The best family bike tours in Catalonia

Family vacation, lot of fun!

When planning a cycling vacation for the family things are a bit different than planning a trip with friends, aren't they?

In Catalonia we have several options if we would like to do a family cycling trip, but the most appealing is the so known Ruta del Carrilet. This route, 97 km long, follows a former train line from Olot to Sant Feliu de Guixols.

Gravel paths in Ruta del Carrilet

This route, mainly graveled, but also asphalted for some parts, is a great and safe way to discover the best cycling paths around. On top of that, the very famous Girona is half way, then it is very easy to put together a trip in 2 stages sleeping in Girona half way.

This trip, going from Olot to Sant Feliu de Guixols, slightly downhill, is very easy, perfect for beginners or small children. On the other way, from the coastal Sant Feliu de Guixols to Olot, in the vulcanic region of La Garrotxa, is slightly uphill, a bit more difficult but also doable in 1-2 stages.

Also very interesting the fact that the former train stations have been converted into hotels and restaurants. This way, we have plenty of nice options to rest for a while and have lunch just aside of the path.

Santuari del Far, an amazing spot to get on the bike!

The Sanctuary at the top (picture by Seri Ros de Mora)

When you are cycling in Girona you have so many different choices. Climbing is our passion here, then everybody knows about Rocacorba, Mare de Deu del Mont, possibly Vallter 2000. You can reach all of them from Girona. But there is a climb, not-so-known, probably because it is not as demanding as those mentioned, that deserves a visit. Totally worth.

Unbeatable views from the top of El Far (Picture by Sergi Ros de Mora)

It is Santuari del Far, an amazing spot with unbeatable views of the mountains around. You reach this spot from Coll de Condreu, a very interesting climb reaching 1017 mts. On the west side, starting at Manlleu you will cross tiny medieval villages as Rupit and Pruit, and from the north side starting at Sant Esteve de'n Bas you have a nice wide, well asphalted road. At the top, just beside the roadsign there is a crossroad leading to Santuari del Far. Nice tiny narrow road which in about 5 km leads to the Sanctuary.

Not very steep, a doable climb!

When you get to the top you will find the Sanctuary, an amazing viewpoint that will leave you breathless and also a nice restaurant where you can stop for a while and get a coffee or maybe lunch.

Come to Catalonia and we will help you to discover amazing spots like this!

Game of Thrones and cycling: welcome to Catalonia

Game of Thrones is one of the most popular series on TV, if not the most.

Possibly all of you know that Catalonia is the location of the sixth season of Game of Thrones.
One of the most impressive locations is Santa Florentina Castle, in Canet de Mar. It is also very close to NII, a very popular road for cyclists and triathletes coming from Barcelona. Flat and fast one. Then, it is very easy to get to Canet the Mar from Barcelona, just following that big and nice road.

Castell de Santa Florentina (Canet de Mar)

Of course, another very popular location is Girona Cathedral. The impressive stairs just in front of the main entrance are very famous not just for the series!
As you know, Girona is a very popular cycling destination in Spain (also living town of many professional riders), then cycling around Girona and taking a picture in front of Girona Cathedral is a must!

Will you join us to discover those locations?

Catedral de Girona

Rocacorba

Classical picture at the top!

Rocacorba is one of the most famous climbs around Girona. There are other very known climbs (Els Angels, very close to Girona probably the most popular one), but if you are searching for some steep climb, do not hesitate, this is it.

Here you can see details km per km

Rocacorba is a Sanctuary and it means literally "folded rock". The road leads to an antena at the end of the climb (it is a "cul de sac" as french say), and the desviation to the Sanctuary is about 200 mts before you get the end of the road. Obviously you have to descend the same way you climbed.

Views at the top are spectacular, specially overlooking the Banyoles lake (the climb begins at Porqueres, very close to the popular Banyoles lake, where triathlon is really popular).

This road is a pretty modern road as it was just asphalted on 2006 (!), no wonder it has become a very popular climb just in recent years.

Here you have the link to the Strava segment of this iconic climb. Notice some popular riders on top 10: Simon Yates, Adam Yates or David de la Cruz.

Road Cycling in Girona

Girona Cathedral backwards

Girona has become a very popular destination for road cyclists all over the world.

Good weather all year long (specially mild winters), perfectly surfaced roads, polite and respectful drivers around, all that makes Girona a great cycling destination. Furthermore, being a small sized town it is easy and fast to get out and begin cycling. Last, but not least, pro cyclists can live in Girona without the hassle of being recognized for fans every now and then...

No wonder Girona is the living place of many professional cyclists. Since Lance Armstrong chose Girona in th 90's, many american cyclists have lived (and still do!) here. George Hincapie, David Millar, Christian Vandevelde and many others chose Girona as their living place.

Now many professional cyclists still do. Daniel Martin, Ryder Hesjedal, some Orica Green Edge cyclists, etc.

Some details at "La Fabrica"

After a long day in the saddle, we all love to stop for a coffee in a Cyclist Coffe Shop. Is there a better place to stop that "La Fabrica"? The shop opened by Christian Meier (the Orica Green Edge pro rider) & Amber Meier,

Climb to Els Angels is just beside town!

Destinations from Girona town are so many and so nice. The closest climb is Santuari dels Angels, a serious climb just beside the city!
Next to Girona you can get 2 of the nicest roads all over Catalonia:
- Road from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols: 25 km of an amazing road beside the sea, watching the cliffs and hidden beaches...
- Road from Amer to Sant Hilari Sacalm: Unforgettable road, no traffic at all, mild climb to Sant Hilari Sacalm, a long and winding road...

Bridges over river Onyar, crossing Girona

Bike fleet 2014 already closed

Focus Cayo Evo 4.0

Top quality bikes in Montefusco Cycling

Bikes with carbon frame and Shimano 105

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

http://www.focus-bikes.com/es/es/bicicletas/2014/road/cayo-evo/cayo-evo-40.html

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

http://www.orbea.com/es-es/bicicletas/orca-b-m50/

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

www.montefuscocycling.com