Eat Sleep Cycle Backup

Blog

Hidden Girona: La Rectoria San Miguel de Pineda

Girona may take all the credit for being one of the world’s best cycling destinations but beyond Girona, 40 km to the northwest to be precise, lies the region of La Garrotxa – a volcanic region offering some fantastic riding. In this region, hidden in the small town of Sant Feliu de Pallerols is a unique guesthouse: La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda. We sat down with owner Goretti to find out more about La Rectoria and its history.

The Hidden Gem of La Garrotxa

Can you tell me about the history of La Rectoria? When was it built?
La Rectoria de Sant Miquel de Pineda dates from the XII century, it was a rectory until it was sold in 2004. It was the centre of the small community of Sant Miquel de Pineda for centuries until it became part of the municipality of Sant Feliu de Pallerols.

How long has it been a guesthouse?

We opened October 2011 so for about seven and a half years.

Where are you both from?

I am from Cardedeu (near Barcelona) and Roy is from Aberdeen (Scotland)

What bought to back to Catalunya & why did you choose to open a guesthouse here?

Roy is a chef and had always wanted to have his own business, We loved the idea of doing something together and a Guesthouse with a restaurant came to us when talking about a potential business. We decided to do it in Catalunya because the season here can be longer than in Scotland so we could trade all year, and may be the weather has also something to do with our decision!

Roy, (the chef!) tell me about the food you serve at La Rectoria?

The food is fresh, home made using local ingredients whenever possible; Girona beef, Pyrenean trout, Empordà corn fed chicken, fesols del vall (beans), farro (maize flour) and fajol (buckwheat). From Catalonia’s ‘Mar i Muntanya’ (the original ‘surf & turf’) to lemon meringue pie a fixed 3 course dinner menu that changes on a daily basis is offered along with a small selection of Catalan wines. And why not complete your dinner with a single malt whisky or Goretti’s homemade ratafia, a local digestif.

What experience do you want to give your guests at La Rectoria?

A place to rest up before continuing on your way. To disconnect and reconnect. To get closer to nature and to slow down. We offer relaxed and uncomplicated service. Comfort, warmth, light, fresh air, homemade local food, a ‘dram’ and pointers on what to see and do. The beds are mighty comfy and you will feel pampered and maybe need to loosen that belt too! And whilst here your options are myriad. There is much to discover in the county of La Garrotxa tucked away in the Pyrenean foothills. Here you stop and take control…La Rectoria is slow tourism.

Thanks for Roy and Goretti for speaking to us. If you want to find out more about La Rectoria you can visit their website.

Cycling Tours in La Garrotxa

You can experience La Rectoria for yourself as part of our Pirinexus Cycling Tour or any custom leisure tour taking in the Via Verde.

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

March 27, 2019
Basso Palta Bike Review
The Basso Palta is a machine turning heads in the gravel world so naturally we decided to add them to our fleet of Girona rental bikes. Not content with re-branding their cyclo-cross bike, Basso literally went back to the drawing board to design a bike specifically for gravel riding. And so, we sent ex-racer, Eat Sleep Cycle founder and gravel aficionado Lee Comerford out to put the bike through its paces at this weekend’s Rocacorba Gravel Gran Fondo.

Basso Palta Ride Review

Before detailing the various components that make the Basso Palta I’ll give you the quick review of the pros and cons, thankfully there are plenty more pros than cons!

Pros
- Stiff, light, fast
- Comfortable, stable
- Looks awesome
Cons
- The wheelset is an upgrade opportunity!
Manufacturer: Basso
Price: €3,999 RRP

Basso Palta Frame

I first rode that Palta on the road to get to the start of the gravel Gran Fondo. I was expecting a slog and for it to feel like any other bike with fat tyres on tarmac. I was pleasantly surprised as it felt like a road bike. The frame felt stiff & light and I really had an advantage over the others in the group.

The Palta looks good and demands attention wherever you ride. Basso have really nailed the frame design and paintwork – it has a beautifully shaped flat top tube and is finished with a luxurious paint job which suits its Italian heritage.

If you want the Palta can be set up like a road bike but I prefer a more upright position to best enjoy the demands of Rocaroba. The more comfortable position is perfect for seated climbing which loose gravel demands. The bike handles beautifully. It’s responsive and really sticks to the trail. Climbing the steep gradients of Rocacorba was amazing – it had all the forward momentum and lightweight feel of a road bike & the comfort & stability of a mountain bike. Needless to say, I got used to the Palta straight away.

Sram Force 1x Groupset

I’ve always used Shimano so didn’t think I would like Sram. But it’s intuitive and only took 5 minutes to get used too. The shifting is smooth I love that you don’t have to think about a front derailleur.

The 1 x system handled gradients of up to 20% with no problem and there was plenty of range for the terrain. I’m yet to be convinced about the shape of the Sram hoods & levers – they felt really rounded and a little odd after my years of riding Shimano.

Basso Palta Wheels

The only small downside of this build is the wheelset as it’s where most of the weight comes from. Whilst they’re a little on the heavy side they roll really well and are they’re durable. The rims hit a rock mid-ride and there wasn’t a scratch on them.

Tyres

For the event I rode Michelin Power Gravel 40 mm tyres. On the road they’re really fast with high pressure. At the start of the Gran Fondo I took the air out to run 40 psi and was able to fly down off-camber descents fast and safely. The tyres gripped beautifully and were well equipped for the dry conditions.

Saddle & Seatpost

I rode a Selle Italia saddle which was comfortable. The ride was noticeably smoother than other gravel bikes I’ve ridden; in part due to the carbon layup of the frame and also the vibration damper doing it’s work in the seatpost.

Basso Palta – Value for Money?

I think you get a lot of bike for the money. It’s a classy bike that looks the part and performs perfectly. The build and components used speak for themselves:
- Basso Palta frameset, available in 4 sizes
- Custom Palta fork
- Sram Force 1 x Groupset
- Hydraulic Sram Force Disc brakes
- Wheels
- Clearance for 42 mm slicks or 40 mm gravel tyres
- Integrated seat clamp system
- Vibration damper Palta seatpost
So, that’s what it’s like to ride and whath the Basso Palta is made of but what about maintaining the bike? We asked Eat Sleep Cycle Head Mechanic Borid del Cid for the lowdown.

Mechanics Perspective on the Basso Palto

Q. What do you think about the bike?
A. I really like it! I especially like the fact that this bike still looks and rides like “a road bike with bigger tyres”, and not “a mountain bike with drop bars”. As anybody in Eat Sleep Cycle will tell you, I spend most of my day ranting about how gravel bikes with 650b super wide tyres are really just mountain bikes hiding in plain sight, so being able to ride and rent this bike makes me very happy.

Q. What tyres would you run?
A. If it was for me, I would probably run a pair of fast rolling WTB Exposure 34s, but probably the most versatile option, especially year round, is the classic WTB Nano 40 tire.

Q. What gearing would you choose?
A. I think a 10-42 cassette is ideal. The range is wide enough to tackle almost any climb around Girona, I would probably keep the 40 teeth chainring at the front, maybe have a 42 that I can use for flatter days and coast rides.

Q. What’s the bike like to maintain?
A. Super simple! I’ve always been a proponent of simple, no nonsense bikes that make you forget what bike are you riding, and focus on the ride itself. But more importantly for me, It’s super easy to maintain and service. With only one cable, the Force 1x groupset is very reliable. The bike is really easy to maintain, but cleaning the sandy mud that we have around Girona is another story.

Q. Why this spec for the rental bike?
A. The bike we rent comes pretty much stock. We use Michelin Power Gravel tyres, which should roll really well on the fire tracks around Girona this summer.
The only thing that is different is the stem. We stay away from the proprietary stems that come with all Basso bikes. Even though they look super cool on the bike, they are not the best option when we are trying to fit the bike to each cyclist that wants to rent it.

Q. Where would you ride it?
A. Probably on too sketchy terrain! I’ve been known to ride it down some rocky single tracks around Sant Miquel and Els Àngels where the bike had no right to be in. That’s the most fun though!
I would also love to ride this machine across the Pyrenees or Portugal, on a bikepacking adventure (only with the best ortlieb bikepacking bags! 😉 )

Want to Test Ride the Basso Palta?

You can rent this beautiful machine from us during your next Girona cycling break – we run gravel tours in Girona all year around and are we’re heading Trans Alps on gravel this July which is going to be epic! Give us a call now 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!
March 20, 2019
New Gravel Bike Trans Alps Tour – Embrace It!
The Alps, the Dolomites, the Sella Ronda. Romeo & Juliet, Garda, the World Champs. Verona, Innsbruck, Munich. Italy, Austria, Germany. Groads. Yes. Our Trans Alps Gravel Bike tour is happening this summer, and you’re invited.

Gravel Bike Trans Alps Tour Stages

This is an incredible new itinerary rolling out in July 2019 linking Munich in the north to Verona in the south, via the cities of Innsbruck (host to the 2018 Cycling World Championships), Bolzano & Trento and straddling the Alps. Designed & tested by Joan Calvera Porta of CycloCat the route links bike paths & gravel roads on a journey through changing landscapes and spectacular scenery.

Stage 1: Munich to Bad Tolz, 60 km, 418 m

The gravel bike Trans Alps Tour starts in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Located to the north of the Bavarian Alps & on the banks of the River Isar the city makes a grand start to the ride. Spin south towards the mountains through woodland, trails & traffic free roads. The River Isar runs from Munich with our path to Bad Tolz, the first stop on the route. Bad Tolz is the gateway to the Alps!

Route Highlight: Munich

Stage 2: Bad Tolz to Innsbruck, 109 km, 864 m

From Bad Tolz the scenery starts to change dramatically as the route enters Austria & the Alps. The route passes through the town on Lenggries, runs across the Sylvenstein Lake and on into Austria. The road reaches 1,000 m altitude at the town of Maurach before a steep descent meets the River Eno, which carves a flat route to Innsbruck.

Route Highlight: Sylvenstein Lake
- At the Austrian frontier is the spectacular Sylvenstein Dam, a reservoir which provides flood protection & maintains a steady flow of water to Bad Tolz in the valley below. Ride around and across the damn before leaving the River Isar and crossing the Austrian border.
Route Highlight: Innsbruck
- The Austrian city of Innsbruck made a name for itself when it hosted the road cycling world championships in September 2018. The high mountains of Tirol served as a spectacular battleground where Spaniard Alejandro Valverde and Dutch woman Anna van der Breggen emerged victorious.
- Innsbruck is the captial of the Tyrol region and is located in the broad valley between high mountains, the Hafelekarspitze, (2,334 metres) to the north, and the Patscherkofel (2,246 m) and Serles (2,718 m) to the south.
Stage 3: Innsbruck to Klausen, 68 km, 351 m

30 kms south of Innsbruck lies the Brenner pass. The Brenner Railway provides transport for the first part of the day, taking riders safely past a busy section of road. Brenner station is at 1,371 m altitude – the highest point reached on the Italian & Austrian rail networks. At the pass is the Italian border & the gravel road begins again with a glorious descent through Italy.

Drop through Colle Isarco & a myriad of Italian villages to our resting place in Klausen, conveniently located at the base of the route to the Italian Dolomites.

Route Highlight: Brenner Pass
- The Brenner Pass connects northern & southern Europe. Dairy cattle graze in alpine pastures throughout the summer in valleys beneath the pass and on the mountains above it. At lower altitudes, farmers log pine trees, plant crops and harvest hay for winter fodder.
Stage 4: The Sella Ronda Gravel, 53 km, 2,200 m

It was impossible to resist adding a day to explore the iconic Sella Ronda route away from the usual holiday traffic. Our route combines sections of the classic road route with off-road sections which provide a unique and gorgeous perspective on this well-ridden route. It’s today that riders need their climbing legs with altitudes reaching over 2,200 m.

Route Highlight: The Sella Ronda
- Guidebooks of the Dolomites region are graced with images of the stunning Sella Ronda mountain range. The Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo, Passo Pordoi and Passo Sella make up this iconic cycling route. The loop passes through the ski town (and summer cycling hub) of Corvara in Badia, itself synonymous with the annual Maratona del Dolomiti Granfondo.
Stage 5: Klausen to Trento, 100 km, 550 m

After a day in the Dolomites it’s time to head south again, this time to the Italian city of Trento. The route follows the gently descending valley through Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol. Bolzano is considered as a bridge between the North and South due to the three spoken languages in South Tyrol – Italian, German, and Ladin, and the confluence of Italian and German-Austrian culture.

Route Highlight: Trento
- Trento is located on the Adige River in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Sudtiroll. Formerly part of Austria and Austria-Hungary, it was annexed by Italy in 1919. With almost 120,000 inhabitants, Trento is the third largest city in the Alps and second largest in the Tyrol.
- Trento is an educational, scientific, financial and political centre. Soak up the picturesque Medieval and Renaissance historic centre & make sure to take a look at the ancient Trento Cathedral and the Castello del Buonconsiglio.
- Trento was awarded the title of Alpine Town of the Year 2004.
Stage 6: Trento to Verona, 124 km, 809 m

The final stage is also the longest stage. Continue south on a flat trail through the town of Rovereto. Detour up a gentle climb to see the spectacular Lake Garda. Retrace and follow the trail to the heart of Verona, a city made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.

Route Highlight: Lake Garda
- The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located on the edge of the Dolomites and is an exquisite destination for holiday-makers throughout the year. Francis of Assisi founded a monastery on one of the Lake’s islands in 1220. Now travellers around the world enjoy peace, tranquility and a touch of luxury at the lake.
Route Highlight: Verona
- Roman architecture, Opera & Shakespeare make for a glamourous city to host the grand finale of our Trans Alps gravel adventure!
What Gravel Bike For The Trans Alps Tour?

To best enjoy the Trans Alps gravel tour we recommend a gravel bike (no surprises there!) – something fast enough on paved sections & super comfortable on gravel. Try the Italian Basso Palta to truly pay homage to the route.

Trans Alp Gravel Bike Tours – Secure Your Place

We’re really excited about this new tour of the Trans Alps on gravel bikes and the interest we’re receiving about this tour is phenomenal but what’s not to love about it? Gravel, bikes and the Alps – perfect! If you’re interested in securing a place on the tour then 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!
March 14, 2019
A Celebration of Women’s Cycling
International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate women’s cycling, from professional riders, to amateur racers, to those who ride for the sheer joy of it, we want to pay tribute to women who ride bikes!

Cycling brings people together through a shared joy of the feeling of freedom that getting out on a bike brings and bikes have been a symbol of emancipation for women in the past, providing them with the freedom & means to travel independently. Women all over the world ride bikes for myriad reasons, from the need to get from A to B, for the sheer pleasure of a ride, or to tear each other’s legs off in a race.

In the past twelve months alone a woman broke the cycling land speed record, American Denise Mueller-Korenek hit 183.932 mph (296.010 km/h) breaking not only her own record but the men’s as well. Scottish mother Jenny Graham broke the women’s record for cycling around the world in 24 days, 10 hours and 50 minutes and just last week the women’s peloton caught the men’s in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

Inspiring Women’s Cycling

We asked some inspiring women from the world of cycling about what riding bikes means to them:

Claudia Marin, mountain biker from Girona

How did you get into cycling?
I started mountain biking with my dad, who taught me until one day I decided to try a Duathlon. When I managed to finish it I was super happy and eager to do another

What is your favourite aspect of women’s cycling?
To get to know other women who share the same hobby, to visit new places, talk and enjoy the practice of cycling that leads us to live unique and indescribable moments!

Do you think attitudes to mountain biking are different to road as a woman?
Yes, I think the attitude towards the MTB is different from the road attitude, since one requires more technique than the other. Therefore, there is more possibility of needing more strength and concentration with the MTB.

How is riding with women different to riding with men?
I think there are several differences. Neither better nor worse, simply different. Strength is an aspect that is different.

Who are your main cycling inspirations?
There are several, but I would highlight the talent of Jenny Rissveds.

What advice would you give women who are considering taking up cycling?
If you like sports and in particular cycling, take this, dedicate time. Meanwhile, ENJOY everything it can bring (friendships, places, excursions, vacations …) and you will see that little by little you will progress and every time you will enjoy more and more

Leah Thorvilson, winner of the 2016 Zwift Academy

How did you get into cycling and did you feel like you faced any challenges as a woman?
I got into cycling as an alternative means of exercising and chasing the endorphin addiction when a series of injuries and surgeries forced me to take an extended break from running. I was previously a competitive marathon runner. The biggest challenge I faced was that I was dropped in at a level way over my head after winning Zwift Academy…it had nothing to do with being a woman. BUT, I will say that from the point of view of a professional cyclist, the ability for a female to make a decent living as a cyclist compared to a male….it’s embarrassing what is considered a “salary” for women. I know there are a lot of women actively working to change that, but for the time being, the large part of the women’s peloton are forced to have second and third jobs to make cycling a reality. And those who ARE paid as a full time athlete, many of them are doing it for next to nothing.

What is your favourite aspect of women’s cycling?
My favorite thing about women’s cycling is the camaraderie. I think especially in the US where we are still trying to grow the sport, the women who are involved are really eager to encourage more women to get on bikes and especially to try out racing.

What did you learn from riding in the women’s peloton and how do you think it differs from the men’s?
Oh man….. what did I learn….. EVERYTHING. It was all new to me, so literally I learned all about racing from my first year as a pro. I don’t know that I have a very good answer for this one…. I don’t have one simple take away from the peloton…. maybe I need a more specific question. I mean, I think the biggest thing I learned is the importance of experience and confidence in order to be successful… but I feel like that isn’t what you meant… I dunno

Who are your main cycling inspirations?
I’m so new to the sport, and to be honest when I was younger I didn’t follow cycling much at all… maybe I watched the Tour de France when it was on, but I had never watched a women’s race before I started the Zwift Academy. During that, I wanted to learn about the team so I started to follow. Because of this, my biggest inspirations were my own teammates when I was selected as the ZA winner and joined Canyon SRAM. They all started cycling when they were so young, they were able to teach me so much. I became really close with Alexis Ryan. She was like my big sister… except that she was almost half my age. ? Her talent and professionalism as a cyclist was really incredible, but also just as a human….she had a lot of other interests beyond cycling, and she cared a lot for her teammates and her family. If I were a young cyclist just starting out, I would aim to be like her when I grow up.

What advice would you give women who are considering taking up cycling?
Just go for it. No matter what your age or what level of cycling you want to get involved in from social rider to wanting to get fit to competitive racer…. there is a community for you

Stay In Touch with Women’s Cycling

If you’re inspired to ride & keep up to date with the latest news from the women’s pro peleton & the wider world of women’s cycling, follow these two great websites!
- Casquette
- Total Women’s Cycling
Want to experience women’s only cycling?

Why not join one of our women’s camps for an opportunity to ride some iconic roads in the company of inspiring women! Or, if you’re based in Girona join our weekly women’s only ride from the Eat Sleep Cycle hub.
March 8, 2019
The Synergy of Yoga and Cycling

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.

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

March 6, 2019
Bike Hire Girona – How To Choose Your Perfect Rental Bike
When planning a cycling holiday a key consideration is what bike to ride. Whilst some people choose to travel with their own bike the majority opt to save the plane fare & hassle of lugging a bike box around and rent instead. Renting a bike can be daunting – so many colours, models, sizes, groupsets, braking systems, frame materials, companies etc etc. But, renting a bike is a golden opportunity to try something new or even test ride the bike of your dreams.

By asking yourself these simple questions you can decide which bike to choose from all the options out there. Given our location this will be focused on Girona Bike Hire but should help choose your perfect rental bike wherever you’re traveling to!

What Type of Cycling Would You Like to Do?

It sounds obvious but if you know what terrain you’ll be riding on this is a big part of the puzzle & you can start to narrow down your bike hire options:
1. Road – Girona is a hub for road cycling in Europe. Professional road cyclists choose to make Girona their base for training and racing. Quiet roads, respectful traffic a huge variety of terrain & route options make road cycling the most popular type of cycling in Girona (and as a result one of the most popular types of bike hire in Girona).
2. Off-Road – Girona also has a network of gravel roads, mountain bike trails and family-friendly bike paths. There are plenty of bikes to choose from in the off-road category, depending on which type of terrain you’d like to explore.
3. City – Cruising around the city and Devesa park on a bike is a cool way to see the city. You could even consider taking a 40 min train to Barcelona and bike around there too. This is a great option for families and groups of ‘normal’/non-cycling people. A Brompton has to be the ultimate city machine – it’s great fun to ride & is completely foldable – perfect for carrying on and off trains & into cafès and restaurants (for more info make sure you check our guide to cycling in Barcelona!)
Road Cycling: What Type of Cyclist Are You?

Ok, so you’ve decided you want to explore Girona’s beautiful roads. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of road bikes and see how to separate the options so you can choose the perfect rental road bike. Road bikes tend to fall into three broad categories and are best suited to different types of cyclist.
- Lightweight – The Climbers Rental Bike: For cyclists who love to climb then a bike designed around the ability to climb will maximise the enjoyment of the ride.
  - Top Pick: Factor O2 Ultegra Di2 – ok, so it’s a treat but we think a Factor 02 rental is the ultimate climbing machine. With a precision engineered Factor 02 frameset, Black Inc carbon wheels, bars, seatpost & stem & the high performance lightweight groupset that is Shimano Ultegra Di2 this is a machine that flies uphill.
  - Best Value: Ridley Helium X Ultegra – if the Factor’s way out of budget there’s no need to panic. Enter Ridley’s lightweight sensation that is the Helium. Aptly named this is a beautiful frameset which heads skywards with ease.
- Comfort – The Endurance Bike: For riders who love long days in the saddle on varied terrain the endurance bike is the way to go. These bikes tend to offer a more relaxed geometry giving the rider a more comfortable position, best for long days in the saddle.
- - Top Pick: Ridley Fenix Ultegra Disc – The Fenix is Ridley’s answer to Paris-Roubaix. Designed to absorb the shock of the cobblestones the Fenix promises a smooth, sweet ride. Disc brakes offer powerful braking & the ultegra groupset promises perfect shifting.
  - Best Value: Ridley Fenix 105 – the same as above but with rim brakes and Shimano 105 groupset. Perfect for a smooth ride for those on more of a budget.
- Fast – The Aero Bike: we don’t recommend this type of bike for cycling in Girona. With a more aggressive geometry & added weight for the aero features this is a bike that will neither climb particularly well or be that comfortable for a long day in the saddle.
Off-Road Cycling: What Type of Terrain?

If you’re heading off road the key consideration when renting a bike in Girona is to decide what type of terrain you’d find most enjoyable – this will best help you to select your steed:
- Gravel – A good definition of a gravel road is anything that a car can be driven down, any more technical and gravel riding starts to head into mountain bike terrain. A gravel bike has wider tyres and more tread compared to a road bike – offering better grip off road. A gravel bike has a more relaxed geometry than their cyclo-cross counterparts. Make sure your rental bike is geared for the rides you’re planning to do: the steep trails around Girona tend to need a larger cassette that what might otherwise be normal. Get an introduction to gravel cycling in Girona from our ESC tour guide Peter Gaskill.
  - Top pick: Basso Palta – ‘Palta’ is Italian for mud & this is a high-end carbon gravel bike which thrives in dirty conditions. With a specially designed fork and shock-absorbing seatpost enjoy a stable and comfortable ride. There’s also space for up to three bottle cages – great for a hot, off-road bike-packing adventure.
- Trails & Single-track – If you’re planning on tackling more technical trails then consider a mountain bike. A hardtail will cope with most of what Girona has to offer. A full-suspension is pretty niche and not widely available to rent in Girona.
  - Top pick: Ridley Ignite – A lightweight 29’er hardtail designed for cyclocross competition, this is an ultrafast bike for ultimate off-road fun.
- Bike Paths – Girona has a network of bike paths, the most popular being the Via Verde, stretching from San Feliu at the coast to Olot in the foothills of the Pyrenees. A hybrid bicycle is best suited to these trails. Equipped with wider tyres than a road bike for extra grip on the gravel and a super comfortable upright position. Hybrid bikes often come with a rack for carrying bags – perfect for stashing a picnic for when you reach the beach!
  - Top pick: Ridley Tempo Disc – a comfy, versatile bike for enjoying bike paths & roads alike. This bike comes in female specific & men’s geometry & comes equipped with a rack for carrying your bags.
  - Add Some Gas: Orbea Keram Comfort Electric – turbo boost your ride and take the edge off the climbs with this dreamy electrified hybrid. Equipped with a rack you can carry everything you need for a lovely day out on the bike.
If some of the rental bikes mentioned above have piqued your interest you can check our range of rental bikes in Girona here and we also have some of them available for purchase if you’re really tempted!

What About Renting an Electric Bike in Girona?

The trend of electric bikes is booming here with electric bike rentals on the up. Sales across Europe are up & more & more people are turning to electric bikes and it’s no surprise why. Electric bikes offer many people the opportunity to ride a bike in places they never imagined they could physically cope with. Electric bikes mean groups of friends & families with riders of different abilities can ride together and enjoy shared experiences. Electric bikes are a serious amount of fun.
- Top Pick: Orbea Gain M20 – this is a very special electric road bike. A carbon frame & ultegra groupset mean this bike oozes quality and puts Orbea at the forefront of electric bike design. The battery is discreetly hidden in the downtube meaning the bike doesn’t stand out in a field of non-electric bikes.
Bike Hire Girona – Choose Your Bike!

If you’re in Girona and looking to hire a bike we hope the above guide has given you some useful information about the types of rental options that are available and which one would suit you best. If you’ve any questions about which rental bike is for you then 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!
February 27, 2019
Guide to Cycling in Barcelona
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!
February 20, 2019
Why Join a Women’s Only Cycling Camp?
Why Women’s Only Cycling?

Cycling Camps just for women are becoming more and more popular as more and more women across the globe take up the sport and seek a female-friendly environment to improve bike-skills, confidence and fitness in the company of like minded women. But what makes a women’s only cycling experience unique & why consider trying it?

Meet Our Female Cycling Guides

We caught up with three women who work as guides on the Eat Sleep Cycle Women’s Cycling Camps in Girona & the Pyrenees to find out first hand about what makes a women’s only cycling experience so special.

Cheynna: Camaraderie & Support

Hello! My name is Cheynna Treto Sutherland and I am originally from southern California. I visited Girona frequently when I was a university student in 2003 and 2004, but we moved to Catalunya permanently in 2011 as my husband is a professional cyclist and this seemed like a great place to be based.

I have been a cyclist since 1988–over 30 years! My favourite ride in Girona is the coastal loop over Sant Grau. Is there anything more beautiful than the Mediterranean? I have been fortunate to ride my bike on five different continents, but my favourite place to be is right here in Catalunya. We have it all–the Pyrenees, the coast, rolling hills, fast descents. I can’t think of anywhere else in the world I’d rather be.

I love being a guide and sharing my cycling knowledge with women. This can be an intimidating sport for anyone and the ESC Women’s Camp has a sense of camaraderie and support that you will not find elsewhere. Female guests, female guides, female support. It creates a sense of community that is often lacking between women. I leave this camp feeling energised and motivated from the amazing female energy and I think more events like this would encourage women to get involved with the sport of cycling.

Nicole: Less Testosterone!

Where are you from originally?
I am a life long expat born to Dutch and South African parents. I grew up in the Middle East, before moving to the UK then Catalunya in 2006.

What brought you to Catalunya ?
My husbands job, he was a pro cyclist till 2014

How long have you been a cyclist for?
About 13 years

What is your favourite ride in Girona?
I love the roads around Esponellà/Crespia and Mare de Deu for a big day out.

If you could ride your bike anywhere in the world where would it be?
I have been lucky enough to ride in some beautiful places. But I am always happiest riding in Catalunya.

How do you think guiding women differs?
Less testosterone! Jokes aside, I haven’t encountered much difference to date. Everyone I have ever guided as always wanted the same thing, just a great day out on the bike.

What do you think would encourage more women into cycling?
Groups like the ESC Sunday girls ride are a perfect introduction. And if it is roads that make you nervous the new craze of gravel riding is brilliant way to start.

Louise: More Fun!

Where are you from originally?
I’m from Kent in the UK

What brought you to Catalunya ?
I wanted a change of lifestyle and to try and reach my potential as a cyclist. Girona was an obvious place to be based with the great climate, beautiful roads & welcoming community.

How long have you been a cyclist for?
Since birth! My parents are both cyclists so a bicycle has always been a way of life for me. I began with cycling to school and then got into cycle touring – it’s a great way to discover new places. I started racing a bike in 2014.

What is your favourite ride in Girona?
I have to agree with Cheynna, you can’t beat the coast road, especially at this time of year when the Costa Brava is empty.

If you could ride your bike anywhere in the world where would it be?
I’d love to cycle in South America but, as Nicole says, the cycling is really hard to beat here in Girona. For my work I’m lucky enough to travel and ride in new locations – in the last couple of years I’ve been riding in the Pyrenees, North Spain & Gran Canaria and have seen some truly incredible roads & landscapes.

How do you think guiding women differs?
Groups of women always have more fun than groups of men! Even when groups are pushing themselves on a climb the atmosphere is always less serious (even if it can still get competitive!) and women tend to be much more supportive of one another. Women are also way more willing to learn and actively want to improve their bike skills. Women tend to underestimate their abilities and strength on the bike whereas men often think they can achieve more than they’re capable of. Some of the strongest climbing I’ve seen on our tours was on last years Women’s Pyrenees Camp – every single rider was nervous about how they would cope in the mountains and worried about being last, but the group rode the most consistently out of all the groups I’ve led in the mountains & maintained a solid average speed for the whole week. (Comparable groups of men tend to ride faster for the first couple of days then slow to a crawl by the end of the week!)

What do you think would encourage more women into cycling?
I think accessible women’s only rides, access to a bike & friendly advice & guidance from fellow women all have a huge part to play. As Cheynna says, cycling can be a very intimidating sport which requires a significant initial investment in bike & kit as well as a way of learning routes & basic mechanics such as how to fix a puncture. There are so many barriers to getting started that a supportive group for beginners can have a huge impact. It’s also important to get the message out that it doesn’t matter what kit you wear or what bike you ride – anything with wheels, comfy clothes & a helmet is all you need to get started.

Finding a Women’s Only Cycling Group

It can sometimes be difficult to track down other women to ride with. Whilst mixed groups are common and most places have their own cycling club, lots of women start out cycling solo & continue riding alone. If that sounds familiar it’s worth trying to track down some company as finding a group has loads of benefits. For example you can learn how to ride in a group, get a little shelter from the wind, enjoy a good chat and learn new routes. It’s also great to have some moral support in-case of a puncture or mechanical. But, how to find them?
1. Strava – it’s worth having a look at the women’s leaderboard for segments on your regular rides – it’s likely you’ll find local women there and you can get in touch via leaving them a comment. You can even contact those who are riding at a similar pace to you!
2. Sign up to a women’s only camp – if local ladies are proving difficult to track down look for a women’s only cycling camp. A week surrounded by women who love cycling can be super motivating and you may find yourself some cycling friends for life.
3. Join your local cycling club – ok, so this is likely to be full of men but you’re likely to meet some women too. You only need one partner in crime to start your very own local women’s ride!
4. Social media – if someone in your area is running a women’s cycling group it’s likely to be on facebook, instagram or twitter. Try searching #womenscycling and see what you can find!
Women’s Cycling Camps

If the above has piqued your interest for a trip in the sole company of other women who cycle then we’ve got the perfect tour for you. Check out our Girona Women’s Camp to enjoy the best of Girona’s roads or take a look at our Pyrenees Women’s Camp for a true climbing adventure. If 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 about it!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!
February 20, 2019
Girona Biking: Get off the Beaten Track this Spring
As temperatures start to nudge towards Spring cyclists all over the world are dreaming of ripping off the leg warmers and indulging in some quality legs-out cycling. Here in our Girona HQ that dream is already coming true with the early arrival of Spring in mid-February.

Girona Biking in Spring

Whilst most cyclists choose to visit Girona in April, May & June, February & March also offer great cycling. Whilst temperatures are ‘fresh’ in the mornings they climb steadily during the day to often reach 20 degress by lunchtime – perfect riding conditions. They are also ‘dry’ months with much less rainfall than the warmer months that follow. Add to this the quiet roads, yet to be filled by holiday makers heading to the Coast, early Spring is one of the best times of the year to enjoy cycling in Girona.

Enjoy Girona Off-Season

Avoiding the peak Girona cycling season has many benefits:
1. Accommodation is more widely available and can often be secured at a cheaper rate
2. Pro-Spotting can begin as professional riders return to their Euopean base for the race season
3. The Costa Brava is divine with empty beaches and empty roads
4. Have your pick of the rental bikes on offer – lower demand for bikes in February & March means your bike of choice is highly likely to be available
5. Enjoy the pick of the best restaurants in town – less visitors means restaurants which can be fully booked in the peak times are available for you to enjoy.
Our Favourite Spring Girona Cycling Routes

It’s a tough one to call but February & March are the perfect time of year to explore the Empordà region and the beautiful coastline of the Costa Brava. Both these areas can get a little congested as temperatures warm and should be avoided completely by cyclists in July & August (unless riding at sunrise, which is still stunning!)

Hidden Costa Brava

From Girona cycle south through the lanes to San Andreu Salou and on to Llaostera. From here climb up to San Grau and swing a left when the road hits the Mediterranean. Enjoy the rollercoaster of one of the best roads in the world to San Feliu where you can choose an elegant coffee at the harbour or keep going a little further to the secuded beach at S’Agaro. From here there are many options depening on how long of a ride you’re looking for. One option is to keep hugging the coast as far as Platja D’Aro. Here you can visit the cake shop Dulce Pikka for a caffeine & sugar hit ahead of tackling the super-steep climb up to the golf course. Descend and head home via Llagostera – a nice option is to take the Via Verde from here back to Girona.

Empordà & the Begur Hills

Another treat of a ride taking in the lanes of the Empordà region. Ride north out of Girona and skirt around the mountains to the farmlands around Celrà. Climb up to Foixa and drop down to the flatlands of the Empordà. Set a course east through a myriad of lanes, taking care to avoid the main roads. Emerge in Palau-Sator, Ultramort and continue on to the medieveal village of Pals. It’s here that the fun starts with a steady climb to the Begur headland. Here enjoy a series of short, sharp climbs which navigate the coves & beaches around Begur. Pause in Tamariu for lunch and set a course home via Palafrugell and the lanes to Calonge. From here choose your climb – Rumanya or Calonge and make your way back on lanes to Girona.

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Girona Biking Events in Spring

There’s plenty happening on the local cycling scene for all to get involved in.

International Women’s Day Rides, 8th March 2019

One for the ladies and supporters of gender equality! We’re hosting a day of rides for cyclists of all levels to celebrate women in cycling.

Rocacorba Gravel Gran Fondo, 17th March 2019

If gravel’s your thing this is one of the best new events in town with a challenging off-road route to reach the summit of Rocacorba.

Rocacorba Gran Fondo, 25th May 2019

A new event this year this is set to become a Girona Cycling Classic, with a route designed around conquering the mighty Rocacorba.

Terra de Remences, 12th May 2019

An incredible ride exploring the region west of Girona. Packed full of climbing the parcour includes the Capsacosta, Col de Canes and the 1st Cat Col de Bracons. Find out more on the Terra de Remences site.

Travelling to Girona in Spring

March is the month when Girona Airport starts to welcome direct flights from all over Europe for super cheap prices. Flying direct into Girona means a travel day can also be a bike ride day as the airport is just a 20 min transfer from the city centre. If that’s not an option for you Barcelona welcomes flights from all over the world and a well timed flight can also leave you time to pedal up Els Àngels before sundown.

Inspired to Visit Girona this Spring?

If you’re planning to cycle in Girona check out our Spring cycling tours, including our Girona Ride Camp, Women’s Camp, Tour of the Costa Brava & Girona Classic Climbs. Or why not contact us and we can arrange anything from a full custom package to sorting you out with your dream bike rental.

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!
February 19, 2019
Guide to Cycling in Majorca
Majorca (or Mallorca as they say in Spanish) is 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. The best times to visit the island are spring and autumn when the weather is not too hot but is warm enough to get those cyclist tan-lines going.

The Mallorca 312

The island even hosts its very own sportive the hugely popular Mallorca 312 – the course of which originally traversed the entire 312km lap of the island but now maintains the same distance but varies in terms of parcours year-on-year.

Majorca Cycling Highlights

Because so many cyclists have been coming to the island for such a long time the locals are accustomed to them frequenting the roads and as such give them due respect, which makes enjoying some of the fantastic cycling in Mallorca even more enjoyable. Here are some of the standout rides that Mallorca has to offer!

Sa Calobra
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
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
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
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.

Off The Beaten Track Riding in Mallorca

The next set of spots for cycling in Mallorca are a bit more off the beaten track than the previous ones but are still worth the ride.

Valldemossa
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
Stats: 7km at 10%
Crowned by the GCN show 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. At the top is a restaurant which gives the climb it’s name and is well off the regular cyclist trail.

Mallorcan Culture

We believe that a huge part of taking a cycling vacation is discovering a new culture, cuisine, architecture and unique character of each place. So many European destinations are steeped in history just waiting to be discovered and Mallorca is no exception and there are lots of spots worth visiting whilst there.
- Palma
  Head to Palma on a rest day for a spot of shopping or to dip in and out of the numerous cafes and tapas bars. La Seu cathedral is a must-see the Gothic building is the focal piece of architecture in the city and is truly stunning to see.
- Alfàbia Gardens
  Go for a stroll in these multiculturally influenced gardens in Bunyola in the North of the island and therefore within a close distance of the most popular places for cyclists to stay. The gardens contain exotic plants as well as orange and lemon trees.
- Deià
  We would recommend staying in this picturesque village if you can, but if that’s not an option then a visit is certainly needed anyway just to see how stunning it is. Whilst there, visit the house of Robert Graves – the British poet and author of I,Claudius who lived in the village, which is now a museum.
Mallorcan Food

To go with the Mallorcan culture there is also the Mallocan cuisine which has to be tasted to be believed. There are a number of Michelin Star restaurants dotted around the island, a sign of the refined palettes that frequent the island and worth visiting if you can.

Where To Stay in Mallorca

Most cyclist visitors to Mallorca stay in the North of the island, far removed from cities like Magaluf to the South which are renowned more for partying than pedalling. In the North Port de Pollença and Alcudia are most popular as these areas are on the coast and close to the UNESCO World Heritage site Tramuntana Mountains – the highest point of which is the tip of Puig Major. The versatility of flat riding along the coast and the challenge of the mountains are what makes the area attractive.

Hotels:
The number of cyclists that visit the island each year (in the hundreds of thousands) means that most hotels are bike friendly with many offering places to store bikes.

In the Cycling Hub:
If you want to be around more cyclists than just regular tourists then the cycling hub of Hotel Hoposa Bahía in Pollenca should be considered.

For Something Different:
And for those of you who would like something a little bit different you should check out Hotel Des Puig in Deia.

When (and how) to Travel to Mallorca

The best times to visit the island are spring and autumn when the weather is not too hot but is warm enough to get those cyclist tan-lines going! You can fly into Palma airport – the island’ capital of Palma hosts the island’s main airport. You can also get a ferry from mainland Spain (although beware that this could take up to 8 hours).

Cycling in Majorca

If the above has piqued your interest for a trip to one of the de facto cycling Meccas of Europe then we’ve got the perfect tour for you. Check out our Majorca Experience to really discover the island or take a look at our Mallorca Ride Camp to rack up those quality miles. If 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 about it!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!
February 13, 2019