that are possible with cooking are infinite! I love to discover new products and to cook from different points of view.

Our objective is to make sure that the food we serve in el Castell is kilometre zero – so from local producers, growers, farmers and cooked with love!

But without doubt the best aspect is seeing the faces of pleasure and surprise from our guests when they try our taster menu of seasonal products and our surprise menu!

Montse, you are the hostess, tell us about how you like to welcome your guests & the experience you want them to have at El Castell?

We like to receive our guests like family or friends when they visit us. We make sure they know about all of the unmissable places in our area. If they like walking we can give then routes on the Catllaràs. If they like romanesque architecture there are plenty of churches, monasteries and sanctuaries in the area. If they would like to learn about the industrial history of the area then the Cement Museum is unmissable – a factory that began the industrial revolution here! It’s amazing how much there is to discover here!

Thanks to Alvaro & Montse for the insight into their guesthouse and their home town!

Inspired to explore the Secret Pyrenees? Our Pyrenees Mini-Break is a three day trip from Girona to La Pobla de Lillet with two nights in El Castell. La Pobla de Lillet is also the first stop on our Trans Pyrenees Challenge and our Gourmet Tour of Catalunya!