Puiggraciós, mountain close to Barcelona

 

Puiggraciós is a very interesting unknown climb close to Barcelona. A challenging one to tell the truth.

The starting point is at L'Ametlla del Vallès, a village about 30 km from Barcelona, close to Granollers. The length is 3,23 km, according to the created Strava segment, with an average gradient of 8,5%, with some shorter parts at 15% maximum. The Strava segment is here:

https://www.strava.com/segments/11039030

The road heading to Puiggraciós is not especially nice, most of it into some residential areas, just a few bends, it is a mostly straight road. You don't focus on the landscapes, you just focus on the road and it is pure survival! 

To get to the Sanctuary you have to follow on a gravel path once the asphalt is finished. It is just 800 mts. long and you will see the nice church. If you get to Puiggración on a gravel bike, then a very interesting loop is following to Montmany, and then descending to El Figaró. The first couple of kilometers are graveled, but then in Montmany there is a nicely surfaced road with no traffic at all.

Then, the options are multiple, one of our favorites is climbing to Tagamanent, coming next...

Barcelona Tourmalet 2018 edition

The top of Tourmalet!

This is an amazing cycling trip along the Pyrenees, from 2018 June 30th to July 6th.

The challenge is reaching the most famous climb in the cycling world (Col du Tourmalet) from one of the the most beautiful cities all over Europe, Barcelona. On the way, you will get to know some of the big climbs in the Pyrenees, reaching over 2000 mts. Port de la Bonaigua, Col du Portillon, Col de Peyresourde, Val Louron-Azet, etc.

Our trip includes 8 nights at cozy hotels in the Pyrenees (dinner included), 7 cycling stages, cycling guide, supporting van, luggage transportation... You don't have to worry about anything but cycling and enjoying the landscapes!

More information here: https://roadcycling.barcelona/tours/barcelona-tourmalet/

The map for our 2018 Barcelona Tourmalet route

Now we have all the details for every stage. Here you have them:

Ending at Montseny mountains

Stage 1. From Barcelona to Montseny mountains. Our guide will help you to get out of Barcelona and you will start with some climbing close to Barcelona. The amazing hotel you will be sleeping  is located half way the first big climb of the trip. Nice, solitaire, amazing spot and views...

Lots of climbing today!

Stage 2. Montseny to Joanetes. Great stage, with the amazing Coll Formic (1145 mts) at the start, then the passage through the Sau reservoir and the tiny road (with no traffic at all) to Coll de Condreu and possibly the approach to Sanctuary del Far, with amazing views. End in a cozy farmhouse with swimming pool. You will be at mum's house.

Stage includes the amazing Coll de la Creueta!

Stage 3. Joanetes to Puigcerdà. This is a tough start with Coll de Canes and then a long approach to Coll de la Creueta, to almost 2000 mts, great climb! The descent via Collada de Toses is a real pleasure on a very wide road with stunning views. Puigcerdà is the main city in La Cerdanya region, a wealthy town very know for skiers and mountain lovers. We are in the border with France.

Coll de Cantó, highlight of the stage

Stage 4. From Puigcerdà to Rialp. The main climb of the day is Coll de Cantó, a true first category climb, with some very steep parts. On the other side, wide road, perfect surface, time to enjoy on the downhill and then sleep at Rialp.

Do you want some more climbing? Then try Superbagneres

Stage 5. From Rialp to Bagneres de Luchon. This is really high mountain. Port de la Bonaigua is one of the classic climbs in the Pyrenees, reaching over 2000 mts. With a ski resort at the top, Bonaigua is the first road to be closed for snow in winter and the last one to be open in spring. Amazing lanscape. On arrival to Bagneres de Luchon, the strongest riders may climb to Superbagneres, a true hors category climb included in Tour de France several times.

3 first category climbs in just 90 km

Stage 6. From Bagneres de Luchon to Campan. The classic approach to Tourmalet would be climbing Peyresourde and Aspin. Our stage is a bit longer including Peyresourde, also Val Louron-Azet (the climb where Miguel Indurain started to win the 1991 Tour de France) and finally the very nice and solitaire Hourquette d'Ancizan instead of the more known Col d'Aspin.

More than a cycling stage, almost 3000 mts elevation

Stage 7. Campan to Col du Tourmalet. Today is about enjoying Tourmalet. The idea is you to climb from both sides. Climb from Sta Marie de Campan, descent to Luz St Sauveur and then climbing again from that side (ideally the old road via Fignon). The main thing is enjoying the bar and the souvenir shop at the top. If weather conditions are poor then climbing from Sta Marie de Campan will be enough!

Cycling around Montserrat (Barcelona)

Amazing views in Montserrat

Cycling in Montserrat mountain is an amazing experience. Not to be missed if you visit Barcelona and love cycling. Our tours include many km of solitaire roads from where you can see the holy mountain from different points of view. You can choose between a short but demanding stage climbing twice to the Monastry of Montserrat (50 km), or a longer and more demanding stage with another additional climb (80 km). There is not a flat meter, always climbing or descending, with great views. Final destination is always the Monastry of Montserrat, where you will be able to visit the Abbey and the small black virgin image inside.

The best views

Solitaire roads to enjoy cycling

We can also pick you up at your hotel in Barcelona, to the starting point, and dropp you off when the ride is finished. So you can avoid cycling in busy roads from Barcelona to Montserrat. More options are lunch after ride in a local restaurant, supporting van, professional pictures, etc.

Cycling in Montserrat, such an experience!

Our guides will lead you to the best roads nearby and will also explain you the most interesting things about this holy place for catalan people, center of catalan feeling and spirituality.

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!"

Montserrat mountain by Montefusco Cycling

Santa fe del Montseny

Montjuic, the Olimpic mountain in Barcelona

Palau de Sant Jordi

Marathon door Olimpic Stadium

Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys

Estadi Olimpic

(Pictures Sergi Ros de Mora, www.rosdemora.com)

Montjuic is a very special place for people living in Barcelona and passionate of sports.
Obviously the main thing to visit is the Olimpic Stadium. We will never forget the Olimpics in 1992. Already part of the best history of this city, Barcelona. Note also that beside the Stadium it is the Olimpic Museum Joan Antoni Samaranch. It is worth a visit.

Need to know that the Olimpic Stadium was built in 1927, inicially for the World Exhibition in 1929. With not much use, the stadium was deteriorated in the 70's and 80's till the Olimpics were given to Barcelona and the Stadium was rebuilt. Close up was built Palau de Sant Jordi, a nice multisport center (see picture) where have been played a Davis Cup final, a Final Four Basketball finals, and many many concerts...
But for cycling fans and passionates, Montjuic is also a very special mountain.

The Cycling World Championship took place there in 1973 and 1984. Both were great Championships. In 1973 the winner was Felice Gimondi for Italy, in front of his 3 mates in an imperial breakway: Luis Ocaña, Freddy Maertens and Eddy Merckx. Incredible race. In 1984 the winner was Claude Criquielion for Belgium, ahead of italian Claudio Corti and canadian Steve Bauer.

Being so close of the city center, in its steep slopes took place the Escalada a Montjuic, from 1965 till 2008, always at the end of the european season, a kind of farewell season race. A celebration of cycling with many people supporting the riders. Since then, the economic problems for the organisation made the race disappear. Recordman of the race stays Eddy Merckx, with six victories.

Other sports are present in the Olimpic Mountain: Swimming Pools, Rugby fields, Climbing, etc. A mountain married to sports.

Things to do in Barcelona

Cycling Sagrada Familia

Up in Tibidabo mountain, tough!

Still in Tibidabo, nice church!

In FC Barcelona Stadium!!

Sure you can ride in Barcelona, in a lot of fantastic places. A Tour including climbs as Coll de Parpers, Forat del Vent, or Tibidabo, and afterwards a touristic vision of the city: Sagrada Familia, FCB Stadium. Lots of things to do in Barcelona with your Bike. The american customer of Veloce Bike Rental and Montefusco Cycling will tell you... Rent your top Quality bike in Barcelona, in Montefusco Cycling.

Autumn in Montseny mountain

Narrow road, leaves aside

Hidden among the trees

Autumn in Montseny

(Pictures Sergi Ros de Mora)

Montseny mountain is really close to Barcelona. You can reach it from the big city and also from the Barcelona north coast and also from the Costa Brava. 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, if you are thinking of a cycling vacation. 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. Can you believe that picture at the beginning? No trick, no photoshop. A good shot no doubt, but leaves were there, the road was there, the light was that. Would you like to ride up there? Montefusco Cycling is providing top quality bikes for your cycling vacation in Catalonia.