Friday, December 19, 2014

When renting a bike, details make the difference

Ges Juliet saddle

When renting a bike details make the difference.
Proper bike fit is essential for a comfortable ride, so if you send your measures we will adapt the bike to them, so you will feel like at home. 

More, we also have women saddles for our customers. 
Never tested? Find out our Ges Juliet saddle!


Bike fit for rental bikes

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Weather in Catalonia, perfect for cycling



If you ever have wondered if weather in Catalonia is good enough for cycling, here you have the answers. Not just opinions, not just marketing sentences, but facts.
Barcelona, Girona and Tarragona, the main towns in Catalonia (also for cycling) have an average temperature over 10 degrees from March to November. A bit warmer in Tarragona, Barcelona in the middle, and Girona a bit colder. Not bad for cycling anyway.

What about rain. In average, no more than 4 days per month of rain. Most wet months are September and October. Spring can be a bit wet and summer months are hot and dry. May we say "Tour de France" weather?
Solar panels and cyclists in Barcelona Forum area
So, Catalonia is the right place for cycling. Anytime. No cold, usually no rain, just sunny warm weather beside the sea. Come to Catalonia to enjoy cycling. www.montefuscocycling.com

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Le Tour de France in Barcelona, 1957, 1965 and 2009

Tour de France in Barcelona (Montefusco Cycling)
Stage profile stage 6 Tour de France 2009
Being so close to France, you may think Barcelona has hosted several Tour de France stage finish throughout the years. But, unfortunately, Barcelona has just welcomed three times the most important cycling race of the world.

- Tour de France 1957 July 15th stage: Perpignan-Barcelona 197 km, won by Rene Privat. In the afternoon was a second sector, a time trial in Montjuic mountain, won by Jacques Anquetil, who finally won the Tour.
Jacques Anquetil, winner of Tour de France 1957
- Tour de France 1965 July 2nd, 11th stage: Ax les Thermes-Barcelona, 240,5 km.
Stage was won by the spaniard José Pérez Francés after one of the longest solo breakaways of Tour de France history: 223 km. In a very hot stage, after climbing alone Col de Puymorens, he succeded in stage with over 6 minutes to the peloton.
The day after, the peloton lead from Barcelona to Perpignan in a flat stage, won by Jan Janssen.
Tour de France in Barcelona (Montefusco Cycling)
José Férez Francés great victory
- Tour de France 2009, July 9th, 6th stage. Girona-Barcelona 181,5 km.
In a hilly stage, the peloton kept together till Olimpic Stadium in Montjuic, where finish line was installed. Norwegian Thor Hushovd won the stage ahead of spaniards Oscar Freire and José Joaquín Rojas. Barcelona welcomed Tour de France in spite of the rain, with thousands of yellow cards saluting the most important cycling race of the world.
The day after, Tour de France lead to Andorra in a high mountain stage 224 km long.

Tour de France in Barcelona (Montefusco Cycling)
Thor Hushovd win in Barcelona
If you want to discover the same stages that pro riders did when arriving or exiting to Barcelona, just let us know and we will help you. https://roadcycling.barcelona/

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Barcelona, a bikefriendly city

Cycling Barcelona with Montefusco Cycling
Cycling in Barcelona
(Pictures by Sergi Ros www.rosdemora.com)
Barcelona is really a paradise for cyclists. For every keen cyclist.
First, using bicycles as a transportation system. Barcelona is a pioneer city about rental service of public bikes. The "Bicing" system has been used successfully in Barcelona since 2007.
If you speak spanish, you can learn more about Bicing system here:
https://www.bicing.cat/es/content/c%C3%B3mo-funciona
Today, Barcelona has over 180 km of bike lanes.
You can download the net of bike lanes here:
http://w110.bcn.cat/fitxers/mobilitat/bici/mapaa22011ok.948.pdf

Cycling in Barcelona
Cycling beside the sea

Road biking? Barcelona is also a great location to ride your road bike. Cycling beside the sea, or climbing the hills surrounding the city. In this article you will have some ideas of places and destinations:
http://www.montefuscocycling.blogspot.com.es/2014/02/barcelona-unexpected-cycling-destination.html

Cycling in Montjuic
Last, but not least. Barcelona is the main city of Catalonia region, a paradise for cycling. You should be aware that in catalan trains bikes are allowed, so if you need to go in Rodalies Renfe you will not have any problem to transport your bike with you. This way, Montseny mountain, Montserrat mountain or Costa Brava, are much closer, and you don't need to go out of the city through busy roads.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Bike rental for GFNY Barcelona

Gran Fondo New York Barcelona
Map and profile GFNY Barcelona
One of the most famous brands in cycling has arrived to Barcelona. At last Gran Fondo New York has a challenge in one of the most wonderful cities in the world.
Next 2015 March 22nd (just one week after the Barcelona Marathon!), you will have another chance of discovering this amazing city by doing sports.
You can choose between two courses, the short one 110 km (+2000 mts), or the long one 160 km (+2900 meters).
More information: http://gfnybarcelona.com/
If you want to rent your road bike for this event, contact us. We will provide with the best carbon road bike.
Coming from abroad? If you would like to train some days before the course, we can also offer you  other cycling and lodging options, in the city or along the coast.
Would you like a guided training for the course, we can also offer you that!
Just contact us on claudio.montefusco@gmail.com. We will make a customized quotation.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

L'Etape du Tour 2015, with Montefusco Cycling

Do you want to cycle one of the most important cyclosportives in 2015 calendar?

The 23rd edition of the Etape du Tour will find place on Sunday, July 19, 2015 in the Alps. Five days before the professional riders you can cycle the 19th stage of the TDF 2015. The route of 142 km is a loop ride between Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and La Toussuire right in the mighty Alps. The Les Sybelles territory is a fantastic area for great and challenging rides. 19 July will be A big day for all keen cyclist. This day you will tackle the heroic icon Alps together with 13,500 other cycling enthusiasts you will face 4600 climbing meters over 142km! Don’t miss this unforgettable athletic experience: climb the mythical passes of the Tour de France. For that, book your places right now as we have only 20 bib numbers available. This Etape du tour cycling trip sells out quickly so don’t wait too long and sign up now!

Price  €795 including inscription
Price €595 per person no inscription

Inclusions
  • Inscription for the 23th edition of Etape du Tour Registration to L’Etape du Tour
  • Personal access to the A.S.O. Challenges platform  
  • Access to the departure village 
  • Rider’s bag to be picked up at the departure village 
  • The race t-shirt to be picked up at the departure village 
  • Customisation of the medal with the race finish time 2015
  • 3 Nights lodging in cosy Chalet in Oz en Oisans station 
  • Daily breakfast 
  • 3 x Homemade 3-course dinner
  • Sheets and towel Final cleaning costs 
  • Safe storage for your bike at the chalet
  • Tourist Tax 
  • Taxi service to Saint Jean de Maurienne and back to Oz en Oisans
Exclusions
  • Inscription € 100
  • Airfares & Taxis Pick up Grenoble airport €180 (1-4 persons) Pick up Grenoble railway station €110 (1-4 persons) Pick up Bourg d'Oisans €20 
  • Drinks & Lunches 
  • Single Supplement €125 
  • Bike Rental €125

Friday, October 31, 2014

Training Camps in Catalonia

Cycling Costa Brava
Cycling Costa Brava
Would you like to come to Catalonia to make your cycling training camp next spring?

Do you want to train and also enjoy good weather, good roads, polite drivers?
We are offering you several choices. We have agreements with many hotels that will fit your needs. We have destinations all over Catalonia, as Calella, Tossa de Mar, Caldes de Malavella, Platja d'Aro, Sitges, Cambrils, and of course Barcelona! Costa Brava, Costa Daurada are places we can recommend!

If you want training but also sightseeing, we have also the best options. Our tours can lead you to Girona, Figueres, Cadaqués, Olot, Viladrau, incredibly nice places you will enjoy.

Large group and different levels? No problem, we will design different stages for 2 groups, and our cycling leader will make you enjoy your ride at most. At the end you will be having dinner and sleeping in the same hotel that the other groups.

Let us know what you would like and we will make a customized proposal and quotation. Come and visit Catalonia by bike. You will enjoy cycling and sightseeing!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Barcelona private day Tours

On vacation in Barcelona but you would like to train and see Barcelona from a different prospective?
Do you want to spend a morning "by yourself" cycling around the city?
Then your best option is contracting our cycling guided tours, including road bike rental, pick up at your hotel and a hilly tour around Barcelona about 70-80 km long.


Some comments from our customers:
Mark: "We had a really nice ride, 86 km, and were back at the hotel at around noon. Claudio did a great job both cycling and guiding and as he has lived in the area all his life he knew a lot about places and history. His English was also excellent."
Chris:  "Next day he escorted us on a 70k ride out of the city and up to Tibidado via three superb climbs. If you are looking for an english speaking cycling guide (with a sense of humour), who will go the extra mile to make sure you enjoy your ride, Claudio is your man. Highly recommended!!"
Chris: "I contacted Claudio on short notice and he put together an 80+km guided trip on the spot. The ride he choose in the surrounding area was perfect. Great climbs, descents, views of the coast and Barcelona. He picked me up just outside of my apartment and had my bike size and fit nailed base upon my request. I would definitely call on Claudio again for another trip! His knowledge of the routes and roads was spot on. He is a great riding partner to boot!"

Monday, September 15, 2014

Autumn in Montseny mountain


Would you like cycling here?
Do you want to cycle near Barcelona, in Montseny mountain? Discover solitaire roads, challenging climbs, charming towns and lovely people.
And if you wish you can also visit Barcelona, just 1 hour away.

We offer you the chance to do it by yourself in 3 stages. We will provide all you may need: maps, tracks, the best hotel and the best prices.

Recommended Tour from april to november.
Self guided tour, 3 nights, 3 stages

Day 1 Arrival to hotel in Viladrau, bikes delivery, roadbook and briefing 3 stages.
Day 2 Coll Formic and Santa Fe del Montseny, 90 km
Day 3 Turo de l'Home, highest climb in Montseny, 25 km long 1st category climb, 70 km
Day 4 Sant Hilari Sacalm + Coll de Revell 70 km and Farewell

Price including 3 nights half board:
170,00 Euros per person in double room.
215,00 Euros individual room

Optional road bike rental: 90 Euros
Optional transfer from the airport of Girona

Hotel: Hotel de la Gloria 3* in Viladrau, half board






Sunday, August 17, 2014

Stage Ziklo-Montefusco Cycling en Barcelona

Stage Ziklo-Montefusco Cycling Octubre 2014
Montañas de Barcelona


Una escapada perfecta para ti y tus acompañantes. Tu pedaleas, ellos pasean y disfrutan de Barcelona. En 3 días descubriréis lo mejor de las montañas de Barcelona: Montserrat, la montaña mágica catalana, Montseny, espectacular en otoño y Collserola, la montaña que rodea Barcelona y esconde carreteras soprendentemente tranquilas. Para los acompañantes hay un programa paralelo y la libertad para moverse por Barcelona y redescubrir una ciudad maravillosa.
Alojamiento en el Hotel Campus en Bellaterra, en las afueras de Barcelona con la tranquilidad necesaria y buena comunicación con el centro. 3 etapas, 3 noches en media pensión y remate final el domingo con una paella frente al mar.
¿Te animas?


Día 23/10/2014.
Llegada de los participantes al Hotel Campus, en Bellaterra.
Briefing explicativo de todo el stage a las 20,00 y primera cena conjunta a las 21,00 horas.

Día 24/10/2014

1ª etapa Monistrol de Montserrat-Monistrol de Montserrat 91 km (Montserrat) Monistrol de Montserrat-Vacarisses-Rellinars-Sant Cristofol-Carretera del Monastir- desvío can Massana-Marganell-Monistrol de Montserrat-Monasterio de Montserrat Opción corta Monistrol de Montserrat-Monistrol de Montserrat 50 km

Montserrat es la montaña mágica catalana. No son solamente sus extrañas formas, ni la Virgen de Montserrat, ni el Monasterio. Montserrat es tan especial que no sorprende la gran cantidad de visitantes y peregrinos que la visitan.
En esta etapa veremos Montserrat desde diferentes puntos de vista y descubriremos cómo la montaña cambia su forma a medida que la rodeamos. La subida directa al Monasterio la complementaremos con la carretera de Can Massana, magnífico mirador del Vallès a media ladera, y la subida por la cara oculta de Montserrat, como la bautizó Jordi Escrihuela. Aún veremos otra perspectiva durante la ascensión por Rellinars y la bajada por Vacarisses. Una vez en el Monasterio, habrá tiempo para visitar la Basílica y a la “Moreneta”.

Horarios
7,30 desayuno en el hotel
8,00 Desplazamiento desde Hotel hasta Monistrol de Montserrat en autocar ciclistas y acompañantes
9,00 Inicio etapa
9,00 Acompañantes continuan en autocar hasta Monasterio
14,00 Reunión de los dos grupos y almuerzo conjunto (picnic hotel)
16,00 Traslado al hotel en autocar
Tarde libre para ir a Barcelona el que lo desee.
21,00 Cena en el Hotel



Día 25/10/2014

2ª etapa Sant Celoni-Sant Celoni 88 km (Montseny)
Sant Celoni-Santa Maria de Palautordera-Coll Formic-Seva-Viladrau-Santa fe del
Montseny-Campins- Sant Celoni Opcional subida al Turó de l’Home.

Los colores del Montseny adquieren en Otoño su máximo esplendor. En una magnífica etapa de casi 90 kilometros subiremos a Coll Formic, un puerto escénico, muy abierto, con grandes vistas. Nada despreciables sus más de 800 metros de desnivel aunque corone en unos modestos 1145 metros. Descenderemos hacia la Plana de Vic y nos dirigiremos a Viladrau, para regresar a través del Coll de Bordoriol, Coll de Sant Marçal y Santa Fe del Montseny a más de 1300 metros. Entonces tendremos la opción de descender 25 km rapidisimos hasta Sant Celoni o los más fuertes pueden intentar subir al Turó del Home si hay tiempo suficiente.

Horarios
7,30 Desayuno en el hotel
8,00 Desplazamiento ciclistas desde Hotel hasta San Celoni en autocar
9,00 Inicio etapa
15,00 Final etapa y desplazamiento hasta el hotel
Acompañantes día libre en Barcelona (desplazamiento en transporte público)
Tarde libre para ir a Barcelona el que lo desee.
21,00 Cena en el Hotel


Día 26/10/2014

3ª etapa Bellaterra-Barcelona 85 km (Collserola)
Bellaterra-Barcelona-Forat del Vent-Cerdanyola-Sant Cugat-Tibidabo-Vallvidrera- Sant
Bartomeu de la Quadra-Vallvidrera-Barcelona

Entraremos a Barcelona por el carril bici del río Besos, un verdadero lujo para entrar y salir de Barcelona. Una vez llegados al mar subiremos directamente hacia El Forat del Vent, una de las subidas clásicas de Barcelona, Burucartel incluido, con buenas vistas sobre el velódromo y más adelante sobre toda Barcelona. Una vez coronado, descenso hacia Cerdanyola, Sant Cugat del Vallès y subida al Tibidabo, la clásica subida barcelonesa, con la iglesia y el Parque de atracciones en su cima. Las vistas desde allí son inmejorables. Bajaremos por Vallvidrera y dirección Molins de Rei por la impresionantes rampas de la Rierada (menos mal que de bajada), para volver a ascender por la Creu d'Olorda hasta Vallvidrera y el Tibidabo por una solitaria carretera que nadie diría, por el escaso tráfico, que está tan cerca de Barcelona. Entonces sí, descenso hacia Barcelona al mar otra vez para degustar una paella en la playa.

Horarios
7,30 Desayuno
8,30 Salida etapa
13,00 Final etapa en Platja de Bogatell. Comida Paella frente al Mar.
15,00 Desplazamiento al hotel, duchas y despedida.

Acompañantes día libre en Barcelona hasta paella en Playa de Bogatell (desplazamiento en transporte público).

Más información e inscripciones: www.montefuscocycling.com


Saturday, August 9, 2014

Cycling in The Pyrenees


Have you ever dreamed about cycling in the Pyrenees?
Climbing those famous cols, getting to the top and enjoying the loneliness and silence at the summit?
If you would like to discover the Pyrenees by bike, Montefusco Cycling can help you with the logistics: stages suggestions, bike rental, baggage transportation, hotel arrangement, whatever you may need.
Here in the video you have a few minutes of the feeling you can get by climbing one of those impressive climbs over 2.000 meters.
No need to be one of the most famous climbs we see every year in Tour de France.
Video is descending Coll de Pal, a catalan col, absolutlety unknown, beautiful, steep. It is really worth.

Discover the Pyrenees with Montefusco Cycling: www.montefuscocycling.com

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Road bike rental and guided Tours in Sitges, Vilanova and south Barcelona

Road bike rental in Sitges
Sitges, la blanca Subur
Montefusco Cycling is offering road bike rental in whole Catalonia. One of our favourite destinations in Sitges, close to Barcelona in the southside. Other costal towns where we can deliver the bikes are Castelldefels, Cunit, Calafell, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes...
Beautiful area, beautiful beaches, beautiful roads to cycle!!

We offer delivery at your hotel/Villa/appartment, so you don't have to waste time picking up your bike and dropping off last days. Simple, quick and easy!! You rent your top quality bike and we deliver it to your holiday destination! You just have to cycle and enjoy landscapes!
Road bike rental in Sitges
Road to Pantà de Foix, one of the nicest in the area!

Once there you have many options to cycle, but let us suggest a guided Tour. For instace first day, when you get the bike. Our guide will make a customized tour about 100 km long showing all the possibilities in the area and you will be able to learn the best roads to cycle next days during your holidays. Very nice place to cycle but also many busy roads, we will show you the ones to avoid and the ones to cycle safely.

When you come to Sitges, rent your top quality bike in Montefusco Cycling and enjoy cycling!



Friday, June 13, 2014

Selfguided Tours in Catalonia with Montefusco Cycling

Selfguided Tours in Catalonia with Montefusco Cycling


All pictures by Sergi Ros www.rosdemora.com
One of the best options to cycle in whole Europe is Catalonia.
Why should you choose Catalonia for your next cycling vacations?

Many reasons, let me list some of them:
- Obviously weather is one of the most important reasons you should come to cycle to Catalonia. Nice weather all year long. Even in winter it is not that cold. Specially recommended spring and autum!
- Quality of the asphalt. Many solitaire roads, some other busy but with good shoulder, but always a good quality asphalt!
- Education of the drivers, which means safety while cycling.
- Quality of hotels and restaurants
- Good infrastructures. Airports in Barcelona and Girona
- Lots of things to learn, history, culture.
- Vicinity of Pyrenees. This famous range of mountains, known worldwide thanks to Tour de France is just a few hours away from Barcelona (2 hours!)
 
Here you have an option Montefusco Cycling is oferring to you:

Catalonia Cycling Breakaway. 10 nights, 9 cycling stages. Nice overview of Barcelona, Girona, Costa Brava, Figueres, getting closer the Pyrenees in Olot, reaching France in Banyuls sur Mer. These are the stages:


1)      Barcelona-Tossa de Mar 95 km It is a stage to get closer the Costa Brava. Flat, quite crowded road, although riding on Sunday will be also plenty of cyclists riding beside the sea. We have introduced a different possibility. Instead of leading straight to Tossa, get a small nice hilly road in Mataró towards Arenys de Munt and Sant Pol de Mar. After that, back to the main road NII leading to Tossa.
2)      Tossa de Mar-Caldes de Malavella 50 km One of the nicest roads you can cycle in whole Catalonia is the one from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols. It is time to enjoy landscape, views, weather… cycling. Once in Sant Feliu de Guixols must follow direction Santa Cristina d’Aro and afterwards to Romanyà. Finally, a crossroad leading to Llagostera will put you in the right direction to Caldes de Malavella.
3)      Caldes deMalavella-L’Escala 77 km. Few miles after the start begins the climb of the day, a beautiful, solitaire and not very steep climb named Santa Pellaia. After the descent towards La Bisbal we will cycle through not very crowded roads, and then a stop in Peretallada is worth. Old and touristic town, cars are not allowed to pass and lots of restaurants and shops welcome the tourists. After Peretallada we will continue through Torroella de Montgrí till L’Escala.
4)      L’Escala-Banyuls sur Mer 83 km Steep climb to the Monestry of San Pere de Rodes. Nice aerial views from there to Port de la Seva and Costa Brava. Afterwards, precious up-and-down road beside the sea from Llança to Banyuls sur Mer, all the time with nice views. This area maybe windy, with the so named, tramuntana wind, very strong if it blows. Another possibility would be going from Roses to Alt de Perafita and stop in Cadaqués, where genious Salvador Dalí lived. From there ride to Llança and continue the stage till Banyuls sur Mer.
5)      Banyuls sur Mer-Figueres 46 km It is really a short stage till Figueres, but a tricky one. Col de Banyuls is not that steep as Tour de Madeloc, but the last 2 km are really challenging. You will need maximum gear to get to the top and success. After some pictures at the top, you will find a nice, narrow and solitaire road, leading to the Empordà region, crossing small pretty villages. Figueres is a quite big town, really worth to visit.

Wonderful landscapes
6)      Figueres-Olot 64 km Going out from Figueres through N260 is a quick way out. Wide road leading Besalú that you will leave direction Esponellà and Banyoles. It is worth, the visit of Banyoles, the village beside the famous lake, where a lot of triathlon competitions take place. A good place to stop and enjoy the place. Afterwards there are severals climbs, not very steep, to get some height reaching finally Olot at 440 meters height.
7)      Olot-Girona 55 km. This is also a quite short stage, mostly in descent. It is a quite wide road C-63 till getting the crossroad in Sant Feliu de Pallerols to a more narrow road leading to Girona. If you like steep climb, there is a very good option from Olot and Sant Esteve de’n Bas, this is the climb to Coll de Bracons, challenging climb with nice overviews of the valley at the top. It is really worth. Afterwards it is possible to go back and follow the normal suggested stage.

Coll Formic-Montefusco Cycling
Coll Formic
8)      Girona-Viladrau 60 km Beginning in Girona, at first there will be some flat kilometres, but afterwards there will be a long long climb although not very steep. Solitaire roads and mountain landscape to finish in the nice village of Viladrau.
9)      Viladrau-Barcelona 97 km Last stage, long and breathtaking, both for the distance and for the landscapes at the beginning. After the start in Viladrau, there is a flat zone till Seva. There begins the climb of the day: Coll Formic, that raises to 1145 meters. The long descent with incredible views over the Montseny mountain will lead you till Sant Esteve de Palautordera and Santa Maria de Palautordera, following direction Granollers and afterwards to Santa Coloma de Gramenet and Barcelona. 

At the beginning of each stage you will receive all the details in order to follow the route. And when you arrive at your destination hotels, you baggage will already be there.
More Information in  http://www.montefuscocycling.com/

Monday, May 5, 2014

Agreement with Always Riding

We are happy to announce that we just arrived to an agreement with Always Riding, the prestigious online shop, selling stylish cycling clothes and cycling jerseys. With this agreement, customers of Montefusco Cycling will benefit of a discount when buying in Always Riding shop. www.alwaysriding.co.uk

Friday, May 2, 2014

Bike fleet 2014 already closed

Bike rental Girona
Focus Cayo Evo 4.0

Bike rental Barcelona
Top quality bikes in Montefusco Cycling

Bike rental Catalonia
Bikes with carbon frame and Shimano 105

Bike rental Barcelona
Compact crank and 10 gears
Our bike fleet is already closed.

Montefusco Cycling is offering you top quality bike rentals in Barcelona and whole Catalonia.
All our bikes are in carbon frame and Shimano 105. Campact crank 34x50 ans 10 gears. All of them are models 2014. We have 3 different brands:

FOCUS. Model Cayo Evo 4.0. Available in our Girona affiliated bikeshop. You can see in the pictures.
Wheels Fulcrum WH CEX 7.0

Saddle Concept EX
Tires Schwalbe Lugano
Crank 34-50, 11-28 10 speed


BH. Model Prisma. Available in our Barcelona affiliated bikeshop.


Wheels Rody Stylus 2014
Saddle Prolog Kappa
Tires Michelin Dynamic Sports
Crank FSA Omega 34-50, 11-25 10 speed
http://www.bhbikes.com/web/es/carretera/resistencia/prisma/prisma-105.html

ORBEA. Model B M50. Available in our Montseny affiliated bikeshop.

Wheels Orbea Alu 28” Aero
Saddle Selle Italia X1 Flow
Tires Vittoria Zaffiro 700x23
Crank FSA Omega 34-50, 12-28 10 speed

Rent your top quality bike in whole Catalonia in Montefusco Cycling.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Road Bike rental in Barcelona for Triathlon competitions

If you are going to participate in a duathlon or a triathlon in Barcelona, Calella or nearby, and you come from abroad, no need to send your bike by plane, avoid costs and troubles by renting your carbon road bike in Montefusco Cycling.
We will deliver a carbon road bike at your hotel and you won't have to trouble of anythinig except the competition. We can provide the bikes with the pedal system you need and if it is a flat stage we can also put some armrest to increase your aerodynamic. The best prices in road bike rental in Barcelona.

The options in Barcelona and Catalunya to race are many. You need to select one of the many options you will find.

Here we mention the most popular triathlons in Catalonia:
Garmin Barcelona Triathlon, Barcelona 5/10/2014
Triatlo de la Vila, Barcelona 13/7/2014
Half Ironman Challenge Calella 18/5/2014
Ironman Challenge Calella 5/10/2014

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Discover Montseny mountain by bike

Beautiful roads and landscapes
Do you want to cycle near Barcelona, in Montseny mountain? Discover solitaire roads, challenging climbs, charming towns and lovely people.
And if you wish you can also visit Barcelona, just 1 hour away.

We offer you the chance to do it by yourself in 3 stages. We will provide all you may need: maps, tracks, the best hotel and the best prices.
Recommended Tour from april to november.
Self guided tour, 3 nights, 3 stages

Day 1 Arrival to hotel in Viladrau, bikes delivery, roadbook and briefing 3 stages.
Day 2 Coll Formic and Santa Fe del Montseny, 90 km
Day 3 Turo de l'Home, highest climb in Montseny, 25 km long 1st category climb, 70 km
Day 4 Sant Hilari Sacalm + Coll de Revell 70 km and Farewell
Would you like cycling here?

Price including 3 nights half board:
170,00 Euros per person in double room.
215,00 Euros individual room

Optional road bike rental: 90 Euros
Optional transfer from the airport of Girona

Hotel: Hotel de la Gloria 3* in Viladrau, half board


Thursday, February 27, 2014

Barcelona, an unexpected cycling destination

Cycling in Tibidabo, Barcelona
At the top of Tibidabo

Cycling is not only to discover beautiful landscapes in the mountains or by the sea. Cycling is also curiosity, culture, gastronomy, good climate, different sites, people, cycle paths, including urban and slow cycling. A metropolis like Barcelona is a universal destination, and an especially appealing city to be discovered on a bicycle.

Barcelona is one of the most powerful brands that exist in the world of tourism today. It is no coincidence that the number of visitors grows every year, even with the crisis. 7.5 million tourists in 2012, is it not impressive? Number of hotels is increasing, more than 350 establishments, 65,000 hotel beds. Figures that do not stop...

However, the message we receive from Barcelona by bike is contradictory. In one hand it is a bike friendly city, miles and miles of bike path, a system of bicycle public transportation as the so named “Bicing”, a mostly plain city by the sea... On the other hand, it is an urban conglomeration that scares anyone. One and a half million inhabitants, nearly four counting the metropolitan area, many cars, traffic, risks...

Is there something more appealing that wandering in bicycle in Barcelona Maritime front from Sant Adrià del Besòs until Hotel Vela, passing through the area of the Forum, the Vila Olimpica area and Barceloneta? Few things are comparable to this experience, so there are thousands of people who every day make that journey on cheap bikes, urban bikes, electric bikes, mountain bikes, Dutch bikes, and even in ours, in road bikes. The purpose is to enjoy the breeze marina, the views, the smell of the sea, the environment of the beach that is breathed in that area throughout the year. Yes, definitely Barcelona is also a high level destination for cyclists. Maybe not in the sense that we are used to, winter cycling stages in warm areas by the sea, to train hard, but in a broader, more touristic, more global sense.

On the other hand Barcelona is a city closely tied to the professional cycling world for many years. We do not need to mention the most known Barcelona event, the 1992 Olympics, whose cyclist road race was not held in Barcelona but in Vilafranca del Penedès, with the victory of the unfortunated Fabio Casartelli.

Esprint del mundial 1973
No need to talk about the Olympics, but need to talk about the World Cycling Championship that took place in Barcelona years 1973 (such a podium: Gimondi, Maertens, Ocaña, with Merckx in fourth) and 1984 (with Claude Criquielion victory, in another grueling race ahead of Corti and Bauer). Both in Montjuic mountain, where it was held also the Escalada a  Montjuïc, a kind of criterium that closed the cycling season between 1965 and 2007. A nice race in the steep slopes of Montjuic Castle, with the fans supporting their cyclist idols very closely. Eddy Merckx used to win also there…

Barcelona was also end of stage at the Tour de France in 2009, how to forget that? The rain marred the day, but the citizen participation was again rated ten. The stage came from Girona and the finish was at the Olimpic Stadium. Victory was for Hushovd ahead of spaniards Freire and Rojas. Reminiscent of the passage of the Tour in Barcelona is the current ciclosportive Barcelona-Andorra, consolidated year after year, on the same route that Tour followed in 2009, and organized by ASO.

Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Montjuïc is a mountain married to the sports: Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, Olympic Museum, Picornell swimming pools (that ones with impressive views of the jumpers and Barcelona in the background). And beyond sports Montjuic has so many things to see, the MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), the Palau Nacional o Poble Espanyol. Hundred per cent touristic.

I do not refuse to talk about cycling in Barcelona without mentioning the most remarkable mountain in the city: the Tibidabo. Anyone who has started to ride on a road bike and lives in Barcelona, has Tibidabo as his initial destination and the place to test himself. It is the mountain visible from all over the city, with its church illuminated at night, offering an incredible and beautiful show. The amusement park next to the summital church closes a perfect circle that brings children to the mountain from the early childhood.

What about climate in Barcelona? In this wonderful city cycling can be practiced all year long. Even in the most raw winter days, Barcelona cyclists lead north via NII by the coast direction Costa Brava, and lead south direction Sitges, searching the shores of Garraf. Weekends of all the year, the main roads going out of the city are packed with cyclists.

We can’t do a reference to the touristic Barcelona not mentioning cuisine. The quality and variety of the restoration in Barcelona is beyond doubt, and is itself a powerful claim. And for us, bike lovers, it is an ideal complement. We can find the best Mediterranean cuisine here.

Bikelane in river Besos
The attractions of Barcelona are so many... One more. Another luxury that has this city is the river Besòs, once degraded and evil-smelling area, has become a fantastic River Park which is home to large areas of great lawn with a paved bike path of more than 5 km, which reaches Montcada. There is a lot of people walking, skating, running, biking... A luxury huge area where sport is the main protagonist. In addition, you can practice safely because motor vehicles do not have access.

How is it possible? So far talking about Barcelona as a touristic destination and still have not spoken the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, Parque Güell, the Cathedral, Borne, La Boqueria, the Liceu, Las Ramblas, Camp Nou... The list cannot be closed. All these attractions can be discovered much better upon a bike, rather tan driving (impossible!), walking or by public transport.

With all the pieces that we have named so far, and many more it  is possible to compose a fantastic puzzle, and assemble a route that allows to give a full review to the city in about 70 kilometers. In those 70 km there is space more than enough for tourism but also for the physical requirement, Montjuïc ramps asks the cyclist for his best, and the ascent to the Tibidabo, although not too hard, is also very demanding. Enjoy magnificent aerial views once above is the reward to the suffering.

But if you go to Barcelona, it would be a pity not visiting some interesting places nearby (from de cyclist point of view). First one is Montserrat, the holy mountain for Catalan people, one of the greatest touristic attractions of the country. And also a real challenge to climb up there. Did you know that climbing there to rengrace the black Virgin of Montserrat (La Moreneta) is a classic among the catalan people? Do you want to pray for anyone or anything? Then you are in the right place. The views of the mountain are spectacular! Surrounding the mountain you can see different shapes, the mountain changes. An incredible experience.

Cycling in Penedes
Cycling in Penedes
Another interesting area is Penedes. The comparison with the italian Tuscany is too obvious. The problem would be to know which one is the nicest area to ride your bike. Vineyards, solitaire roads, mild weather, soft climbs... Is there a paradise for cyclists? It should be not far from there. Visiting the factories of wine, the well known catalan cava, and remembering the old saga Falcon Crest... All in all, just minutes way from Barcelona!
Last but not least. Montseny mountain is really close to Barcelona. You can reach it from the big city in hardly 70 km. The  highest elevation of Montseny is Turo de l'Home, at 1700 meters. One of the steepest roads in whole Catalonia, a real challenge for strong cyclists. But no need to climb up to the top. You can reach Coll Formic or Santa Fe del Montseny. Solitaire roads climbing the mountain in which you can enjoy incredible landscapes, specially in autumn.

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city that awaits you all year long to ride the bike and also to learn so many interesting things. A city that is worth visiting. No doubt!