Gravel racing: is Girona the EU capitol?

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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!

What’s new in Girona..

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Ever since pandemic the town has been buzzing with new initiatives, cycling, coffee and food. Girona is more than a cycling hotspot.  So to start with some shops.. and future projects on that front:
Castelli opened its flagship store, great design and lovely team. They do a social ride every thursday. Then Trek opened the flagship store, also for rental bikes a good spot. Then future projects. Velodrom already had a fashion shop on the rambla. But rumor has it a great shop is coming, it will be even more amazing then their Barcelona one. And the shop that might have sparked the trendy cycling boom in Girona.. The Service Course is moving to a great location in the same street as they are now. Some outdoor area and coffee.
Coffee and food.. Syrah from Barcelona has landed but also a lovely shop called tramuntana serves great coffee as well as local products and beverages. Next door there is the Bikini shop from the Roca brothers (of the 3 star michelin place) and no its not the swimwear. But toasted sandwiches. Ice cream wise the town was mourning about Bombonera closing. But hey behold the Roli Gelateria and Bambolina are stunning alternatives.
So for road or gravel riding its an amazing town but we are happy to share our list with great places to visit. 3 days is not enough for sure.
We keep on pushing to be the best cycling friendly hotel in Girona.

       

more on our cycling B&B/hotel in Girona

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We often get some questions about our stay. We are a guesthouse, however we feel its more like a classic Bed & Breakfast or maybe even a hotel with a personal touch.
Perfect for a cyclist that enjoys the riding or just a relaxed holiday enjoying Girona and Catalunya. So maybe you could call us the real cyclinghotel in Girona.

Mick & Wilma are always available for any questions, how to get to town (walk/bus), routes or even getting you to the best restaurants in town. We are happy to help you enjoy your stay. Also for guiding, Mick can take you out on the best gravel or road rides in the region, easy and enjoyable, not getting lost. All with the best stops.

Regarding groups: our focus is on small groups (4 persons), couples and solo travellers.
If you come alone, we make sure you have returned safe. We had many solo travellers, girls and boys enjoy a stay with us.

So for one of the best cycling stays in Girona.. Equipe.

 

Girona food culture

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Riding, running, Triathlon.. yes its much about sports but for the foody Girona is an absolute gem. From multiple Michelin Star restaurants (Can Roca, BoTic, Massana..) to hip brunch spots like La Fabrica, BionBo, Hors Categorie. But also for real catalan places with amazing Menu del Diaś.  Also the south american cuisine is well represented. Especially mexican is of a very high level.  OM is a very high quality vegetarian restaurant Girona is small but has every budget or cuisine and around the town there are many hot spots too.
Near our house is the great El Cul del Mon, a blend of catalan and Maroccan cuisine.
Oh and did we talk about bakeries? Ride to the best croissants, cakes muffins  or the amazing La Puntual in town. And dont forget the local speciality the Xuixo!

We know the spots to make a trip (also without being a rider or runner) an amazing experience.
Don’t hesitate to ask us for the best spots.