Overnight Experiences Madrid

There's so much to see on the Pirinexus route and this 7 day tour allows you to see the best of North Catalunya. Riding across the border between Spain and France (twice!) you will get a cross-cultural experience and mountain views that will take your breath away. Accompanied by Chris from Pyrenees Cycling Club you will get an informative tour, with plenty of local historical and cultural information to give you the full Catalan experience.
Starting in the cycling 'mecca' of Girona, we will ride along old railway lines to the Alta Garrotxa volanic region before riding over the Col d'Ares into France, including a night at Pyrenees Cycling Club HQ in the Haut Vallespir area of the Pyrenees-Orientales. Riding east towards the Mediterranean we will climb up to Fort Bellegarde on the border and have a chance to view the old Roman road traversed thousands of years ago, before descending back into Spain and heading for the Costa Brava. A couple of days exploring the Mediterranean coast and the flat plains that host fruit farms and maize fields, before heading back to Girona.

Price includes: Airport* or rail transfers from Girona or Perpignan Bike hire 3*star (minimum) accommodation Breakfast and dinner Luggage taxis
*Barcelona transfers available with surcharge
Not included: Flights/travel to the starting location of Girona Lunch Extras
Please note: Tours will only run once the minimum number of participants (4) has been reached.
View the full brochure or contact us for more information.

Created by our very own Chris, who cut his teeth in MTB, this stunning route from Haut Vallespir in France crosses the Spanish border into Catalunya, exploring the Alt Emporda region, famous for wine, and the extinct volcanic region of Alta Garrotxa, stopping off at the towns of Besalu, Olot and Camprodon on the way. While some small sections of the tour are on tarmac, this is not one for beginners to gravel, but a true adventure for more experienced gravel or MTB riders who want to do a point to point tour without having to carry luggage (though if you want to bike pack, you can!)






Starting at Pyrenees Cycling Club, you can choose to be accompanied on the ride or to complete the loop self-guided. We handle the accommodation, luggage taxis and logistics, all you have to do is get here and ride!






Day 1: Arrival at Pyrenees Cycling Club


You can arrive under your own steam, or we can collect you (see below for details of pick up locations). After setting up the bikes and a tour of the garden,


a hearty, home cooked meal awaits you before a comfortable night's sleep.






Day 2: Pyrenees Cycling Club to Macanet de Cabrenys


35km, 750m elev


You will start the day with Vicky's favourite 'magic road', an average 4% gradient which, bizarrely, looks steeper than it feels to your legs! A quiet, snooth tarmac road to the Col de Coustouges, before joining the gravel and some fabulous single track to the door of your hotel for the night, hidden away on in the forest outside the village of Macanet.






Day 3: Macanet de Cabrenys to Besalu


54km, 1,046m elev


A lumpy, bumpy day that will truly earn you that hot meal and beer at the end of it! Starting along the banks of the Boadella (reservoir) d'Emporda, you will catch glimpses of the lake as you ride through pine trees and olive groves. You will barely see a soul as you wind your way south on secluded tracks before reaching the pretty, ancient town of Besalu. A family run hotel, your home for the night, overlooks the impressive arched bridge, believed to have been originally built in the 11th century.






Day 4: Besalu to Olot


41km, 956m elev


A challenging day awaits as we enter the volcanic region of Alta Garrotxa. Popular with mountain bikers, this route will put your skills and stamina to the test as the gradient peaks out at a lung busting 21% in the middle section of the ride. Don't worry if you have to push, the only on-lookers might be the odd goat or donkey!


The town of Olot, capital of the Garrotxa region, awaits you with a fascinating history of art and industry.






Day 5: Olot to Camprodon


36km, 951m elev


A shorter distance. but tough - you will spend most of the day climbing with the gradient maxing out at nearly 15% in a couple of places. The climb gets more gentle and steady as you near the beautiful town of Camprodon, home of the 'galleta' biscuits and the famous Birba biscuit factory. Another stunning mediaeval bridge to admire and some excellent coffee shops to enjoy.






Day 6: Camprodon to Pyrenees Cycling Club


49km, 883m elev


The final day starts with (another!) steep off-road climb to the top of the Col d'Ares where we cross the border back into France, descending through Lamanere, the most southerly village in France, before descnding further back to the level of the River Tech and the final short climb back to Pyrenees Cycling Club!


You can add extra days to your stay if you would like to stay on at Pyrenees Cycling Club and explore the Haut Vallespir and Mediterranean Pyrenees, either before or after the tour. If you arrive by car you can leave it, free of charge, at Pyrenees Cycling Club too.


Day 7: Departure day
Depending on your travel arrangements, you can opt for a little spin around the Haut Vallespir before heading home, or relax by the pool or have a full body massage to soothe your aching limbs after some hard days in the saddle, before your transfer to the airport or rail station.







Price includes: Airport* or rail transfers from Girona or Perpignan 3*star (minimum) accommodation Breakfast and dinner Luggage taxis
*Barcelona transfers available with surcharge
Not included: Flights or rail tickets Bike hire Lunch Extras i.e. post-ride massage


Please note: Tours will only run once the minimum number of participants (4) has been reached. If the minimum is not reached and you have already reserved your flights, you can still do the tour self-guided.