Gravel racing: is Girona the EU capitol?

How it started and how its going
When we first came to Girona in 2017 gravel was in its infancy. When plans for moving were getting real in 2018 and Mick was going to be travelling from and to Girona in 2019 Christian Meier said: Why not a gravel bike in Girona. So a Belle GRAR gravel bike and an extra wheelset was way to go. And since then we been a fan of exploring the vast amount of gravel here. Shortly after purchasing that bike gravel really took off..
In 2020 the first Traka was organised. And this year it will be bigger than ever with nearly 1000 participants. And now many professionals, teams even.. Last week the 3 days Santa Vall (from same organisers as The Traka) had large part of field of professional or semi pros. Men as well as girls. In Autumn Klassmark organises another big race in Lleida, about an hour from Girona.
Also cool and gravel based is the Sgrail off road triathlon in october, more based on fun but definitely a cool challenge.

Less competitive events
There are many other events competitive or not based here.
In september https://www.lesperitdelbikepacking.org/ and 15th of june we have guests doing El Piri, 850km and 20k m climbing. Then there is (winter) gravel events from Velodrom the Komrebi series based around Girona and Barcelona, The Service Course organises regular gravel bonanza events and in November the Girodeo. MM gravel grinder events are not far from Girona either, from long rides to semi competition day events.
Also for the girls there is a strong womens gravel ride scene, with the Girona Gravel Girls and occasional events from The Service Course. Also keep an eye out on a platform like linkmyride!

Equipe helps!
So when you come here for a week of gravel riding we make sure you are informed on the events/rides that are happening. We have plenty of routes too.
At events we make sure you get the breakfast on time for your start and support you in the best way possible. A just race kind of place!

Spring in Winter in Girona

We have noticed that many guests focus is on spring and autumn for travelling to Girona for riding and running.
If we knew back when we were travelling here how good winter riding can be.. Girona can be spring in winter for sure.
We would have def come december or february. Often its still short weather and much less rain on average then in April for instance. Temperature can be cold in morning (8-10c)  but comfy in afternoons up to 18c. But dry and you will def see some sun. Happiness compared to grey wet days.
So get your kit right bring a bar bag and you got perfect days for long rides as we get hour extra daylight vs the northern countries. Doing the #festive500 is easy here and so much fun.  And in winter we might throw in a guided ride with your 3 night booking.

this was early december 2022!

 

Here is february for you!

 

Girona Gravelbike riding from our B&B

During the time travel has been restricted the Equipe B&B had time to further explore the Girona region. And we already knew but we now know for sure. Girona is gravel heaven. So get your gravelbike here and explore the steep Gavarres, the smooth Emporda or go and explore the area towards the coast. Let us explain why

Smooth & fast gravel

From challenging singletrack and steep climbs to great views and super fast smooth flat gravel fire roads. Every direction from Girona has different kinds. Climb, smooth or technical there are so many options We have some great routes from 30km to well over a 100. most of them more than 80% off road. Some of which we share on our Komoot page. For other we can happily do guiding for you and see what kind of roads suit your capabilities or preference. When guiding we will take you to great stops for coffee and lunch. Because gravelriding is as much about enjoyment as speed.  After return at our guesthouse you can park your bike safely in our garage and for a small fee we will take care of your cycling kit.
If you like racing;  Local organiser Klassmark organizes frequent gravel adventures and races like the traka and we happily support your participation.
Also we know some great bikepacking trips from and back to our house. Do not hesitate to check with us.

We might come across some obstacles

If you are new or want to try a day of gravel, its also possible. There are plenty of gravelbikes for rent. Ridley, BMC, Open to custom steel bikes like Belle from companies like The Service Course, Eat Sleep Cycle and Bikebreaks can provide well maintained and modern gravelbikes.
So for Girona gravelbike routes, exploration and guiding our B&B is a good base.

Helen Shelly’s (Aus) stay & Haute Route Pyrenees

Girona August 2019;
I spent a week recently staying at Equipe Guesthouse on her way from Australia to race in the Haute Route Pyrenees. Girona is renowned among Aussie cyclists as a mecca for riding and training. With the mixture and choice of hills or flats, coast or hinterland, gravel or bitumen. I realized I could combine them into daily mecca rides!! Aside from the diverse riding, I found the drivers considerate towards cyclists ,Safe + relaxed = great riding.  Plus the choice of bicycle friendly cafes with great coffee and delicious pastries enhancing the experience even more!.
I have over 35 years experience of bicycle racing and touring, with the last 20 years spent mainly on the mountain bike. In preparation for the move back to road racing from gravel,  Mick from Equipe was able to assist with road descending and long hill climbing technique. Mick’s advise was perfect  to focus on during the HR Pyrenees event, building confidence and performance level.  Mick also sorted out a couple of mechanical issues with my bike. Wilma from Equipe prepared nutritional tasty food and drinks to ensure I felt strong, well and rested.The Haute Route Pyrenees course featured a total of 719km and 18320m of climbing over 7 days. I won my age category and finished 6th Female Overall.

Helen climbing one of the big Pyrenees mountains

 

Liked best?

  • Gravel bike riding through the corn, sunflower and olive tree plantations.
  • Great Tapas bars and authentic Catalan food
  • Good coffee
  • My Equipe musette bag
  • Warm Summer Weather
  • Friendly cycling community

Helen starting her time trail in her endless kit