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In the press | Eat Sleep Cycle In the News around the World

At Eat Sleep Cycle we’re proud to be featured in some of the world’s leading cycling publications. Including Cycling Plus, The Irish Times, Total Women’s Cycling, Casquette & Daily Travel Media.

For press inquiries contact Louise at press@eatsleepcycle.com or download the Eat Sleep Cycle Press Pack.

“CYCLING MECCA”: WHAT MAKES GIRONA SO GOOD FOR BIKE RIDING?

28th-August-2023 | catalannews.com | Cillian Shields

“Over the past few years, the northern Catalan city of Girona has become one of the best places in the world for cycling. Between professional athletes moving to set up new lives in the city, to amateur enthusiasts visiting on two wheels, Girona has become a world capital for the sport.”

Cillian Shields spoke to Eat Sleep Cycle’s Lee about why Girona is well known as a cycling Mecca.

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LEE COMERFORD: A CASE STUDY IN PASSION-DRIVEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

23rd-August-2023 | mergerous.com | Mel Guil

“If you are passionate about it or believe in it, then you should do it. Even if it’s already been done, or even if someone else is doing it, you can do it better, you can do it bigger, you can do it differently.

Mel Guil spoke to Eat Sleep Cycle’s Lee about how he and his wife Louise rapidly transformed a personal blog into a growing, multifaceted business that brings cyclists together to enjoy the thrill of the ride.

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THESE ARE THE BEST BIKE TRIPS IN THE WORLD

3rd-December-2019 | bicycling.com | Peter Flax

“Whether you want to ride the iconic climbs of the Tour de France, catch fall foliage in New England, or whoop it up on unspoiled Arizona gravel, these are the absolute-best, unmissable, bucket-list bike trips on the planet. Get out there!”

Peter Flax lists the Bicycling.com travel awards with Eat Sleep Cycle getting a mention!

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THE CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO EUROPE’S BEST HOLIDAY HOME DESTINATIONS

14-September-2019 | ft.com | Liz Rowlinson

“Mallorca may be the obvious Spanish cycling hub, but the small city of Girona is home to more than 100 professional cyclists — and a growing number of international homeowners. Close to the French border, Barcelona, the Costa Brava and the big climbs of the Pyrenees, it sits within verdant volcanic valleys known as the “Tuscany of Spain.”

Liz Rowlinson spoke to Eat Sleep Cycle’s Louise about why Girona is the perfect holiday home destination for Cyclists.

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GET ON YOUR BIKE | WHY EVERY CYCLIST SHOULD VISIT GIRONA (BEFORE THE SECRET GETS OUT).

15-March-2019 | amuse.vice.com | George Scott

“There’s a very close community here – locals and expats – and people really look out for one another…People just want to ride their bikes and enjoy life.”

George Scott profiled our home town of Girona in this piece for Vice‘s travel platform Amuse in which he spoke to Eat Sleep Cycle partner Brian about what life in the Catalan city is like!

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SECRET CITY: EAT, SLEEP, CYCLE

13-March-2019 | port-magazine.com | George Upton

“Eat Sleep Cycle was set up in Girona in 2016, just as the city was establishing itself as one of the most popular European destinations for cycling holidays. Offering expert knowledge of the area as well as a range of bikes to hire from their shop in the centre of the city, ESC has quickly become a centre of the rich cycling culture in Girona.”

Port Magazine visited Girona and spoke to our very own Brian about the best places to eat, drink and ride in Girona.

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WEEKEND GUIDE TO GIRONA

02-Feb-2019 | mrporter.com | Words by the Daily Team

“If you’re into cycling, then Girona is a place to be, it is home to over 100 professional racing cyclists and has rapidly become the cycling capital of the world. Get in touch with Eat Sleep Cycle who can cater to all your cycling needs.”

Mr Porter spoke to ex-professional rider and CHPT3 founder David Millar about his Girona highlights which include Eat Sleep Cycle!

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WOMEN’S ONLY CYCLING OPPORTUNITIES 2019

14-Dec-2018 | welovecycling.com | Megan Flottorp

“This is a great opportunity to participate in a unique women’s cycling training camp in Girona, Catalunya. Girona provides a stress-free environment to cycle in (no potholes or crazy traffic) so all you have to think about is getting the best out of the ride.”

Megan from We Love Cycling gives her run-down of the best all-female cycling opportunities in 2019 including our Girona Women’s Camp.

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LIVING THE DREAM

01-Nov-2018 | cyclingplus.com | Rob Kemp

“My advice is know the difference between passion and interest. Passion will get you out of bed at 6am after five hours sleep to support a group of clients who want to ride all day.Interest won’t.”

Rob from Cycling Plus spoke to Brian about what it’s like to be a co-owner of Eat Sleep Cycle (link coming soon)

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WHEELING IN THE PUNTERS: DRIVING GIRONA’S RISE AS CYCLING TOURISM HUB

20-Nov-2018 | traveldailymedia.com | Mili Semlani

“We quit our jobs and moved to Girona with a suitcase, a credit card, a bike each and a good feeling.”

Mili from Travel Daily Media spoke to Eat Sleep Cycle partner Louise about the rise of Girona and the Eat Sleep Cycle journey.

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TAKING THE HIGH ROADS OF GIRONA BY BIKE

02-September-2018 | www.irishexaminer.com| Eoin O’Sullivan

“While Mallorca and the Canary Islands will always be choice spots for cyclists seeking out some warm-weather riding, the Catalan city of Girona is now also well established as one of Europe’s top cycling destinations, and it’s easy to see why.“

Eoin from The Irish Examiner joined us for a 2-day Girona Challenge.

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RIDE REPORT: LA PURITO, ANDORRA

Aug 2018 | casquette.co.uk | Emily Chappell

“We had all signed up for La Purito, a 145km sportive founded by Joaquim Rodríguez and based on Stage 11 of the 2015 Vuelta España – which many now refer to as the hardest stage in the event’s history.“

Emily Chappell from Casquette joined us in August for the extremely tough La Purito sportive in Andorra.

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HAND LUGGAGE CYCLING GETAWAYS: GIRONA, SPAIN

14-Feb-2018 | totalwomenscycling.com | Hannah Reynolds

“Girona has all the vibes you need for a fantastic weekend away. A compact city filled with stunning Gothic architecture, its narrow twisting streets overflowing with bars and restaurants all oozing laid back Catalan charm.”

Hannah from Total Women’s Cycling paid Girona a visit and joined us for a ride.

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January 10, 2020
2019 – The Year In Reviews

It’s the time of year to reflect on the year gone by and share accounts of the year with our favourite reviews from you, our wonderful guests! We want to extend our thanks to our amazing team of guides across Europe, to our incredible team in our Girona Hub, to our fabulous crew in the office & of course to you, our off-the-scale-awesome guests! So sit back and scroll down to see our cycling highlights from 2019.

Early-Season Sun

“Just finished the Costa Del Sol tour. What a great trip. Knut and Luis were a great team and provided a great experience. Everything from my bike rental to special mid-ride stops were taken care of. They were always checking with the group, altering the routes if needed. Their extensive knowledge of the area, both of the roads but also the history and culture, made the trip even more special. Would definitely recommend Eat Sleep Cycle and will tour with them again! Can’t wait to be visit Girona next time and ride there.” – Angie Harrison, Feb

Brilliant Bikes

“Able to supply a new (literally out of the box) e-assist Orbea Gain bike in my size for a recent trip. Totally fab fun – highly recommend. Staff could not be nicer or more helpful. Opened up on a Sunday morning to allow me to collect my bike and then provided a pre-loaded wahoo and lots of local advice. Can’t recommend highly enough (and I’m very fussy!). Their free of charge shop rides are simply lovely – so friendly with knowledgeable leaders. Turn up and enjoy.

P.S. don’t think all e-bikes are made equal. This one was fully carbon, looked normal enough to fool almost everyone and went up hills like the wind. I will miss her!” – Caroline N, Feb

Costa Brava Cycling

“I took part in the last Costa Brava tour and had an absolute great time. ESC team was able to find a way to adapt the trip to my travel arrangement and I was able to join the tour for a few days. the group was international, interesting and fun people to be around, the parcour was breathtaking, and Knut (the guide) gave me the opportunity to push a bit more every day and get what I wanted from the rides. Chris (the guy stalking us in the van all day 😀 ) gives you support through day with plenty of fruits, bars and encouragements, this really gives you the possibility to enjoy 100% the rides. I’ll definitely come back to ride with them, absolute thumb up for the ESC team!!!” – Jean-Christophe Theard, April

London Dynamo at Gran Fondo Squali

Superb experience with the Eat Sleep Cycle team in Emilia-Romagna on the Adriatic coast with guided rides to San Marino and the surrounding gorgeous countryside, culminating in the Squali Granfondo. Every detail was taken care of and all we needed to do was ride and enjoy ourselves! The ESC team are not only super-pro tour operators and talented cyclists – they are lots of fun as well! – James R, May (View review on TripAdvisor)

RAC in Girona

“The full on ‘Tour de France’ style Experience We Were Looking For”

“Our members are used to very high levels of service at our Club on London’s Pall Mall and at our Country Club in Surrey. Lee and the team at Eat Sleep Cycle delivered an experience which delighted our group. They went the extra mile to ensure that all aspects of the trip were up the standard we are used to. Transfers, hotels, bike hire, support vehicle, guides and bespoke roadside catering were all excellent and delivered the ‘Tour de France’ style experience we were looking for.” – John Biggs Vice Chair, Cycling Activity Group, Royal Automobile Club UK, May

A Birthday Celebration in Provence

JoAnn gathered her favourite cycling buddies to celebrate a milestone birthday in the exquisite region of Provence. Kudos for the double ascent of Ventoux on the big day!

Mallorca in May

“Have done many cycling trips throughout Europe but never had been to Mallorca before, a place that I had been in my bucket list for many years. Well, finally made it last May with the organisation and support from Eat Sleep Cycle and it was Amazing!! 6 nights, staying in 3 different bases, so two nights in each one. Different experiences, different views and sceneries and different rides in one single trip. We had the chance to gain a broad view and unique experience of the island. The hotels, the food, the rides, the roads, the guides, all the coffee and cake stops were really Top! The trip and Mallorca will remain in my memory as one of the best cycling trips and places that I have been, if not the best.” – Fabio, May

Basque Country

“I just finished a custom tour they put together for just me which included baggage transport, GPS files for my daily routes, first class hotels, and bike rental in the Basque Country of Northern Spain. This was a last minute trip that they put together within a matter of weeks and it all went perfectly. Not one problem. I will definitely book future tours with Eat Sleep Cycle.” – Wayne Riley, August

Fantastic Customer Service

“The customer experience was fantastic! Easy booking through web site – used chat bot to ask a few questions… immediate/helpful response. Once I got there, the people at the shop were extremely helpful in getting me set up for my rides: showed me routes, set my Wahoo Roam up… even gave me an electrical charger adapter… My bike was perfectly tuned and ready to go. If you’re ever in Girona, do yourself a favor and connect with Eat, Sleep, Cycle!” – Clain Udy, September

Tour de MICE on the Costa Brava

We welcomed 90 guests from all over Europe to the ultimate networking event on bikes! It was a pleasure to work in partnership with the Costa Brava Tourist Board & Worldwide Events to deliver a seamless event for MICE industry professionals. Kudos to our team of 14 guides who ensured a safe & fun 4 days for guests at the beginning of their cycling journey, to seasoned riders smashing the climbs!

Local Knowledge in Girona

“We had a group of 11 riders from the UK arrive at the ESC HQ at 9am and we were rolling on our first ride by 930am. Pedals, power meters, sensors all fitted and waivers signed. We’d pre-supplied bike fit measurements and every bike was pretty much spot on with reach and seat height. Hire bikes were best I’ve ridden, topping the box fresh F8 in Mallorca a few years back. We had a Girona native pro cyclist on off season as a guide who knew exactly where to go. And paced it hard enough to keep the faster riders happy without snapping the elastic for the slower bunch. Our guide’s local knowledge of the best roads, where to eat to get the real Catalan experience and how long everything would take, gave you confidence you were going to get home in daylight. Dropping bikes back was simple. Couldn’t fault them. Chapeau ESC and in particular Bernat!” – Chris Mather, October

Thank You For Your Reviews & For Cycling with us in 2019!

A huge thank you to each and every person who took the time to leave us a review this year, we appreciate the time taken by all to write about your Eat Sleep Cycle experiences! If you’d like to check out more reviews you can see them here. If you’d like to find out more about one of our European cycle tours then give us a call on +34 972 754 301 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!

December 31, 2019
Quiz – What Type of Cyclist Are You?

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” 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” overlay_strength=”0.3″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Take our fun quiz and see what type of cyclist you are! You’ll need an old-school pen & pencil. Take a note of the answer which best describes you and see your results at the end!

1. At a coffee stop you choose:

a) Espresso
b) Beetroot Juice
c) I never stop
d) Nothing – I stick to my ride nutrition & energy drink
e) Tea & a local sweet treat
f) Double espresso

2. You’re approaching a town sign, what do you do?

a) Rehearse lead out drills with my cycling club – we do this every week
b) Do a stealth-shift with my sprint shifter & surprise the group for the win
c) Give it everything and let the lactate build. WOO!!!
d) Nothing – I’m doing a 4DP test
e) Nothing, what was I supposed to do?
f) Nothing, I don’t want to break my cleat

3. You’re in the market for a new bike, what are you looking for?

a) A classic from the Mercx era
b) The latest from my favourite brand
c) A fat bike – I need to keep training outside in 6ft of snow
d) I have a spreadsheet to compare performance & fit data of every bike on the market
e) I don’t need a new bike, mine is only 10 years old
f) Custom steel, custom paint

4. You’re planning a trip, what’s the most important thing?

a) Reliving the most iconic stage of the 1904 Tour de France
b) Great packaging to keep my bike safe on the plane
c) Fitting in the most miles possible
d) Rides that fit in with my training plan
e) Seeing a new place with gorgeous routes
f) High ratio of insta opportunities: kms pedalled

5. You need a new set of kit, what’s your top pick?

a) Merino threads from Cima Coppi
b) Pro-team aero kit by Rapha
c) Assos – pure comfort for long miles
d) Sufferfest team kit (plus indoor training shirt)
e) Cycling kit??
f) I’ve put a request in with my sponsors

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” 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” overlay_strength=”0.3″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”The Results: What Type of Cyclist Are You?” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

Mostly A’s: The Purist

Rim brakes are in. Tradition is key. Merino wool is your best friend. Soon to be seen in L’Eroica with your vintage steel pride & joy trundling up hill & down dale. You pass on cycling etiquette of old to new riders with pleasure. You don’t know what Training Peaks is but you’re just getting the hang of Strava.

Your bike collection includes a 1979 Colnago & you’ve begrudgingly swapped your Molteni cycling cap for a helmet.

Mostly B’s: The Tech-Geek

Your bike is in a constant state of flux & upgrades. Di2, ceramic bearings & hydraulic discs are a thing of the past. As soon as one upgrade is complete you’re seeking the next. You have an extensive collection of cycling gear, carefully selected to cover all ride conditions.

Your bike collection includes a belt-drive commuter bike, a titanium gravel bike and the lightest road bike in the world. A prototype Graphene frame adorns the wall of your high-tech man-cave.

Mostly C’s: The Masochist

You never miss a training session and you don’t own a turbo trainer (and you don’t live in Girona!) Your 2020 ride plan includes stupidly tough events such as the Paris-Brest-Paris, La Purito & the Raid Pyrenees (in 50 hours instead of 100 of course). Often (but not always) a close friend of the Data-Junkie, you love to see your fatigue line climb!

Mostly D’s: The Data-Junkie

Training peaks, power curves, watts per kilo, threshold, VO2 max, FTP, 4DP (yes, that’s a thing), VAM, you love this stuff and know your numbers inside out. You work with a coach to hone your numbers & prefer to train on a turbo for the most accurate results. Your new year’s resolution is to ride outside & learn some bike skills.

Your bike is a masterpiece in efficiency & you have an identical bike on the turbo (with matching power-meters of course!)

Mostly E’s: The Route Nerd

You don’t mind what you’re riding or what you’re wearing, so long as you’re riding a bike. You decide where to ride based on the best cafe stop or most spectacular view. You’re happy solo or with cycling buddies. You love paper maps, Komoot & Google street view for seeking out the best rides.

You never quite achieve glory in the cycling style-stakes but always have a huge smile on your face when pedalling.

Mostly F’s: The Fashionista

You own a carefully curated wardrobe of cycling gear, all selected to complement your collection of stylish bikes. Your bike collection includes a custom steel gravel bike (with custom paintwork), & a stealthy black carbon road bike. You have a selection of shoes, helmets & glasses to ride with each outfit and you use coat hangers to store your cycling gear in a dedicated kit-wardrobe. You always enjoy a pre-ride espresso & a post-ride half-pint of craft beer at the latest place to be seen in town. You ride once a year in poor conditions to justify buying that seriously nice technical jacket, but otherwise prefer riding in perfect #lightbro conditions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” 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” overlay_strength=”0.3″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

TEAM EAT SLEEP CYCLE TOOK THE QUIZ…

Here at Eat Sleep Cycle we’re passing the quiz around and it turns out we’re a nice wholesome mix of route nerds & masochists…

Lee – Mostly C’s, Louise – Mostly E’s, Mark – Mostly E’s

Let us know your quiz results!

Let us know how you got on in the comments below, or head over to our facebook, twitter or instagram feed to leave us a note.

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_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

December 24, 2019
Brompton Bikes x Eat Sleep Cycle
Brompton is an iconic, British brand of folding city commuter bikes & has an established heritage dating back to 1975, and their presence on city streets across the globe is ubiquitous. The success of Brompton is easy to understand once you have the pleasure of riding one around, the ease with which they fold and unfold makes commuting a breeze. Plus, it’s simply a lot of fun to ride!

More Than Just Folding Bikes

Brompton has become world-renowned, transcending the practical purpose of the brand’s inception to include events such as the Brompton World Championships (first held in Barcelona in 2006), in which competitors race their Bromptons around a course (folding and unfolding the bike is, of course, a part of the race). Indeed, members of our team competed in a Brompton race at Sea Otter Europe this summer with Eat Sleep Cycle founder, Louise, winning the race.

The History of Brompton

Andrew Ritchie, the founder of Brompton Bicycles, began designing the bikes in his flat overlooking the Brompton Oratory in South Kensington, London in 1975 and the first crude designs were brought to life in 1977 with official production beginning in 1981. By 1987, Brompton bikes had won the Best Product Award at the Cyclex event held at Olympia, London with the first factory opening the following year. During the next few decades, Brompton’s success soared, with multiple awards, events, and new stores opening around the world.

Burn Calories, Not Fossil Fuels

Across the world the environmental movement is growing and Brompton are leading the charge for switching out an engine for pedal power in their Campaign for Movement. So, why consider using a bike for your daily journeys?
- Cycling is proven to bring huge benefits to our societies, to health, the environment and the economy. Clean air, quiet streets & a healthy population are just a few consequences of a cycling city!
- Regular physical activity reduces depression up to 30% and the chance of developing cancer by up to 45%. Switching out an engine for a pedal-powered Brompton is a sure way to stay healthy & happy!
- 1 parking space = 42 Bromptons. Surely there is a better way to use car parking space?
- Car parking spaces take up huge swathes of our cities. In Girona, a small city of 100,000 residents, parking is a huge problem. City centre parking is expensive people driving into the centre clog up roads and contribute to air pollution. When most people driving into the city have less than 5 km to travel there really is no excuse.
Riding A Brompton… Up Rocacorba?

Readers who know Girona will have heard of Rocacorba, a steep & legendary climb to the north-west of the city. The road rises to nearly 1,000m over 13 kms, with unrelenting gradients. Eat Sleep Cycle founders Lee & Louise thought it would be a great test of the 6-speed Brompton rental bikes to see if it was physically possible to ride up it. The answer? Yes. Nailed it in 1 hour, 22 mins (nearly 3 x longer than the current KOM James Knox at 27:13!). See the evidence on Strava here.

Ride Brompton This Christmas

In keeping with our own Brompton tradition, for the second year running we organised a Christmas Brompton ride in our home city of Girona. Joined by friends of Eat Sleep Cycle, we dressed in our Christmas best and set out on a little adventure around Girona before finishing it all off with a cosy hot chocolate! The perfect way to spend a December Saturday afternoon!

Sold on a Brompton?

If you want to experience a Brompton for yourself we offer you Brompton bike hire one from our Girona Hub, or if you would like to become the proud owner of one of these fantastic, folding bikes, then email info@eatsleepcycle.com, give us a call on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online and we’ll make it happen!

Already a Proud Brompton Bike Owner?

There is something special about Brompton bikes and ever more special about being Brompton bike owner – there are lots of folding bikes, but there is only one Brompton! So, send us your pictures of you riding your Brompton around your city!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!
December 16, 2019
Why You Should Book a Custom Cycling Vacation
Any cycling tour is guaranteed to be an amazing and unforgettable experience of a lifetime, but if you want to take your cycling tour to the next level, or travel as a family or large group then perhaps it’s time to consider a custom cycle tour. Maybe you are thinking of travelling with friends and family for a special occasion, or as a club for some group training, or even organising a corporate event, a custom cycling vaction gives you the flexibility to make sure you get the most out of your cycling vacation.

You Can Be Flexible with Your Itinerary

Booking a custom cycling vacation means that you have control of the itinerary. Ride as much or as little as you like, prioritise culture over kilometres, or ride 3 mountain passes every day. Booking a custom tour gives you the freedom to create the cycling tour of your dreams without any limitations!

You Can Travel as a Group

A custom cycling tour is a great way to organise a group cycling vacation. If you’ve been tasked with the logistics of a club training camp or a group cycling vacation with your friends or family then take the pressure off and let us do the hard work! Just let us know your group size, dates, and destination and we’ll take care of the rest.

You Can Tailor a Pre-Existing Tour Itinerary to Your Dates

Have you seen a tour that you would love to book but the dates just don’t quite match your availability? No need to worry, you can tailor the same itinerary around your dates as a custom tour, and, even better, you can bring friends or family on the tour with you!

How to Book a Custom Cycling Tour with Eat Sleep Cycle

Booking a custom cycling tour with Eat Sleep Cycle could not be more simple, especially when you see some of the exciting cycling tour options and bike rental fleet we have for 2020!
- Step 1: Tell us your ideal cycling vacation, where, when and who.
- Step 2: We’ll design you an amazing itinerary based on your dream tour.
- Step 3: You make sure it’s perfect and our logistics team take care of the rest!
Book a Custom Cycling Tour Now

If you’re convinced that a custom tour is the cycling vacation for you then give us a call now on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online and we’ll start building the tour of your dreams!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!
December 4, 2019
Mallorca Cycling Ride Camp: 4 Reasons Why You Should Go!
A while ago we covered 5 reasons why you should go on a cycling holiday in Calpe, but Calpe isn’t the only European winter cycling destination that offers great riding in the late autumn/early spring season. Mallorca is a long-standing favourite and arguably one of cycling’s most popular winter cycling destinations for getaways and is synonymous with pre-season training camps as teams escape to catch some early-season sun and take advantage of the smooth, well-maintained roads.

In this post we’ll give you 4 rock solid reasons why you should go on a Cycling Ride Camp in Mallorca!

1. Mallorca Weather

Of course, one of the main factors when choosing an off season ride camp destination is the climate. Mallorca has a very favourable climate for cycling during the spring and autumn season with temperatures averaging 17 degrees and only dropping to 10 at night. Rainfall in Mallorca is minimal, with only around 5-6 days of rainfall per month in March/April, which is the best time to visit the island.

2. Food & Culture in Mallorca

Off the bike exploring is just as big a part of a cycling vacation as pedalling and Mallorca offers a rich array of cultural sights and activities, a visit to the capital of Palma is definitely worthy as is a visit to the picturesque village of Deià. In addition to cultural sightseeing, Mallorcan cuisine has to be tasted to be believed. There are a number of Michelin Star restaurants dotted around the island which are definitely worth tasting if you can.

3. Mallorca’s Landscape

The ‘vistas’ or views that can be seen in Mallorca may not rival the high mountain ranges of the Alps or the Pyrenees but they are no less impressive in their own right, the most famous example of this being the iconic Cap de Formentor lighthouse.

4. The Iconic Climbs of Mallorca

Mallorca is home to some amazing and challenging climbs, the most famous of which is Sa Calobra, but there are many more for you to take on during a cycling ride camp in Mallorca, check them out below!
Sa Calobra
- Climb Stats: 9.4km at 7%
- Sa Calobra is the most well-known climb on the island and one of the most well-known roads in Europe, famous for its spaghetti-like switchbacks the road was designed by Italian engineer Antonio Parietti and built manually in 1932.
Cap de Formentor
- Climb Stats: 17km at 2.8%
- From Pollenca this climb is more of a series of kickers than one long climb, however gradients remain mostly low making it a steady ride with spectacular views up to the iconic lighthouse. It is the Northernmost point of the island and is known as ‘the meeting point of the winds’ and the wind can indeed get quite strong at the top.
Col de Soller
- Climb Stats: North 7.4km at 6%, South 5km at 5%
- The Southern side of Col de Soller from Bunyola is the most popular and easier side to climb with a gentle and consistent gradient owing to the many hairpins, no longer the main road to Soller since a tunnel was built in the 1990s the road is usually empty of cars barring a few. The Northern side of the climb is slightly harder although still not hugely challenging once again thanks to numerous hairpins of which there are more than Alpe d’Huez!
Puig Major
- Climb Stats: 14km at 5.9%
- The only thing which could make this climb challenging is its length. Highest climb in Mallorca, located within the Tramuntana mountains and as such is largely sheltered within woodlands.
Valldemossa
- Climb Stats: 5km at 7%
- If you want to take the road less pedalled whilst still experiencing what’s best about Mallorca then Valldemossa is the place to go. Steeper than the majority of other climbs but also much quieter so in our opinion it’s worth it!
Tramuntana Coastal Road
- Through the Tramuntana mountains along the Southern coastline from the town of Esporles to Andratx is the rolling route of the Tramuntana coastal road. As you ride along this road the Mediterranean sea is visible on your right and the Galatzo peak is on your let making for stunning views. The road surface is high-quality and there is very little traffic making this one of the most enjoyable routes on the island.
Els Vergers/Sobremunt
- Climb Stats: 7km at 10%
- Crowned by GCN as the ‘hardest climb on the island’ this rough stretch of road ramps up to a maximum gradient of 25% and averages 10% – with downhill sections included.
When to go on a Mallorca Cycling Holiday & How to Get There

The island’s capital of Palma hosts the main airport. You can also get a ferry from mainland Spain (although beware that this could take up to 8 hours). Getting to Mallorca is relatively easy but what may be more difficult is choosing which bike you’d like to use from our updated rental bike fleet for 2020! You can of course bring your own bike to Mallorca but as with our cycling tours we can offer you unrivaled bike rental as well as an unforgettable tour.

Mallorca Cycling Ride Camp for Quality Miles

If you’re convinced that Mallorca is the place for your next cycling holiday then why not take a look at our Mallorca Ride Camp for a chance to rack up those quality miles whilst exploring this amazing island. If you’re interested, give us a call now on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online and we’ll be happy to give you more info!

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November 28, 2019
Top Christmas Gifts for Cyclists – The 2019 Edition

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!

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November 18, 2019
First Look: Our Eat Sleep Cycle 2020 Bike Rental Fleet
Our 2020 rental fleet is finalised, and it’s bigger and better than ever before giving you more bike hire options. We’ve collaborated with brands that we admire, who share our values and, crucially, make fantastic bikes that our guests will love! We’ve also updated our fleet to 100% disc brakes. From road to gravel, electric bikes and hybrid bikes, there’s a bike (and cycling tour) for every type of cyclist to enjoy.

New Rental Bikes for 2020

Let’s start with the new (and exciting!) arrivals for our 2020 rental fleet.

New Gravel Rental Bikes
Gravel is the new black in cycling right now and to reflect that we’ve upped our gravel game by adding TWO new gravel bikes to our 2020 fleet. Ideal for use on our Girona gravel cycling tour or embracing the Trans Alps Gravel tour!

Ridley Kanzo
First up is the Ridley Kanzo. Our 2019 fleet contained the Ridley X-Trail, the brand’s answer to an ‘all-road’ or gravel bike and we loved the versatility of this bike. Ridley have since replaced the X-Trail with the Kanzo Speed, a faster, racier, gravel-oriented bike and introduced the Kanzo Adventure; a bike designed for tougher gravel rides and with longer chainstays and a shorter reach for bigger tyres and more comfort on those long adventure rides.
Ridley Kanzo Spec:
- Groupset: SRAM Force 1
- Wheels: Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 DB
Reilly Gradient Disc
The second new addition to our gravel collection is the Reilly Gradient, a titanium gravel bike hand made in the UK. Not just a pretty frame (although have you SEEN it), in the brand’s own words: “The Reilly Gradient is an unprecedented engineering achievement. Combining a Hydro-formed REILLY AXIS 3AL-2.5V titanium tube set with our hugely flexible geometry”. We can’t wait to get out there and test it on the Girona gravel!
Reilly Gradient Disc Spec:
- Groupset: Shimano GRX
- Wheels: Fulcrum Racing 900
New Road Rental Bikes
Road bikes make up the majority of our rental fleet and as such, curating a high-quality yet wide-ranging collection of road bikes for our guests to ride is paramount, these two new additions are no exception and will be the perfect two wheeled companions for our upcoming 2020 cycling tours.

Basso Diamante SV Ultegra Di2 Disc
For 2020 we will be augmenting our current collection of Basso bikes by adding the brand’s top-tier offering, the Diamante SV. The Diamante is the diamond in the Basso crown jewels, the top-end, aero, race offering from the Italian brand and the SV builds on previous Diamante incarnations with slight improvements and adjustments.
Basso Diamante SV Ultegra Di2 Disc Spec:
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra
- Wheels: Microtech 38
Ridley Helium SLX Ultegra Disc
Both us and our guests love our Ridley rentals so we’re adding the top-end Ridley Helium SLX to our fleet for even more choice! In Ridley’s words, the Helium SLX is: “the highest level when it comes to stiffness to weight ratio. We’ve designed it to be as light as possible to tackle the longest, steepest climbs. Yet it is stiff and durable…”
Ridley Helium SLX Ultegra Disc Spec:
- Groupset: Shimano Ultegra
- Wheels: Fulcrum Racing 5
Returning Rental Bikes for 2020

Now that we’ve gone through the lineup of new rental bike arrivals for 2020 it’s time to look at the tried and tested that will be returning to the rental fleet lineup for 2020!

Road Rental Bikes
Basso Astra Ultegra Disc & Basso Venta
We love Basso! We introduced the Italian brand to our fleet only a few months ago and the bikes have since had a very exciting reception from everyone who has ridden them. You can read more about the Astra and Venta on this blog.

Factor O2 VAM Disc
One of the most exciting bikes of 2019, the Factor O2 VAM has been a mega hit amongst both our tour and Girona guests as well as staff and friends of Eat Sleep Cycle. To find out more make sure you check out our Factor o2 VAM review (and preview!) to see why we love it.

Ridley Fenix 105 and Ultegra Disc
The Fenix has been in our fleet since 2018 and has received rave reviews from guests in both the 105 and Ultegra versions. Crucially, these models both run disc brakes, which we will be exclusively using in our rental fleet going forward.

Electric and Hybrid Rental Bikes

We’ve spoken before about how electric bikes are a game changer for cycling vacations and what was true in 2019 is even more true for 2020.

Orbea Gain M20
Sometimes we all need a little boost, and the Orbea Gain M20 provides just that. For those riders who want to enjoy the thrill of climbing a mountain without the worry of whether they can make the whole way the Gain is a perfect safety net.

Ridley Tempo Disc (hybrid and electric)
Available as standard and e-bike versions, the Ridley Tempo disc is a great bike to take along the Via Verde or on a family ride or to explore a town and its surrounding area. Our guests have been impressed with the versatility of the Ridley Tempo Disc.

City Bike Rental

If you’re looking for a leisurely cycle tour around a city then these are the bikes for you, spearheaded by the classic cycling brand, Brompton.

Brompton
Bromptons are quite simply the best at what they do. A classic brand and a fabulous fold-up bike for getting around a city, we love Bromptons!

Book for 2020 Now

To find out more about our 2020 rental fleet and to book now visit our Girona bike hire portal, give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online!

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November 8, 2019
Most Exciting Cycling Tours of 2020

In last week’s blog we covered the four reasons why you should book your 2020 cycling tour now. For those who are still unsure about where to travel next cycling season, here, we’ve gathered a list of some of the most exciting cycling tours for next year to inspire you!

Classic Cycling Climbs

Cycling tours don’t get much more exciting then when you ascending or descending one of the Classic Climbs of Europe! These two climbs are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable European cycling adventure.

Classic Climbs of Girona
Classic Climbs of Girona was 2019s most popular tour by far, and for good reason. This is a tough few days of cycling during which you can tick off all of the must-ride Girona climbs such as Rocacorba, Els Àngels and Mare de Deu del Mont, take in the culture of the region and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Classic Climbs of the Alps
Classic Climbs of the Alps was a new tour for 2019, and we couldn’t believe we hadn’t been there before! The Alps are hallowed cycling ground having been the stage of myriad dramatic Tour de France battles throughout the years. If you’re looking to tick off those bucket-list Cols, from Alpe d’Huez to the Croix de Fer, in one trip then Classic Climbs of the Alps is for you.

World Tour

Make your cycling tour in 2020 one that satisfies all of your bucket list cravings by challenging yourself with a cycling route that the pros use! Our World Tour cycling trips are specially designed to give you the thrills and spills of what it feels like to be on a competitive circuit (with a support team to match!).

Spring Classics
Have you ever sat at home watching the Spring Classics and wishing you were there to experience the atmosphere of these dramatic races and maybe even ride up a berg or two? Make 2020 the year that you don’t just watch the classics but live them! From Strade Bianche, to the Cycling Tour of Flanders to Paris Roubaix we’ve got the main events covered.

Tour de France
It wouldn’t be the cycling season without a trip to the Tour de France, and 2020 is no exception. Next year, we’re going back to the Pyrenees to spectate two tough stages of the 2020 edition and ride some classic climbs along the way! No dodgy race accommodation here, this tour is 5 nights in 3 and 4 star accommodation with fully supported cycling days.

New Cycling Tours for 2020

We’ve been busy adding some new and exciting destinations and tours to our 2020 cycling tour calendar, here are a few of our favourites.

Beyond Girona
We’re super excited to introduce our Beyond Girona Cycling Tour. Whether you’re a seasoned Girona visitor or a first-timer, this tour is not one to miss. Skirting the Catalan pre-Pyrenees towards the Costa Brava and into the Empordà wine-making region this tour is an adventure through the ‘hidden’ areas of Girona that you might miss if you only stayed in the city.

Happy Pedaling Without The Hassle!

Right now you can book an Eat Sleep Cycle 2020 European cycling vacation for just €100!* There’s no need to part with a full deposit until the 31st January 2020 and the deposit is fully-refundable so it’s risk free – happy pedaling!

Book Your 2020 Cycling Tour Today!

Don’t delay that bucket-list biking tour any longer and book now! Browse our cycling tour calendar for inspiration and book online or get in touch on info@eatsleepcycle.com, online or by calling +34 972 754 301 for more info!

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*See our terms and conditions for more information. Offer valid only until January 2020.

October 31, 2019
A Look at the 2020 Tour de France Route
Riders might be hanging up their wheels for the off season right now but the pro cycling machine rumbles on with the reveal of the route for the 107th edition of the Tour de France having taken place on Tuesday.

2020 Tour de France Info

The first thing to note is that the 2020 Tour will start a week earlier than usual, on the 27th June, due to the Olympics, which start on the 24th July. The organisers of the race have striven to add novelty and excitement to the format in recent years, with the addition of the gridded start of stage 17 in 2018 and the inclusion of more punchy, short stages. For 2020, they’ve taken this ethos and run, or ridden, away with it.

2020 Tour de France Location

The tour takes place almost exclusively in the southern part of the country and is concentrated primarily in the Alps and the Pyrenees, hence the volume of climbing. The race is gruelling from the gun, with the second stage taking place in the southern Alps with two mountain passes that exceed 1,500m. Indeed, the first nine days of the race are possibly some of the hardest the race has ever seen in an opening week. The director of the race, Christian Prudhomme has said:

“It will be physically challenging throughout…Even the so-called flat stages will be very tough for the pure sprinters. There are traps everywhere along the route.”

TV-Ready Action

The difficulty of the course comes not from a multitude of classic mountain passes but from day-to-day relentless climbing which will no doubt make for relentlessly action-packed racing. Although the purists may bemoan the direction that the modern Tour de France is heading in and the sprinters may protest the lack of chances for them, it is a course which lends itself to TV-ready action and sport is, after all, designed for entertainment. Within the first nine days, the riders must traverse a series of tough stages throughout the Alps and onto the Massif Central and the Pyrenees. There are a few flatter stages, but the winds from the Atlantic may play a part in ensuring that they are still gruellingly tough. The race will of course finish in traditional style in Paris.

Only One Time Trial

Despite, or perhaps due to, the difficulty of this edition, everyone, including the riders but perhaps barring insomniacs will be pleased to learn that there is only one stage over 200 km long.

Also unusually, there is only one time trial, 36 km long and finishing at the summit (but before the gravel) of La Planche des Belles Filles (stage 20), a climb which has proven decisive in the past and the dynamic of an individual time trial could make things even more interesting, especially considering this is the only race against the clock included in the 2020 edition of the race.

Tour de France 2020 Contenders

Of course, this far out from the race it’s virtually impossible to predict who may perform well at the Tour but there are the obvious contenders to consider.
- Chris Froome: After missing out on the 2019 edition after suffering multiple fractures in a horrific crash at Criterium du Dauphine in June, Ineos rider Chris Froome will be looking for that elusive 5th Tour de France title. He has labeled the route ‘brutal’ but that is unlikely to deter him.
- Egan Bernal: Frome will, however, be up against team-mate and reigning champion Egan Bernal for leadership of Ineos. The 2020 route looks more or less made for the Colombian and he will almost certainly be the one to watch.
- Romain Bardet: has stated his intentions to contend the Tour having described the route as ‘beautiful’.
- Thibaut Pinot: a compatriot of Romain, Thibaut will also be a sure-fire favourite.
- Julian Alaphilippe: This is a course which will favour teams with multiple climbers such as Ineos, Jumbo Visma, AG2R La Mondiale, although there is also room for a tenacious individual such as France’s new prodigal son. Whatever the outcome, the 2020 Tour de France is guaranteed to be a dramatic affair.
Tour de France Cycle Tours

If you’d like to experience some of the famed cycling from the Tour de France route make sure you check out our Tour de France Cycle Tour and if you’ve any questions about it give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online for more info.

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October 16, 2019