Four compass points, Four challenging rides. Known for its road cycling, people are now discovering Girona’s environs are even better on a gravel bike.
Winds Girona Gravel Challenge
From the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees, seemingly endless gravel and dirt roads weave through this amazing diverse landscape. No wonder Girona is home to many of the sports gravel kings and queens. Here is a set of tougher gravel loops out of Girona that will satisfy the stronger riders looking for some spice. Ride them fast or make them all day lunch stop rides; either way you will have a great day out on the bike and come back with ‘gram worthy photos to tease your friends.
Santa Susanna de Caulès Loop
Perhaps the easiest of the four is a 71 kilometre route that goes south through the lovely rolling gravel of La Selva before it climbs into the mountains between Girona and the coast. After views of the coast and an old church perched high in the hills, the route descends for kilometre after kilometre on excellent wide gravel. The lunch opportunity is in a beautiful spa that bottles its own sparkling water. After lunch, it’s only 20 easy kilometres back to Girona so no need to hold back on the food.
Els Metges Loop
One of the marvels of Catalunya is the old inaccessible farms and estates that have been converted to family run restaurants serving the amazing local fare. One of the best, just east of Girona is Els Metges hidden on the steep gravel roads of the Gavarres mountains. This 69.5 kilometre route manages to sneak up to Els Metges on scenic lesser used paths that avoid the really steep roads. The hardest climbing is all done before lunch so why not indulge in a true Catalan country meal. A long, fast descent followed by mostly easy riding remain.
Taverna del Subirà Loop
West of Girona, the horizon is dominated by the Guilleries mountains covered in a mix of giant deciduous and evergreen trees. Hidden under the canopy are myriad gravel roads climbing and descending on routes who’s significance is long forgotten apart from one incredible destination: Taverna del Subirà. This old estate traces its origins back 1,000 years and it has been in the family currently operating the restaurant for 300 years. Its a tough 15 kilometre climb to lunch but that’s all the day’s climbing in the bag so there’s time to relax and enjoy this gem of a restaurant. A long and exhilarating descent awaits followed by mostly easy tracks back to Girona. Its a big 91 kilometre day out on the bike with 1,500 meters of climbing.
Mieres Loop
North of Girona the most recognised landmark is Rocacorba. Though it is possible to ride off-road up this beast, a better option is to ride around it on a gravel bike. This is the roughest of the four rides and has the hardest climbs, but arguably, delivers the most rewards. A good portion of the route is in the mountain county of Garrotxa where things get rockier and steeper with less people and services. The tougher, wilder climbs and descents will put a smile on the face of the experienced gravel aficionados. Coming in at 80 kilometres and 1,600 metres of climbing, this ride is harder than the numbers suggest. Just past the half way point comes the popular roadside Can Met restaurant but be warned, steep climbs and many kilometres remain before the day is done.
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Santa Susanna de Caulès Loop
Lofty views of the coast, a bike friendly spa rest stop and an endless scenic gravel descent make this one of the nicest Girona gravel loops. Starting with the lovely rolling gravel of the La Selva region just south of Girona, this route then tackles the coastal Transversal Mountain Range offering elevated peak-a-boo views the Mediterranean. A little past the route’s high point, the improbably located 14th century church, Santa Susanna de Caulès, suddenly appears and is very much worth a photo stop. After an exhilarating descent on lovely wide gravel roads comes some rolling gravel before a snack break at the elegant Balneari de Prats spa with its shaded, private terrace. Home is just few more kilometres away on scenic La Selva gravel.
Pay attention to navigation cues on your head unit for the entire ride as this route has many twists and turns. The ride starts with a section of the much loved Carrilet, a converted rail line that connects Olot in the Pyrenean foothills with the Mediterranean. After 10 kilometers the route joins the lovely gravel roads of La Selva and winds through forests and fields for a further 18 kms until the crux of the ride at kilometer 28. Here the road suddenly becomes steep and in the middle of this brutal climb there is an awkward left hand turn up an even steeper ramp. Dramatic as this sounds, the difficulties are only 1/2 kilometer long and with determination, can be ridden. Past this climb, the pastoral setting of a few minutes ago has now surrendered to remote and mountainous tracks that are thankfully easily ridden.
At kilometer 31 the route follows a busy road for 1.5 kilometers before veering right on 1.5 kilometer steep gravel climb. Near the crest of this climb and beyond come the views of the Mediterranean seemingly far below. Somehow the route then gifts a 7 kilometre descent that feels unearned, but who’s going to argue! The lovely church of Santa Susanna de Caulès is just one kilometre into the descent and has an equally lovely house beside it. While enjoying this highlight please be respectful of the home owners peace and quiet and stay close to the church.
The Balneari de Prats spa in Caldes de la Malavella, is 7 kilometres beyond the bottom of the descent. A humble white gate on the right side of the town square marks the spa entrance. Bikes are welcome as long as they are walked through gate into the terrace and then parked up against the hotel building away from the other guests. Enjoy a lovely sandwich and Prats own bottled sparkling water. From Caldes it’s just a little over 20 kilometres back to Girona on pastoral, rolling terrain.
The Balneari de Prats coffee shop should be open every day during normal riding hours.
Distance: 71 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 750 meters
Crux: The last 300 meters of the climb that starts at km 28; steep but rideable with the body
positioned forward and low on the bike.
Technical Level: Intermediate
Fitness Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Typical Rolling Time: 3:15 – 3:45 hours; 2:45 at race pace
Stops: Balneari de Prats in Caldes de la Malavella at kilometre 49. Carry lots of water and snacks.
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Els Metges for Lunch
The gravel in Catalunya is already pretty special but if you can combine a rip in the dirt with a fabulous lunch in an old stone farmhouse lost in the hills, you’ll have a day for the ages. Els Metges Restaurant is in an old church and farmhouse with a view over Empordá. It can only be accessed by a long gravel climb through the Gavarres protected forest. This is a meaty ride that is harder than the distance would suggest but well worth the effort. The ride is very rewarding with the varied terrain, long gravel climbs, a true Catalan style country meal and parts which feel quite remote.
Pay attention to navigation cues on your head unit for the entire ride as this route has many twists and turns. The ride starts with a section of the much loved Carrilet, a converted rail line that connects Olot in the Pyrenean foothills with the Mediterranean. Roll easily for the first 13 kms then start climbing after a left hand turn across a wide road. The route is mostly climbing for 15 kms with the last 5km being the hardest. From the top, descend for 1km to Els Metges which is at km 28.5.
The descent after lunch is steep and a bit rough in places so stay sharp and don’t miss the right hand turn at km 31.5. Hopefully there is something left in the legs after the descent as the the next 6 kms are rolling and mostly uphill. Be alert as these gravel roads are well used by farmers. Be sure to stop at blind intersections. Should an energy boost be needed, there is a cafe at the top of Madremanya (km 41). The cafe is in a modern building and can be seen on the left across a parking area and field. From here, the route is mostly downhill or flat and is a mix of gravel and lanes until Girona.
Els Metges is open between 9:00 and 17.00 on Fridays to Mondays all year round unless they are on holidays.
Distance: 69.5 kms
Elevation Gain: 800m
Crux: The gravel road descent from Els Metges is steep and rough in places.
Technical Level: Intermediate
Fitness Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Typical Rolling Time: 3.5 – 4 hours; 3 hours at race pace.
Stops: Els Metges km 28.5, Madremanya km 41. Carry lots of water and snacks.
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Taverna del Subirà for Lunch
An exceptional route and not to be tackled lightly. It climbs high into the Guilleries Massif which is a mountain range spur pushing south from the Pyrenees. After ascending through an expansive forest of huge trees, enjoy amazing views of the big country to the west . Taverna del Subirà is a hidden gem. It is one of the oldest and largest Masias in Catalunya. The family that own and run the restaurant can trace their ownership back 300 years and parts of the building are 1,000 years old. They serve a full traditional Catalan style lunch but they will also make lighter sandwiches. The road back to Girona from the Taverna is mostly downhill so it is realistic to consider indulging in a complete meal at this truly unique landmark.
This ride is best done in dry conditions as the long descent can be rutted and loose in the wet. The feature climb is 15 kilometres long, 12 of those on gravel, so be prepared for a big day out on the bike.
Pay attention to navigation cues on your head unit for the entire ride as this route has many twist and turns. The rides starts by stitching together hidden lanes and paths across the developed southern end of Girona. After 10 kilometres the route is predominantly gravel. Santa Coloma de Farmers comes up after another 22 kilometres of rolling, scenic gravel roads and is the last town before the long climb. The climb starts on a lovely paved lane which turns to gravel after about 3 kilometres. Where the gravel starts is a quaint country cafe which may be open.
The climb is on a wide, well maintained gravel roads with comfortable, steady gradients. Rewards await at the top with views and a downhill to the lunch stop. The driveway to the Taverna appears on right a couple of kilometres into the downhill.
Descending from the Taverna is enjoyable but long; rest the hands and body periodically and exercise caution. The last 10 kilometres of the descent are on smooth pavement following the Ter River through a shaded canyon. The last leg of the route continues down the Ter on a mix of gravel roads and paths all the way to Girona.
Taverna del Subirà is open all year during the day from Friday to Sunday.
Distance: 91 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 1,500 meters
Crux: 12 kilometer continuous gravel climb
Technical Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Fitness Level: Advanced
Typical Rolling Time: 4.5-5.5 hours; 3:45 hours at race pace
Stops: Santa Coloma de Farners kilometer 32, Taverna del Subira kilometer 53, Anglès kilometer 67. Bring water and snacks.
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Mieres Loop
A local classic gravel loop for the experienced rider with great views, tough climbs, remoteness and a fun 20 kilometre roller coaster back to Girona. Start early and prepare to be out longer than expected; really tough climbs and gravel tracks that are easy enough but also rough enough to slow the wheels. The route goes up the west side of Rocacorba then returns on the famous mountain’s east side. Sounds straightforward but it is anything but. Take in the twisty route through the beautiful val de Llémana, marvel at the Dame de Garrotxa monument high above Mieres and after the one building village of Biert, enjoy the thrilling 20 kilometres back to Girona. Mieres has a restaurant that is open all week apart from Monday and is a good place for a sandwich though it is very busy on the weekends. The descent to Biert is moderately technical in places. Its length and difficult gradients makes this route one for the fit and experienced gravel rider.
Pay attention to navigation cues on your head unit for the entire ride as this route has many twists and turns. After rolling through Girona’s old town and crossing a couple of bridges join the gravel track beside the Ter river and then into the Fontajau park. Trust the gps tracks and cross the Fontajau field. The route takes you underneath a busy road and saves waiting for a long traffic light. At kilometre 12 the route crosses a farmer’s field on a rough bit of single track before a fun crossing of the Llémana river and joining the main road to Llorà. After Llorà the route is primarily gravel all the way up the valley. Watch for the font by the church of Sant Esteve at Kilometre 27.5. This is the only font on the entire route and the only other source of water will be the Can Met restaurant in Mieres if it is open. There are no fonts in Mieres.
The first long climb starts on asphalt at kilometre 31 which then becomes gravel at kilometre 33. The easy gradients of this climb morphs into several very steep concrete ramps before topping out a little after kilometre 38. Enjoy the magnificent views of the valley and Rocacorba. As the descent begins, just before kilometre 40 there is a lay-by to the left with amazing views down to Mieres. The Dame de Garrotxa, an unexpected sculpture, shares the outlook as does an archeological site of an early Iberic settlement. Garrotxa is the county that this viewpoint overlooks.
Be cautious on this descent as it has some sharp paved switchbacks covered in loose gravel that act like ball bearings.
Can Met is on the right as you enter the main road in Mieres at kilometre 46.5. There is still a lot of climbing left so if the restaurant is open, stock up on food and water. Climb the concrete lane to the village of Falgons before descending on asphalt to the last main steep climb of the day. The descent to Biert has some technical sections but is mostly on easy gradients.
Distance: 80 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 1,600 meters
Crux: The steep concrete sections near the top of the first big climb
Technical Level: Advanced
Fitness Level: Advanced
Typical Rolling Time: 4:30-5:15 hours; 4 hours at race pace
Stops: Font at Sant Esteve Church kilometre 27.5, Can Met at kilometre 46.5. Carry lots of snacks and water.
