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!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Agreement Ziklo-Montefusco Cycling

We are happy to announce that Ziklo and Montefusco Cycling are now partners to organize cycling stages in Barcelona and Catalonia. Ziklo is a new brand whose team has long experience in communication business, cycling stages organisation and everything related to cycling. With this agreement, Montefusco Cycling ensures the organisation of at least 3 cycling stages per season.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Cycling and triathlon competitions in Catalonia

In our calendar you will be able to search the cyclosportive or competition you want to do in your visit to Catalonia, or particularly in your visit to Barcelona or Girona. Choose the duathlon, triathlon or other event you want. Here you will find some information, distances, links to the sites, etc.
All over the year you will find different competitions that can suit your needs.
In any case, if you want we to advise you about the best competition for you, we will be pleased by doing that.
Of course, we will provide a top quality bike in order you can participe with the best guarantees to do your best. In any case, training is not our responsability! We just rent a bike in the best condition!

Montefusco Cycling is the best choice to rent your top quality bike if you come to Barcelona, Girona, or Catalonia.