Prices from £788
GIRONA-RENDEZVOUS
A mixture of road and gravel rides from Girona’s Old Town with its medieval lanes, ancient stone buildings, iconic cycling cafes and delightful variety of restaurants spilling out onto the pavements.
Those opting for the road routes will quickly realise why so many of the pro peloton call Girona home. With seemingly endless silky, quiet roads there’s varied riding in every direction, all boasting stunning views ranging from snow capped peaks to the deep blue ocean.
Gravel riders will hit the rough stuff almost from the off and explore the rugged beauty of the region on the path less travelled.
Both options are supported by local guides and are no drop rides, ridden at a sociable pace with coffee and lunch stops if and when needed.
Premium members of Hotchillee can enter this event using a 10% membership discount.
Price from
£788
355KM 5315M
Road
291KM 3450M
Gravel
4
Days in saddle
5
Nights included
3
Fitness*
2
Experience*
*This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 being an expert.
355KM 5315M
Road
291KM 3450M
Gravel
4
Days in saddle
5
Nights included
3
Fitness*
2
Experience*
*This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 benig an expert.
SPEAK TO OUR TEAM
If you have any questions or just need some advice why not book a call with one of our team members.
routes and ITINERARY
Arrival day. You can fly directly to Girona from Stansted. The event hotel, the Hotel Carlemany, Plaça Miquel Santaló i Pavor, 1, 17002 Girona, Spain is a 20 min taxi ride away.
Or if flying into Barcelona airport then you have some different options:
Transfer – our friends at The Service Course can provide transfers, prices approx. 5 people + 5 bike bags + luggage: c.€250.
If you want to buddie up with people on similar flights we suggest you reach out to fellow riders on the companion app, #girona_rendezvous group.
Train – from experience driving out of Barcelona to Girona there can be heavy traffic, so getting the train may be quicker.
Train from the airport to the centre of Barcelona is called Sants and runs every 25 mins. This ticket needs to be purchased at the airport station.
Fast train (AVE) from Barcelona Sants that takes 38 mins to Girona.
You can see the times and cost (BCN-GIR) on this website: https://www.renfe.com/es/en. Please note: when booking online, the fast train has certain restrictions when carrying a bike bag. You need to add this option to your cart.
“Passengers travelling on AVE (high-speed) trains are only allowed to travel with a packaged or folded bike. An add-on does not need to be purchased if the dimensions do not exceed 180 cm when all three are added. You must request the add-on below if these dimensions are exceeded on AVE (maximum): 120x90x40 cm)”
Slower trains (Media Distancia) from Barcelona Sants that takes 1h30 mins to Girona.
You have to buy these tickets at Barcelona Sants station but you can check times on the Renfe website.
“You can travel with a packaged or folded bike on Media Distancia trains with no need to purchase add-ons. Passengers who wish to travel with a bike that has not been disassembled must request it below. Passengers travelling on AVE (high-speed) trains are only allowed to travel with a packaged or folded bike. An add-on does not need to be purchased if the dimensions do not exceed 180 cm when all three are added. You must request the add-on below if these dimensions are exceeded on AVE (maximum): 120x90x40 cm)”
Bus – Bus ride directly from the airport to Girona, 2.5 hour ride https://www.sagales.com
Note: bicycles must go into the luggage area of the bus, except in the case of folding bicycles.
The maximum number of bicycles that fit on the bus is 5 in the luggage compartment. The service providing company may limit access after evaluating safety or other factors.
Meet at 09:00 to roll at 09:30 for either road or gravel ride of the day!
Road – Hincapie, 65km / 920m
The Hincapie Loop is a Girona classic. The loop has two relatively easy climbs on quiet roads through the Gavarres nature reserve. At the top of the first climb is the old monastery now known as Els Angels. Take in the views of Empordà, the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees, and Girona from this vantage point. The descent is fast and smooth to Madremanya, one of the two beautifully preserved mediaeval villages on this route. Next is the lovely village of Monells with coffee and snacks available in its central square. One more climb and its an easy roll back to Girona.
Gravel – Els Metges, 71km / 800m
Els Metges is a rustic gem of a restaurant accessible only by gravel. The gravel climb to get there is hard but you will be justly rewarded with traditional Catalan food, “Pages Style”. A few cats, some farm animals and views! Apart from the big climb the ride is scenic and mostly flat. The route passes through Rupià and Monells, two beautifully preserved mediaeval villages. After lunch, the ride climbs for a bit and is then mostly downhill on lovely gravel roads back to Girona with 1 km of fun single track along the way.
A late afternoon city walk has been organised for those who want to explore this beautiful old city, more details to follow.
Pre-dinner drinks are encouraged in the hotel bar from 19:30 before dinner at leisure.
The gravel riders are taking on the TRAKA 60km, 100km or 200km. Meeting at 06:30 to roll out at 06:45 with a short ride to the start. Official start times are between 07:00 and 08:00.
If any of the roadies want to give this a go, then why not hire a gravel bike for the day?
The roadies will meet at 09:00 to roll at 09:30. We’ll have a lunch stop mid point.
Road – Sant Hilari, 96km / 1300m
The Guilleries Mountains are a heavily forested rugged range with a history of being the home of bandits. This route through these mountains escapes the summer heat as it climbs through a shaded canyon to the high town of Sant Hilari where it is always a few degrees cooler than the lowlands. Winter rides on this loop can be very chilly with the risk of black ice. The first and last 10kms out and back into town are a little busy but most of the route is on beautiful quiet roads. The main climb starts after 24kms from the town of Anglès. The road winds its way up a cool and scenic 22km long canyon to the town of Sant Hilari. Along the way in Osor you pass a font and even better, the route takes a 300m diversion in Sant Hilari to a natural font where you can fill your bidons with some refreshing mountain water. A sandwich can be had anywhere along the route through town but we’ll aim to get a snack at Ca la Marta on the way out of town. If it is cool you might prefer to stop later out of the mountains in Santa Coloma . The 18km descent from Sant Hilari is fast, twisty and really enjoyable. A short stretch of highway and you’re back on quiet roads passing by the beautiful village of Brunyola where you can find a font. The route from Brunyola is mostly downhill back to Girona.
Today we are all headed out to Banyoles, stopping in at our friends Ed, Rachael, Ashleigh and Carl at Rocacorba Cycling (the base for the Rainmaker Rollercoaster in October this year).
Meet at 09:00 to roll at 09:30 for either road or gravel ride of the day! We’ll have a coffee stop and lunch.
Road – Banyoles-Rocacorba, 70.5km / 1355m
Rocacorba is a tough climb, since it was fully paved in around 2006, Rocacorba has been used by some of the world’s best cyclists as a test climb to see what sort of shape they’re in. For pros it’s all about getting a sub 30 minute; the climb has seen some big names turn themselves inside to achieve that. Then there’s the story of Wiggins coming along with his rollers and skinsuit to try and beat the previous benchmark set by Dan Martin.
On your way to the climb it is the beautiful town of Banyoles. Banyoles is worth riding to in itself, simply to soak in the beauty of the lake and surrounding area. In addition to its location, part of Rocacorba’s appeal is the challenge of the climb itself; there are few climbs in the area that begin to match it for the gradient and length. When you take the full 14km into account the average gradient of 5.6% is deceptive and hides the brutal reality of slopes of up to 15% for long periods. However, take the climb as 10km, starting from the stone bridge over the Matamors river, cutting out the flatter bottom section and the average gradient is a far less forgiving 7%.
After conquering Rocacorba we stop for some lunch with our friends at Rocacorba Cycling before heading home.
Gravel – Banyoles Long Gravel Loop, 67km, 700m
If you want to spend time gazing at views of the Pyrenees and the mountains around Girona this is the route for you. It’s a longer way of getting to the beautiful lake of Banyoles, site of the rowing events during the Barcelona 1992 Olympics. The gravel path out of town has a short rough section due to damage from a flood a few years ago and this is about the only technical section of the whole route. Once you climb out of the Ter valley you will be greeted with 360o views as you ride along a ridge towards the Pyrenees giants. Glimpses of these mountains continue until you are on an open plain and the closest point to these high beauties at 32.5km. Along the way at 25.6km in Vilavenut and in the middle of a 5km climb, you will find a font in a playground. You will pass a reconstruction of an Iberic pre-historic settlement along the lake at 39.8km. Lunch is at 40km at Rocacorba Cycling.
Pre-dinner drinks are encouraged in the hotel bar from 19:30 before dinner at leisure.
Road – Coast Loop Long, 123km / 1740m
One of the cycling highlights of Girona is the beautiful Costa Brava road. Along with the Costa Brava road, this long Coast Loop also incorporates scenic roads through the Gavarres Mountains and the Empordà region. The following route description is for a clockwise riding of the loop and there are merits to doing it in either direction. The clockwise direction starts with some of the harder and more scenic aspects of the route so you can really enjoy the beautiful approach to the coast without any fatigue. Warm up with the 10km easy Gavarres climb to Els Angels followed by beautiful rolling roads through Empordà to the coast. Fonts and cafés can be found along the way in Monells and Sant Sadurni. After the climb to La Ganga you descend to the coast and have a bit of urban riding. You can have a break along this stretch at the bike friendly Dulce Pikika cake shop; a popular stopping place for the pros. On a wall near the back, they have a display of signed water bottles and pictures of some of the famous cyclists who stop there. Next is the highlight of the ride which is the 18km of twisty coast road with views of coves, cliffs and the turquoise sea. Enjoy this beautiful stretch but remain attentive as there are sharp corners, rocks and occasionally some traffic. Just before you descend to the beach town of Tossa de Mar stop at the viewpoint to take in the turquoise waters and views of a mediaeval fort. Tossa de Mar is a nice spot to enjoy a sandwich and coffee by the sea. The route takes you right down to the beach cafés. The last leg of the ride back to Girona has a climb but it isn’t too bad. The town of Llagostera has a font and a good sandwich shop if you feel your energy levels dropping. Just 23km more and you’re in Girona. This last stretch has a 2km of segment concert that is rough and narrow so stay alert.
Gravel – Mas Llunès, 53km / 700m
This ride has a bit of everything, starting with some really pristine, rolling gravel that gives way to more technical surfaces and some easy single track. The trickier parts are short and quickly change back to easy riding surfaces. There are some nice climbs on the route and a few short steep sections. The scenery includes fields, stream crossings, forest and some nice views of the local mountains. Roll out on the Via Verde shared trail to reach 20kms of peaceful, rolling gravel and paved roads. At 16km you will be in a hollow at the very north end of the Girona airport runway and if you’re lucky a plane will come in just above your head. A little further on at 21km you will pass through the village and Sant Dalmai where you can find a café with a terrace. At 26km the character of the ride becomes more challenging starting with a 1.5 km climb to the town of Mas Llunès. After transiting through the town enjoy a fast gravel and paved downhill before making a sharp left turn onto a sandy road. Watch the route here as there are several intersections, the first being right after crossing a small stream. Take your time for the next 2km as there is some technical riding here though nothing is really difficult.
At 36km, at the bottom of a hill and with a quarry in sight, you will come to a main road which you are to cross. When you pass the quarry and cross the Ter river, you will be on really fast and smooth gravel, however, there can be truck traffic on this section. You will come to a traffic light at 42km that controls alternating traffic over a short, sharp climb and descent.
Pre-dinner drinks in the hotel bar from 19:30 (but no doubt will start earlier tonight!) before dinner at leisure.
Departure day. Meet at 08:00 for a short, final ride (unsupported).
PRICES & PACKAGES
Become a Hotchillee Premium member and save 10% when entering this event. Premium membership costs £8 a month with your first 30 days free. Click here for full list of benefits.
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
Upgrade to single occupancy
Bring a non-riding partner to relax in the sunshine whilst you’re on your bike.
Price includes accommodation, breakfast, walking tour of Girona Old Town and visit to to Rocacorba Cycling where you’ll enjoy lunch with your partner around the pool.
ACCOMMODATION
4* hotel
You’ll be staying in a 4* hotel in the heart of Girona with easy access to the historic old town, shops and cafes. Entry includes sharing a twin room with another rider unless you have selected to upgrade to a single room on registration.
Let's prepare together
From the point you register chat directly with fellow participants, the Hotchillee team, and industry experts on dedicated event groups on the Hotchillee companion app.
FAQ
You can fly directly to Girona from Stansted. The event hotel, the Hotel Carlemany, Plaça Miquel Santaló i Pavor, 1, 17002 Girona, Spain is a 20 min taxi ride away.
Or if flying into Barcelona airport then you have some different options:
Transfer – The Service Course can provide transfers, prices approx. 5 people + 5 bike bags + luggage: c.€250. Or you can organise independently, we have used and can recommend Genis Taxi +34 695 11 48 86.
If you want to buddy up with people on similar flights we suggest you reach out to fellow riders on the companion app, #girona_rendezvous group.
Train – from experience driving out of Barcelona to Girona there can be heavy traffic, so getting the train may be quicker.
Train from the airport to the centre of Barcelona is called Sants and runs every 25 mins. This ticket needs to be purchased at the airport station.
Fast train (AVE) from Barcelona Sants that takes 38 mins to Girona.
You can see the times and cost (BCN-GIR) on this website: https://www.renfe.com/es/en. Please note: when booking online, the fast train has certain restrictions when carrying a bike bag. You need to add this option to your cart.
“Passengers travelling on AVE (high-speed) trains are only allowed to travel with a packaged or folded bike. An add-on does not need to be purchased if the dimensions do not exceed 180 cm when all three are added. You must request the add-on below if these dimensions are exceeded on AVE (maximum): 120x90x40 cm)”
Slower trains (Media Distancia) from Barcelona Sants that takes 1h30 mins to Girona.
You have to buy these tickets at Barcelona Sants station but you can check times on the Renfe website.
“You can travel with a packaged or folded bike on Media Distancia trains with no need to purchase add-ons. Passengers who wish to travel with a bike that has not been disassembled must request it below. Passengers travelling on AVE (high-speed) trains are only allowed to travel with a packaged or folded bike. An add-on does not need to be purchased if the dimensions do not exceed 180 cm when all three are added. You must request the add-on below if these dimensions are exceeded on AVE (maximum): 120x90x40 cm)”
Bus – Bus ride directly from the airport to Girona, 2.5 hour ride https://www.sagales.com
Note: bicycles must go into the luggage area of the bus, except in the case of folding bicycles.
The maximum number of bicycles that fit on the bus is 5 in the luggage compartment. The service providing company may limit access after evaluating safety or other factors.
Our good friends at Rocacorba Cycling have an impressive fleet of hire bikes both road and gravel, when making enquiries be sure to mention that you are a Chillee and Ed and his team will look after you.
The Service Course also have a good selection of both road and gravel bikes to hire.
Girona has many restaurants where you can enjoy a wide range of cuisines including Catalan, Basque, Mediterranean, Oriental, signature, fusion, market, vegetarian, and many more. Trip Advisor recommend.
There will be groups for both road and gravel each day with ride leaders, however we do recommend you bring a bike navigation device and gpx routes will be made available.
Yes for each ride we will have a local guide and / or a Hotchillee guide.
SPEAK TO OUR TEAM
If you have any questions or just need some advice why not book a call with one of our team members.
