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Girona

by Zermattjohn
Tue, Jan 12, 2016 12:45
12

I'm off with a friend to Girona in June. We were going to do some touring but the group has shrunk and it's just us 2 now, so we're thinking of taking the fast bikes and just doing day rides.

Any recommendations for a bike friendly B&B type place in town? I've read that it's only about 5 miles out of town until you hit the quieter roads.

May also consider somewhere out of town. I've found a few training camp-style places - we're normally happy to plan and ride our own routes but if anywhere is too good to miss I'd love to know. We prefer hills so would like to be based in that type of terrain if we're out of town.

Thanks in advance.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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12 comments

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massivecompacthalo | 8 years ago
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For more inspiring photos from my rides around this part of Catalonia, have look at my tumblr page, user name ch3chco2h

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massivecompacthalo | 8 years ago
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More pictures

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massivecompacthalo | 8 years ago
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Pictures

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massivecompacthalo | 8 years ago
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Some pictures to whet your appetite!

 

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massivecompacthalo | 8 years ago
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You'll have a great time, cycling is welcomed here with  opened arms, people are courteous, the roads beautifully smooth for the most part and the  views stunning.

Try Mare de Deu HC climbs, not far from Banyoles and the Rocacorba climb.

https://www.strava.com/segments/2031265

https://www.strava.com/segments/3449399

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Greg L replied to massivecompacthalo | 8 years ago
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massivecompacthalo wrote:

You'll have a great time, cycling is welcomed here with  opened arms, people are courteous, the roads beautifully smooth for the most part and the  views stunning.

Try Mare de Deu HC climbs, not far from Banyoles and the Rocacorba climb.

https://www.strava.com/segments/2031265

https://www.strava.com/segments/3449399

 

They look excellent, I'll definitely be looking at those beauties when I'm over there next. Stunning photos too!! 1

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Zermattjohn replied to Greg L | 8 years ago
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Greg L wrote:

They look excellent, I'll definitely be looking at those beauties when I'm over there next. Stunning photos too!! 1

 

What he said...wow!! Really grateful for the tips.

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Zermattjohn | 8 years ago
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Great stuff - many thanks for all the advice, and yep we're already looking at maps and dreaming of being able to ride in warmth and on dry roads....! We managed to get Jet2 from Manchester for <£200 but they're pricey now.

 

 

 

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James Warrener | 8 years ago
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I had a brilliant time with these guys...

 

http://road.cc/content/blog/58934-magic-mountains

 

 

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Zermattjohn | 8 years ago
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Greg

That's great, thanks for the information. We arrive by luck on the 10th, so that Gran Fondo looks a nice start! Do you have any idea where the route starts...I assume in town? Any recommendations for a hotel? We think staying in Girona might be best, seeing as you suggest the routes out of town are fine and it would be good to be where we can join in the odd ride.

Your Strava route looks ace, shall be pinching that one... 3

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Greg L replied to Zermattjohn | 8 years ago
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Something to look forward to at this time of year when it seems to rain every day over here!!

 

The Gran Fondo starts in the old town (Bike Breaks is also situated there too), so a good opportunity to experience some of the narrow, cobbled Girona streets before leaving the picturesque centre. If you look at my Strava from 3rd Aug, I did part of the Fondo route where it goes to the west of Banyoles.

 

I can't offer any accommodation recommendations in Girona itself as I stay out towards the coast, but if you email or phone Dave, he can advise on places across all price brackets (He is English, so no language problems either). I have recently seen a place on AirBnB which is run by a local cyclist that sounds quite good, so maybe have a look at that on the app?

 

if you have a hire car, and you fancy some big big hills, Andorra is only an hour away- why not have a go at Stage 11 of last year's Vuelta...... https://www.strava.com/routes/1561493

 

Dan Martin's dad used to run a bike hire place in Girona a couple of years ago......if you are looking to hire top-end bikes, it might be worth seeing if he is still over there.

 

Will give you a shout if I am out at the same time.......Ryanair aren't flying to Girona from Liverpool or Manchester at the moment, but hopefully they'll have flights listed soon.

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Greg L | 8 years ago
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First stop for all things bike or accomodation in Girona is Dave at Bike Breaks in the town centre..... he is a wealth of information (And they also do a group ride from the shop every Thursday). Contact details on their website: https://www.gironacyclecentre.com/about-us/

No problem riding on any of the major roads outside of town (C66 is the main one) as they have good provision for bikes, and generally the drivers are fairly courteous to cyclists over there, although i wouldn't recommend riding on the N11 as that is almost motorway status. It is easy to find the quieter roads once you leave the town, and there are some good hill climbs very close by, with Els Angeles climb starting just outside town, and the Rocacorba climb not too far away up at Banyoles.  http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/feature-the-climb-of-rocacorba-26596

One of my fave roads I found last year was number 1 on Montefusco's to-do list, http://montefuscocycling.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page.html  

and if you are looking for route ideas, check out my Strava from last July/August starting with this one https://www.strava.com/activities/353763250

Finally, Girona Cycling Festival is on from 6th-12th June, and includes a Closed-road timed hill climb, a Nocturne and finishing off the week with a Gran Fondo sportive. Info here  http://gironagranfondo.com

May see you there if you are out at that time!

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