Prices from £1890

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Rainmaker RollerCoaster

4 Days / 5 Nights 1 - 6 October 2022
EVENT FULL

Experience the warm hospitality, fresh traditional cuisine and rugged beauty of Catalonia as you explore the endless gravel tracks of this vast rolling landscape.

Nestled amongst the olive groves of a traditional 17th century Catalan villa, you’re straight on the trails from our remote event village at Rocacorba Cycling. Here you’ll stay in luxury accommodation after a though day in the saddle, chilled late afternoons around the pool, gastronomic feasts under the stars.

Ride in small supported groups led by local guides and the Hotchillee Ride Captains, stopping for carefully selected restaurants, breweries and cafes each day showcasing some of the best food and drink of the region.

Enter solo, with mates, or with a non-riding partner to enjoy this Catalan adventure together.

Price from

£1,890

COVID-19 GUARANTEE

Learn more

395KM

Total distance

6,012M

Total elevation

4

Num. days

GRAVEL

Terrain

3

Fitness*

3

Experience*

*This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 being an expert.

395KM

Total Distance

6,012M

Total elevation

4

Num. days

GRAVEL

Terrain

3

Fitness*

3

Experience*

*This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 being 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.

STAGE ROUTES

The streets of King’s Landing, ciders all round and a sting in the tail climb – a magical start to your Rollercoaster ride.

You’ll start your Rollercoaster ride with the imposing cathedral above you – if it looks familiar, it was used as a location in Game of Thrones. You’re quickly onto gravel and on the first climb of the day, Els Angels – It’s a bit of rude start to the Rollercoaster, especially as the surface is a bit loose but at least your legs will be fresh!

You’ll then descend into the Empordà, an area renown for wine production – no stopping this early Sven! You’ve then got a long stretch of flat gravel double track so you can get your average speed up.

With about 47km covered, you’ll have definitely earned a break and where better to cool off than DosKiwis, a brewery set up by two New Zealanders where you’ll get a chance to sample their craft beers along with lunch or, if you’re wanting to keep a clear head, their kombucha.

After lunch you’ve got more fast rolling gravel before entering a forested section and then following the Ter river. Once you reach the town of Medinyà though, the trail tips uphill and, although it’s only 2-3%, it’s a constant drag. The scenery should distract you from your stinging legs though as you’ll be riding along a stunning ridge. 

Constantly gaining height, with 102km ridden, you’ll go through the town of Camos before the sting in the tail of the stage, a 500m gravel ramp at about 10%, up to the finish at Can Campolier. 

Here you’ll find Rollercoaster HQ nestled amongst the olive groves with your tents ready and waiting for you and everything you associate with a Hotchillee event – mechanics, massage, bike wash, great food and maybe even a beer or two. 

An aquatic theme to the day with the rowing lake from the Barcelona Olympics, a river crossing and the far from flat Pla de l’Estany – “plain around the lake”, to test your legs in the closing kilometres.

Leaving Can Campolier, you’ll roll down towards Lake Banyoles, pick up a newly created gravel road and, making the most of 5km of pristine gravel, take in the views of the snow dusted Pyrenees.

Following the El Fluvia river, you’ll enter the Catalan stronghold of Crespià for some fast and flat riding before the main technical climb of the day. It’s only a kilometre in length but drainage culverts and a rocky surface mean that you’ll need to pick your line well.

With that climb conquered, you can get back up to speed on some fast and rolling gravel. As you’ll see, this area is pretty remote but we’ll be stopping at a local restaurant for a fresh poke bowl lunch in Navata.

Once again you’ll pass though numerous tiny medieval towns and, if you’re wanting to, should be able to really clip along until you reach the town of Bàscara where you’ll be able to cool off with a river crossing – it should only be knee deep!

Back on terra firma and, as the undulations increase and the surface gets rougher, you’ve got five or six kilometres of harder riding. You’re now heading home but, as you get into the back-end of the stage, the rollers get bigger and more frequent. Riders who have kept their powder dry will make up a lot of time. The area around the lake is called Pla de l’Estany, which means the plain around the lake, but it’s far from flat!

Fortunately you’re spared the finishing climb of Stage 1 and instead ride into Can Campolier, through the olive groves on a far gentler trail.

Just a spin to the beach and back, how hard can that be? Well, we’ve scheduled a bakery and a brewery stop on this spectacular stage to the Costa Brava so that should give you a clue.

A shorter 90km route option will be available for those with tired legs!

A big stage that takes you to the Costa Brava and back. The day starts picking your way through a network of farm tracks. It’s rough under tyre and never really flat for the opening 25km. You’ll really appreciate the medieval villages today as, no matter how brief, some tarmac will give you moments of easy rolling. At approx 30km you’ll see the Hotchillee team for your first water stop of the day.

You then get a helping hand from gravity as we wind our way down to the coast. With about 52km covered you’ll have a much needed stop at Rustik Café in Bellcaire d’Empordà. It’s a real jewel and you’ll struggle to find a better coffee and Nutella filled croissant. For those opting for the shorter 90km day, it is here you will turn back to event HQ.

For those continuing on to the coast, having re-fulled, you’ll grind your way up onto a ridge above the Costa Brava. It’s an energy sapping 5km climb at about 4%. Having broken the back of the stage, you then descend to the sea, the town of L’Estartit and out to a viewpoint that looks out onto the stunning Illes Medes.

Here you’ll have your lunch stop at a typical Spanish beach cafe and if you choose a brief foray onto the beach.  Then it’s time to head inland and onto some open and rolling gravel tracks. Above you and dominating the skyline is the Castell del Montgri monastery.

With 30km to go you’ll reach the next water stop and a chance to catch your breath. Then it’s back to the gravely grindstone as you hit relentlessly rolling trails and begin your upwardly undulating path home. You’re spared the steep final climb again and today might be the day to cool your legs off in the pool to help them recover before your biggest climbing day tomorrow.

 

With close to 2000m of climbing, today’s stage is a day for mountain goats and, with the technical crux of the Rollercoaster to tackle, it’ll test both your skills and fitness.

Today’s all about the climbs. Having rolled out from Can Campolier you’re climbing on tarmac and riding the opening ramps of the Rocacorba climb, one of the classic tests for Girona’s pros. You turn off the road before the top and, on gravel, make your way to the town of Mieres – you’ll already have accumulated 450m of ascent so should be warmed up for the day’s biggest climb.

It’s 6km at 7% but the surface is good and you should be able to settle into a rhythm. The Coll de Palomera is spectacular as you’ll ride through a two metre wide corridor flanked by rock walls.

You’re then rewarded for your climbing efforts with a fantastic descent that takes you into the Valle de Llémena. The trail then heads upwards for another 5km with lunch at the top.

Although you’ll only have ridden 40km when you arrive at Can Buch – an off-grid eco-villa, you’ll already have 1200m of climbing in your legs.

Having soaked up the tranquility of Can Buch, it’s time for the toughest technical challenge of the Rollercoaster. For 3km, you’re riding up a dried up riverbed. It’s challenging but definitely rideable.

You’re then rewarded with a hairpin descent down to the valley floor. The next 20km section is mainly on Via Verdes, traditional farm tracks that are funded and maintained by the local government, and you’ll be pleased to know that they’re flat and fast rolling.

Turning towards Banyoles, you start steadily gaining height again with the Rocacorba Sanctuary far above you. There are some steep 15% ramps to tackle but the end of the Rollercoaster is in sight. Eventually you’ll turn back onto the tarmac of the Rocacorba climb and then, retracing your tyre tracks, it’s a downhill run-in to the finish line.

PRICES & PACKAGES

Enter solo, with mates or bring your non-riding partner – we’ve got an itinerary that you’ll all love.

Individual rider entry

From £1,890

A regular entry ticket for one rider that’s travelling solo.

Hotchillee Premium members can access a 10% Early Bird Discount. If you are a Premium member make sure you are logged in and find your priority registration link and discount code on the Membership Benefits page.

If you are not a Premium Member, join the gang!

  • 5 nights accommodation (twin sharing) 
  • All meals
  • Manned water stops
  • Baggage transfer from Girona to Rocacorba
  • Bike wash facilities 
  • Evening entertainment
  • Cycling jersey

Upgrades

If you’re already taking part in the Rainmaker Rollercoaster? Click here to purchase additional event upgrades.

Bring a partner with you to relax in the sunshine whilst you hit the trails. 

This package includes an accommodation upgrade to share a double room in the villa and daily non-riding activities including:

  • Girona food tour
  • Olive oil tasting
  • Yoga and meditation classes

Your non-riding partner is included in the evening dinners but does not include lunch.

Prefer not to share with another rider? Upgrade to your own room in Girona and the 17th villa at Rocacorba. 

Take the stress out of the end of the ride and hand your bike to one of our trusted mechanics each evening. It will be cleaned and given the once over with any issues resolved by morning (parts charged separately).

Have any sore muscles or niggles seen to by one of our on-site sports therapists. Package includes 4 x 20 minute sessions. 

Collection of you and your bike from Barcelona Airport on Saturday, and returned there after your adventure is over.

ITINERARY

Select the airport transfer and be met at Barcelona arrivals gate at 13:00 by the Hotchillee team. You will be whisked to the welcome hotel in central Girona where you can collect your race pack and build your bike before exploring the old town and grabbing a coffee or two.

Distance: 75km
Elevation: 1037m

Timings to be confirmed.

Your bike box and luggage will be transported from Girona to Banyoles where it will be waiting for you as you finish today’s ride.

Distance: 73km
Elevation: 1110m

Timings to be confirmed.

Distance: 127.2km (90km option also available)
Elevation: 1710m

Timings to be confirmed.

Distance: 72Km
Elevation: 1599m

Timings to be confirmed.

For the early risers there will be a short recovery ride to blow away any cobwebs from the night before. Riders booked on the transfers will jump on the bus at 10:30 and be at Barcelona airport for approx. 12:30. 

ACCOMMODATION

GirOna

Your first night will be spent in a 4* hotel in the heart of Girona with easy access to the historic old town, shops and cafes. There’s time to explore but don’t get too carried away as the Rider Briefing and Welcome Dinner is not to be missed!

EVENT HQ

Once at Event HQ you’ll be staying at a stunning 17th century villa surrounded by olive groves.

Non-riding partner packages

Upgrade your package to bring a non-riding parter and you will be staying in a double room in both Girona and at Event HQ.

PRESS

“Constantly stunning.”
“The vibe was amazing”
Bicycling Magazine SA
“A true journey that really puts the adventure into adventure cycling.”
Totally Active Magazine
“Unique and spectacular”
Cycling plus
"long winding trails, proper climbs, well good".
YouTube Vlogger, Francis Cade

Francis joined the Hotchillee events team on the 2022 route recce. Here's how they got on ...

Let's prepare together

Hotchillee App

Feel the Hotchillee love 365 days a year and join us on the companion app. Here you’ll find the Ride Captains, our team, your fellow riders and everything you’ll need in preparation for your grand depart. Ask us anything, we’re here to help.

Frequently asked questions

  • 5 nights accommodation (twin sharing) 
  • All meals
  • Manned water stops
  • Baggage transfer from Girona to Rocacorba
  • Bike wash facilities 
  • Evening entertainment
  • Cycling jersey
  • Alcohol and soft drinks

  • Insurance
  • Flights

 

Yes, you can purchase mechanics and massage packages, airport transfers and single room upgrades when registering

You may ride a gravel/adventure bike, cyclocross bike or MTB. The course will be suited to a gravel bike in terms of speed and technical terrain.

Yes, this can be done via our friends at Rocacorba Cycling.

You will need to bring enough kit for 4 days riding

No, you will need to upload the route to your navigation device before the event. If you do not have a device you can ride with one of the Hotchillee Ride Captains or local guides.

We strongly recommend you do bring a bike computer. You can opt to ride with the supported groups lead by the Hotchillee Ride Captains, however the route is not signed so it’s best to be self sufficient in case you lose the group for any reason. 

Participants can ride alone, with mates, or with one of the local guides or Hotchillee Ride Captains.

Whilst the course is not technical we suggest that this isn’t your first time on the rough stuff.

The daily average temperature for October is 15 degrees, but as always come prepared

You will have the option of selecting who you’d like to share with, if you do not know anyone else riding we will pair you with another rider.

You can book an airport transfer with Hotchillee or make your own way via train. A taxi (inc bike box) from Barcelona airport to Girona is approx. €175.  From Cam Campolier to Barcelona airport approx. €210.

The local guides and Hotchillee Ride Captains will be able to assist with basic mechanicals.  A mechanic is available back at the event HQ.  

Yes, but ensure you have two water bottle cages on your bike

You can select a massage package when booking

If Hotchillee cancels the event for any reason not listed in the conditions of sale, your entry fee is fully refundable.
If the event is postponed due to COVID-19, your entry will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you can’t make the new dates, you’ll receive a credit to use against any other Hotchillee multi-day event. The credit expires on 1 July 2023. If you have not used the credit by the expiry date, you’ll receive a refund equal to the original booking amount.

If for any reason you need to cancel your entry there are several options available: 

  1. You are able to nominate a substitute rider for your entry (up to 30 days before the event start date).
  2. You may defer your entry as a credit towards another HotChillee event in the same or following calendar year (up to 12 weeks before the event start date).
  3. You are entitled to the following refund on your entry:
 
  • 17 Weeks + before the Event start date: 66% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
  • 13-16 weeks before the Event start date: 33% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
  • 0-12 weeks before the Event start date: 0% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
  • If you are not able to travel due to COVID-19 click here for our COVID-19 Guarantee 

To cancel your entry, please contact [email protected]

Click here for our COVID-19 Guarantee 

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.

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