European Cycling

It’s the time of year to reflect on the year gone by and share accounts of the year with our favourite reviews from you, our wonderful guests! We want to extend our thanks to our amazing team of guides across Europe, to our incredible team in our Girona Hub, to our fabulous crew in the office & of course to you, our off-the-scale-awesome guests! So sit back and scroll down to see our cycling highlights from 2019.

Early-Season Sun

“Just finished the Costa Del Sol tour. What a great trip. Knut and Luis were a great team and provided a great experience. Everything from my bike rental to special mid-ride stops were taken care of. They were always checking with the group, altering the routes if needed. Their extensive knowledge of the area, both of the roads but also the history and culture, made the trip even more special. Would definitely recommend Eat Sleep Cycle and will tour with them again! Can’t wait to be visit Girona next time and ride there.” – Angie Harrison, Feb

Brilliant Bikes

“Able to supply a new (literally out of the box) e-assist Orbea Gain bike in my size for a recent trip. Totally fab fun – highly recommend. Staff could not be nicer or more helpful. Opened up on a Sunday morning to allow me to collect my bike and then provided a pre-loaded wahoo and lots of local advice. Can’t recommend highly enough (and I’m very fussy!). Their free of charge shop rides are simply lovely – so friendly with knowledgeable leaders. Turn up and enjoy.

P.S. don’t think all e-bikes are made equal. This one was fully carbon, looked normal enough to fool almost everyone and went up hills like the wind. I will miss her!” – Caroline N, Feb

Costa Brava Cycling

“I took part in the last Costa Brava tour and had an absolute great time. ESC team was able to find a way to adapt the trip to my travel arrangement and I was able to join the tour for a few days. the group was international, interesting and fun people to be around, the parcour was breathtaking, and Knut (the guide) gave me the opportunity to push a bit more every day and get what I wanted from the rides. Chris (the guy stalking us in the van all day 😀 ) gives you support through day with plenty of fruits, bars and encouragements, this really gives you the possibility to enjoy 100% the rides. I’ll definitely come back to ride with them, absolute thumb up for the ESC team!!!” – Jean-Christophe Theard, April

London Dynamo at Gran Fondo Squali

Superb experience with the Eat Sleep Cycle team in Emilia-Romagna on the Adriatic coast with guided rides to San Marino and the surrounding gorgeous countryside, culminating in the Squali Granfondo. Every detail was taken care of and all we needed to do was ride and enjoy ourselves! The ESC team are not only super-pro tour operators and talented cyclists – they are lots of fun as well! – James R, May (View review on TripAdvisor)

RAC in Girona

“The full on ‘Tour de France’ style Experience We Were Looking For”

“Our members are used to very high levels of service at our Club on London’s Pall Mall and at our Country Club in Surrey. Lee and the team at Eat Sleep Cycle delivered an experience which delighted our group. They went the extra mile to ensure that all aspects of the trip were up the standard we are used to. Transfers, hotels, bike hire, support vehicle, guides and bespoke roadside catering were all excellent and delivered the ‘Tour de France’ style experience we were looking for.” – John Biggs Vice Chair, Cycling Activity Group, Royal Automobile Club UK, May

A Birthday Celebration in Provence

JoAnn gathered her favourite cycling buddies to celebrate a milestone birthday in the exquisite region of Provence. Kudos for the double ascent of Ventoux on the big day!

Mallorca in May

“Have done many cycling trips throughout Europe but never had been to Mallorca before, a place that I had been in my bucket list for many years. Well, finally made it last May with the organisation and support from Eat Sleep Cycle and it was Amazing!! 6 nights, staying in 3 different bases, so two nights in each one. Different experiences, different views and sceneries and different rides in one single trip. We had the chance to gain a broad view and unique experience of the island. The hotels, the food, the rides, the roads, the guides, all the coffee and cake stops were really Top! The trip and Mallorca will remain in my memory as one of the best cycling trips and places that I have been, if not the best.” – Fabio, May

Basque Country

“I just finished a custom tour they put together for just me which included baggage transport, GPS files for my daily routes, first class hotels, and bike rental in the Basque Country of Northern Spain. This was a last minute trip that they put together within a matter of weeks and it all went perfectly. Not one problem. I will definitely book future tours with Eat Sleep Cycle.” – Wayne Riley, August

Fantastic Customer Service

“The customer experience was fantastic! Easy booking through web site – used chat bot to ask a few questions… immediate/helpful response. Once I got there, the people at the shop were extremely helpful in getting me set up for my rides: showed me routes, set my Wahoo Roam up… even gave me an electrical charger adapter… My bike was perfectly tuned and ready to go. If you’re ever in Girona, do yourself a favor and connect with Eat, Sleep, Cycle!” – Clain Udy, September

Tour de MICE on the Costa Brava

We welcomed 90 guests from all over Europe to the ultimate networking event on bikes! It was a pleasure to work in partnership with the Costa Brava Tourist Board & Worldwide Events to deliver a seamless event for MICE industry professionals. Kudos to our team of 14 guides who ensured a safe & fun 4 days for guests at the beginning of their cycling journey, to seasoned riders smashing the climbs!

Local Knowledge in Girona

“We had a group of 11 riders from the UK arrive at the ESC HQ at 9am and we were rolling on our first ride by 930am. Pedals, power meters, sensors all fitted and waivers signed. We’d pre-supplied bike fit measurements and every bike was pretty much spot on with reach and seat height. Hire bikes were best I’ve ridden, topping the box fresh F8 in Mallorca a few years back. We had a Girona native pro cyclist on off season as a guide who knew exactly where to go. And paced it hard enough to keep the faster riders happy without snapping the elastic for the slower bunch. Our guide’s local knowledge of the best roads, where to eat to get the real Catalan experience and how long everything would take, gave you confidence you were going to get home in daylight. Dropping bikes back was simple. Couldn’t fault them. Chapeau ESC and in particular Bernat!” – Chris Mather, October

Thank You For Your Reviews & For Cycling with us in 2019!

A huge thank you to each and every person who took the time to leave us a review this year, we appreciate the time taken by all to write about your Eat Sleep Cycle experiences! If you’d like to check out more reviews you can see them here. If you’d like to find out more about one of our European cycle tours then give us a call on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online for more info!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

Any cycling tour is guaranteed to be an amazing and unforgettable experience of a lifetime, but if you want to take your cycling tour to the next level, or travel as a family or large group then perhaps it’s time to consider a custom cycle tour. Maybe you are thinking of travelling with friends and family for a special occasion, or as a club for some group training, or even organising a corporate event, a custom cycling vaction gives you the flexibility to make sure you get the most out of your cycling vacation.

You Can Be Flexible with Your Itinerary

Booking a custom cycling vacation means that you have control of the itinerary. Ride as much or as little as you like, prioritise culture over kilometres, or ride 3 mountain passes every day. Booking a custom tour gives you the freedom to create the cycling tour of your dreams without any limitations!

You Can Travel as a Group

A custom cycling tour is a great way to organise a group cycling vacation. If you’ve been tasked with the logistics of a club training camp or a group cycling vacation with your friends or family then take the pressure off and let us do the hard work! Just let us know your group size, dates, and destination and we’ll take care of the rest.

You Can Tailor a Pre-Existing Tour Itinerary to Your Dates

Have you seen a tour that you would love to book but the dates just don’t quite match your availability? No need to worry, you can tailor the same itinerary around your dates as a custom tour, and, even better, you can bring friends or family on the tour with you!

How to Book a Custom Cycling Tour with Eat Sleep Cycle

Booking a custom cycling tour with Eat Sleep Cycle could not be more simple, especially when you see some of the exciting cycling tour options and bike rental fleet we have for 2020!

• Step 1: Tell us your ideal cycling vacation, where, when and who.
• Step 2: We’ll design you an amazing itinerary based on your dream tour.
• Step 3: You make sure it’s perfect and our logistics team take care of the rest!

Book a Custom Cycling Tour Now

If you’re convinced that a custom tour is the cycling vacation for you then give us a call now on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online and we’ll start building the tour of your dreams!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

In last week’s blog we covered the four reasons why you should book your 2020 cycling tour now. For those who are still unsure about where to travel next cycling season, here, we’ve gathered a list of some of the most exciting cycling tours for next year to inspire you!

Classic Cycling Climbs

Cycling tours don’t get much more exciting then when you ascending or descending one of the Classic Climbs of Europe! These two climbs are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable European cycling adventure.

Classic Climbs of Girona
Classic Climbs of Girona was 2019s most popular tour by far, and for good reason. This is a tough few days of cycling during which you can tick off all of the must-ride Girona climbs such as Rocacorba, Els Àngels and Mare de Deu del Mont, take in the culture of the region and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Classic Climbs of the Alps
Classic Climbs of the Alps was a new tour for 2019, and we couldn’t believe we hadn’t been there before! The Alps are hallowed cycling ground having been the stage of myriad dramatic Tour de France battles throughout the years. If you’re looking to tick off those bucket-list Cols, from Alpe d’Huez to the Croix de Fer, in one trip then Classic Climbs of the Alps is for you.

World Tour

Make your cycling tour in 2020 one that satisfies all of your bucket list cravings by challenging yourself with a cycling route that the pros use! Our World Tour cycling trips are specially designed to give you the thrills and spills of what it feels like to be on a competitive circuit (with a support team to match!).

Spring Classics
Have you ever sat at home watching the Spring Classics and wishing you were there to experience the atmosphere of these dramatic races and maybe even ride up a berg or two? Make 2020 the year that you don’t just watch the classics but live them! From Strade Bianche, to the Cycling Tour of Flanders to Paris Roubaix we’ve got the main events covered.

Tour de France
It wouldn’t be the cycling season without a trip to the Tour de France, and 2020 is no exception. Next year, we’re going back to the Pyrenees to spectate two tough stages of the 2020 edition and ride some classic climbs along the way! No dodgy race accommodation here, this tour is 5 nights in 3 and 4 star accommodation with fully supported cycling days.

New Cycling Tours for 2020

We’ve been busy adding some new and exciting destinations and tours to our 2020 cycling tour calendar, here are a few of our favourites.

Beyond Girona
We’re super excited to introduce our Beyond Girona Cycling Tour. Whether you’re a seasoned Girona visitor or a first-timer, this tour is not one to miss. Skirting the Catalan pre-Pyrenees towards the Costa Brava and into the Empordà wine-making region this tour is an adventure through the ‘hidden’ areas of Girona that you might miss if you only stayed in the city.

Happy Pedaling Without The Hassle!

Right now you can book an Eat Sleep Cycle 2020 European cycling vacation for just €100!* There’s no need to part with a full deposit until the 31st January 2020 and the deposit is fully-refundable so it’s risk free – happy pedaling!

Book Your 2020 Cycling Tour Today!

Don’t delay that bucket-list biking tour any longer and book now! Browse our cycling tour calendar for inspiration and book online or get in touch on [email protected], online or by calling +34 972 754 301 for more info!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

*See our terms and conditions for more information. Offer valid only until January 2020.

The cycling season has finished for the year, summer already feels like a distant memory, and there’s a chill in the air – winter (with all of it’s lovely winter cycling destinations) is coming, and what’s the perfect thing to get you through those cold winter rides? Having a 2020 cycling adventure to look forward to! No need to wait for new year’s resolutions to set that 2020 cycling goal, now is the perfect time to sit down with a hot cup of coffee and contemplate which cols you’ll conquer next year. Here are four reasons why you should book your 2020 cycling vacation now.

1. Give Yourself Something to Train Towards During the Winter

The number one advantage to booking a cycling holiday in advance is giving yourself time to prepare for it as well as having something to put down on the calendar to look forward to! If you already know which mountains you’ll be climbing or what distances you’ll be covering you can adapt your cycling now to make sure you’re prepared and able to make the most of your holiday in 2020. Having a goal to work towards also means extra motivation to ride during the winter when those cold days don’t look so inviting!

2. You’re Guaranteed A Place On Your Dream Tour

Booking a cycling tour early avoids disappointment as you’re guaranteed to have a place on that dream 2020 tour. Securing your place now means you have peace of mind that you’re not going to miss out on the cycling vacation you’ve had your eye on!

3. You Can Secure The Rental Bike You Want

Rental bikes get reserved fast in the peak season so if you already know when you’re going away on your cycling holiday you can secure that Factor or Basso you’ve been wanting to test out and give fellow tour guests and friends at home bike envy!

4. It Only Costs €100*

Right now you can book an Eat Sleep Cycle 2020 cycling vacation for just €100! There’s no need to part with a full deposit until the 31st January 2020 and the deposit is fully-refundable so it’s risk free – happy pedaling!

Book Your 2020 Cycling Tour Today!

Don’t delay that bucket-list biking tour any longer and book now! Browse our cycling tour calendar for inspiration and book online or get in touch on [email protected] or by calling +34 972 754 301 for more info!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

*See our terms and conditions for more information. Offer valid only until January 2020.

The whirlwind travelling circus that is the cycling season has all but come to an end, with just the small matter of the rainbow stripes to contend this coming weekend in Yorkshire. In the wake of the success of the 2014 Tour de France grand depart the county has enjoyed a rise in it’s cycling profile with a wealth of new events including the well-established Tour de Yorkshire men’s and women’s races, culminating in this year’s fight for the rainbow stripes. The gruelling terrain of rolling, punchy climbs and images of scores of roadside fans have put Yorkshire well and truly on the cycling map.

Famous Yorkshire Cyclists

Before 2014, however, Yorkshire had already established a rich cycling history. The UK may not appear to lend itself to cycling owing to its reputation for grey weather and bumpy roads, but that hasn’t stopped the country and in particular, Yorkshire from producing some world-class cyclists.

• Richmond 2015 world-championships winner Lizzie Deignan hails from Otley and will be looking to re-claim the title on home roads after returning to racing this year following the birth of her daughter.
• Barnsley-born Olympic gold-medalist on the track, Ed Clancy.
• Leeds legend, Beryl Burton – twice world champion and multiple time-trial record-holder.
• Team INEOS rider and current British national champion, Ben Swift from Rotheram.
• Former national champion Adam Blythe from Sheffield.
• Sally Boyden 10 x British champ from the village of North Ferriby.

2019 Yorkshire World Championships

Yorkshire 2019 will be the fourth UK world championships with previous editions having taken place in Liverpool 1922, Leicester 1970, Goodwood 1982. 2019 also sees the introduction of the new mixed relay event in the place of the popular team time trial event meaning that there are no events in which riders compete within their trade teams. Riders will compete for their nations in teams of three male and three female riders. The format being that the men set off first and the women replace them on the course as soon as the second man crosses the line, the second female rider’s time across the line will then be taken as the result.  Another first in Yorkshire will be a Para-cycling race that will take place with four races on Saturday September 21.

Yorkshire 2019 Cycling World Championship Programme

There are eleven events taking place over 8 days, starting on the 22nd September.

Sunday 22nd September: Mixed TTT 28km
Sunday 23rd September: Women’s Junior ITT 14km & Men’s Junior ITT 28km
Tuesday 24th September ITT: – Women 33km & U23 30km
Wednesday 25th September: ITT – Men 54km
Thursday 26th September: Men’s Junior Road Race 148km
Friday 27th September: Women’s Junior Road Race 86km & Men’s U23 Road Race 187km
Saturday 28th September Road Race – Women 149.5km
Sunday 29th September: Road Race – Men 284.5km

Yorkshire 2019 World Championships Preview

Gary Verity of Welcome to Yorkshire said of the Yorkshire 2019 courses: “We have produced a spectacular range of routes and we’re sure the world’s best riders will find them both challenging and exhilarating in equal measure.”

The Yorkshire 2019 course is characterised by relentless terrain and undulating hills that will gradually deplete energy and power, grippy surfaces and technical corners combine to create a course that will favour a punchy, resilient rider. World championship races always take place on a circuit and this year is no different, with the men’s race traversing a route from Leeds to Harrogate before completing 7 laps of the finishing circuit while the women will depart from Bradford and go on to complete 3 laps of the Harrogate circuit.

The weather is likely to play a big role in how the races pan out, and, it being the UK at the end of September, the chances of adverse conditions are pretty high. Cold, wind and rain could have a significant effect on the result.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the courses.

Yorkshire World Championships 2019 – Men’s Race

The men’s road race covers a whopping 285km and is a course that will favour classics-style riders with a fast finish from a reduced group.

Key Climbs:

• Kidstones Pass 3.5km avg of 4.7% pitching up to 13.8% this climb features at 60 km and could catch people out early on.
• Buttertubs, this climb comes at 90 km into the course, at just 2.2 km but with a savage 9% average gradient pitching up to 15% it is enough to sift through the peloton, anyone who struggles up this climb is unlikely to last the remaining 200 km.
• Grinton Moor 3 km at 6.7% average with maximum ramps of 13.5%, still plenty of the race left at this point but anyone who is still looking fresh at this point will be a strong contender for the win.

Yorkshire World Championships 2019 – Women’s Race

The elite women’s road race course spans just under 150 km. The peloton will follow a route from Bradford over 105km in the lead up to the final three laps around Harrogate town centre. The two main climbs on the course come relatively early on but there are consistent rolling hills throughout.

Key Climbs:

• The first significant climb on the course is Norwood Edge, 2 km at an average gradient of 9% but with pitches up to a painful 16%!
• Lofthouse 4.5km at an average gradient of 6% but maxing out at a leg-breaking 18.6% both climbs suit a punchier rider.

Time Trial: Cyclists To Watch at the 2019 Yorkshire World Championship

Men:

1. Rohan Dennis – Dennis goes into Yorkshire as the reigning world champion but has only one TT victory to his name in 2019. He also hasn’t raced since his abrupt and controversial departure from the Tour so his form remains to be seen.
2. Remco Evenepoel – the 19 year old Belgian is an outright favourite for the win.
3. Primož Roglič is another stand-out favourite, heading straight to worlds off the back of his Vuelta a España win which was largely thanks to his convincing time trial victory in Pau.

Women:

1. Annemiek Van Vleuten – the reigning champion and two-time winner of the TT title, Van Vleuten is an unstoppable force of time trialing prowess, seemingly regardless of the course and is a nailed-on favorite to win the title once again.
2. Chloe Dygert-Owen – the young American is an unbeatable pursuiter on the track, a skill which transfers to plenty of road time trial success (she was junior world champion in Richmond). Dygert-Owen will definitely be a podium contender in Yorkshire.
3. Lisa Brennauer – the German road race champion took the time trial in Ponferrada in 2014 but hasn’t managed to find her way back into those rainbow stripes since. Brennauer has had a successful 2019 after changing teams from Canyon SRAM to WNT Rotor and took the time trail and overall prize at the Madrid Challenge by La Vuelta last weekend. Could this be her year

Road Race: Cyclists To Watch at the 2019 Yorkshire World Championship

Men:

1. The defending Champion is Alejandro Valverde, and while the Spaniard has had a successful season, even winning a stage of the Vuelta, his race will really have to come together for him to repeat last year’s victory in the face of some very tough competition, although nothing is impossible.
2. Mathieu Van der Poel – all eyes will be on this versatile rider who missed out on the cross country mountain bike world championships after cleaning up in the few World Cups he started, suggesting he is confident about his chances in Yorkshire. The 2019 Amstel Gold Race winner will be heading into Yorkshire having just stormed through the Tour of Britain winning three stages and the overall, proving that the British terrain suits him!
3. Julian Alaphilippe is a sure favourite, the French rider showed his versatility and tenacity in this year’s Tour leaving his climbing ability in no doubt, his aggressive racing style could suit the terrain and he’s proven to have a fast finish.

Notable Absences: Tour de France winner Egan Bernal and Giro second-placed Vincenzo Nibali won’t ride.

Women:

1. Team Netherlands will be the ones to beat once again this year with heavy hitters like Annemiek Van Vleuten, Marianne Vos alongside reigning champion Anna Van Der Breggen they have plenty of cards to play, young rider Demi Vollering could also be a dark horse but will it be a case of too many favourites?
2. Lizzie Deignan has been vocal about her desire to win this race since before the birth of her first child last year. Deignan has made relatively few appearances on the racing circuit in 2019 with her best result being a win of the overall at the OVO Women’s Tour of Britain, she also missed out on GP Plouay due to illness, so her form is something of an unknown. Will the home roads give her the extra push to take the rainbow bands for the second time?

Notable Absences: Leader of the UCI world ranking, Lorena Wiebes.

Must Watch Racing – Yorkshire World Championships 2019

Whatever the result, the annual spectacle of the world championships is always one to watch and this year will be no exception. With the fields stacked in every competition it’s sure to be thrilling racing to watch! Who do you fancy to win the most prestigious prize in cycling? Let us know in the comments below!

Yorkshire Cycling Tours

If watching Worlds gets you inspired to ride your bike in ‘God’s Own Country’ then stay tuned for our Tour of Yorkshire, NEW for 2020! If you have any questions then give us a call now on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online for more info!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

The cycling season is now well underway and we’ve already seen hundreds of guests fulfil their cycling dreams and experience some of the best cycling locations that Europe has to offer. Some destinations, however, are more popular than others, and when you look closer it’s obvious as to why: they’re simply amazing places to ride a bike! In this post we’ll let you know the top 5 European cycling tours of 2019!

Girona Classic Climbs Cycling Tour

In 2019 we have seen four successful Girona Classic Climbs tours and by the end of the season there will have been eight! It’s no wonder that this tour is popular with guests looking to test their legs on the training grounds of the pro peloton. Girona Classic Climbs is a challenging week with the maximum distance and elevation at 600km and 8,000m, however the ultimate goal of the tour is to experience the ride camp life in Europe’s unofficial base for the pro peloton and the itinerary can be (and often is) adjusted.

Girona Classic Climbs Highlights:

• Rocacorba climb
• Girona Old Town
• The Costa Brava
• Mare de Deu del Mont

2019 dates:
8th – 14th September
6th – 12th October
27th October – 2nd November
10th -17th November

2020 dates:
12th – 18th April
3rd – 9th May
19th – 25th May
14th – 20th June
13th – 19th September
4th – 10th October

Trans Pyrenees Cycling Challenge

You’ve probably heard before that Trans Pyrenees is the original Eat Sleep Cycle Tour. An epic point-to-point adventure from our base in Girona to the coastal town of San Sebastian in the beautiful Basque Country this tour attracts those who are looking for a challenge. This year four groups have taken on the task with one guest even completing the route for two charitable causes.

Trans Pyrenees Challenge Highlights:

• The Col du Tormalet
• The Peyresourde
• San Sebastian

2019 dates:
1st – 8th September

2020 dates:
2nd- 9th August
30th August- 6th September

Trans Dolomites Cycling Challenge

If ticking off the famous Giro d’Italia climbs is on your bucket list then Trans Dolomites Challenge is the tour for you! From Monte Zoncolan to the Passo dello Stelvio this is an experience of a lifetime. Popular among private groups looking to take on a challenge together the Trans Dolomites Challenge comprises an epic 611 km with 17,100 m of climbing!

Highlights

• Monte Zoncolan
• Passo dello Stelvio
• Passo Mortirolo

2019 dates:
30th August – 6th September

2020 dates:
20th – 27th September

Cycling Tour of the Italian Lakes

Staying in Italy, the Cycling Tour of the Italian Lakes combines some of the most scenic (albeit still relatively challenging) cycling with the best of Italian culture -yes, that means food! Based in the stunning Piedmont & Lombardy regions, home to the spectacular Lakes of Como, Lugano & Maggiore.

Cycling Tour of the Italian Lakes Highlights:

• Lake Como
• Lake Maggiore
• Madonna del Ghisallo (the cycling shrine)

2019 dates:
6th- 12th September 2019
14th – 20th September 2019

2020 dates:
27th September – 3rd October

Pirinexus (self-guided) Cycling Tour

Something a little different but which has been popular amongst our guests this year is The Pirinexus self-guided tour. There are three levels of support available for the ride: fully supported by a support vehicle & guide, self-guided with luggage transfers or bike-packing adventure style. The route is primarily along the network of traffic-free cycle lanes known as the ‘via verde’ and traverses the gorgeous Catalan countryside through the Girona and Costa Brava region into the Pyrenees with a brief venture across the French border.

Pirinexus Cycling Tour Highlights:

• Girona
• The Costa Brava
• Empordà Wine Region

Dates:
You decide!

Custom and Private European Cycling Tours Available!

All of these tours are also available as custom and private tours, book for your club or group by emailing [email protected] or contact us online. Groups of 8 or more will benefit from a 5% discount!

European Cycling Tours – Book Yours Now!

To find out more about our European Cycling Tours give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online! We still have some spots avaiable for 2019 and our 2020 calendar is already starting to fill so make sure you contact us asap to save your saddle!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

You may wonder how someone who doesn’t cycle can enjoy a European cycling vacation, but look closer and you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to combine a vacation for both cyclists and non-cyclists alike! With the right location and itinerary, bringing a non-cycling partner/friend/family member on your cycling vacation is a great way to get the best of both worlds out of your time away.

Cycling Vacations – Choose The Right Location

The right location is key for a non cyclist to join and enjoy a cycling vacation. Following a cyclist along an en epic-point-to-point cycling challenge isn’t going to be much fun for someone who doesn’t ride as it would usually mean spending the majority of their time in the back of a van. Rather, a cycling vacation based out of one or two main locations where there is plenty to do is the ideal way to combine cycling and non-cycling holidaymakers! Anywhere coastal, such as the Costa Brava, is an ideal location as there is likely to be plenty for those not spending the day in the saddle to see, whether they sit at the beach, shop, or head to a cafe or bar, plus, coastal roads make for beautiful cycling!

Non-Cycling Activities

A cycling vacation can be as much about the off the bike activities as the riding. Organising other activities such as wine tasting tours, watersports or hiking is a great way to include everyone and make the most out of your holiday.

Give Them a Taste of Cycling

A cycling vacation is a great opportunity for non-cyclists who may be interested in starting out on the bike to test-ride a bike or even try an e-bike. They might arrive on holiday not being a cycling enthusiast but who knows, maybe a spin on an Orbea Comfort might change their mind?

Our Top Non-Cyclist Friendly Tours

If your partner can’t be tempted onto the saddle then these tours are your best bet to allow you to get some proper cycling in whilst keeping your travel companions happy.

• Tour of the Costa Brava
  Our Tour of the Costa Brava combines, five-star delivery, gorgeous coastlines, gourmet experiences and accessible riding, the perfect combination for bringing along non-cyclists.
• La Rioja & Pais Vasco
  This tour is as much about gastronomy and culture as it is cycling which makes it a perfect location for non-cyclists and cyclists to holiday in harmony!
• Girona Classic Climbs
  Based solely out of Girona city where there are myriad activities for non-cyclists to get up to while cycling guests are out riding our Girona Classic Climbs tour is a great option for bringing non-cyclists along. They can check out the beautiful Barri Vell or Old Town, head to the Roman Spa, take a trip to the lakeside town of Banyoles and much more besides.
• Gran Canaria Experience
  Discover the culture of Gran Canaria taking in both the South and the lesser-known North of the island whilst staying in some of the island’s best hotels. Non-cyclists can take advantage of the beautiful beaches and activities whilst cyclists can experience the stunning roads and classic climbs of the island.

European Cycling Vacations with Non-Cyclists

After reading the above are you feeling inspired to bring your non-cycling friends and family along on your next European cycling vacation? There are plenty of options available for those who don’t like to spend time in the saddle but do want to visit Europe so no excuse not to tick it off the bucket list! Contact us online or via [email protected] for more information on our non-cyclist friendly tours!

P.S. Enjoyed this blog? Why not sign up to receive notifications every time we post and get regular updates on our latest tours!

The La Purito Sportive is not for the faint hearted and is one of the toughest cycling challenges of the year. Taking place on the 4th August 2019 the event is widely dubbed ‘Europe’s toughest sportive’ with the brutal Andorran course covering 145km and 5,200m of climbing. If those stats don’t look too bad to you consider that the starting altitude in Sant Julià de Lòria is 908m rising to a maximum of 1,980m on the Coll d’Ordino.

History of La Purito Sportive

The sportive is the eponymous brainchild of retired Spanish professional cyclist Joaquim ‘Purito’ Rodriguez. Rodriguez acquired the nickname ‘Purito’ (which is Spanish for ‘little cigar’) during his first professional team camp after he ‘smoked’ some of his team mates on a climb whilst gesturing smoking a cigar to show he wasn’t really exerting himself after which he was made to smoke a real cigar at dinner that day!

La Purito Sportive Location

Andorra is known as something of a cycling playground and a climber’s paradise. Many professional riders use the principality either as a full-time base or for altitude training camps. There is no such thing as an easy day in Andorra; what goes up must come down and going uphill there usually includes some super steep climbing!

La Purito Sportive Course

La Purito Sportive course is all about the cols and the profile resembles a jagged razor-edge of relentless up and down. Departing from Sant Julià de Lòria the route heads close to Andorra La Vella before riders complete a loop around Ordino and Encamp ticking off Collada de Beixalis and Col d’Ordino before descending back towards the start town of Sant Julià de Lòria. From there comes the next climb of Alt de la Rabassa immediately followed by the super-steep Col de la Gallina. Following the descent of Gallina the parcours eases off slightly, but don’t underestimate the power of the short but steep Alt de la Comella to zap power from the legs right before the finishing climb of Els Cortals d’Encamp!

The Key Climbs of La Purito

There are six main climbs on the route and while some of them are slightly more forgiving than others none should be taken lightly and pacing is essential if you are to reach the finish!

1. Collada de Beixalis: 6.6km at 8.4%
2. Col d’Ordino: 9.9km at 7%
3. Alt de la Rabassa: 17.8km at 6.2%
4. Col de la Gallina: 12km at 8.5%
5. Alt de la Comella: 4.3km at 7.9%
6. Els Cortals d’Encamp: 8.9km at 8.5%

La Purito Cycling Challenge – You Ready?

Are you ready take on the cycling challenge of La Purito? If you’re geared up to test your body and mind on this epic course then call us on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online, and allow us to organise everything! And, to read a first-hand account of what it’s like to ride La Purito then check out journalist Emily Chappel who joined us last year and later wrote about her epic experience for Casquette!

Something Less Brutal Than La Purito?

Looking for something equally challenging but slightly less brutal? Why not join us next March for the Strade Bianche Gran Fondo to ride the course of the World Tour race along the iconic white roads of Tuscany.

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In this post Eat Sleep Cycle Partner Brian waxes lyrical about cycling in his homeland of Ireland.

Scanning the Eat Sleep Cycle cycling tours you’ll quickly realise we have a penchant for sun-spoilt cycling pockets all over Europe. Yep we’ve the big ones covered in Majorca, Gran Canaria, the Costa Brava, Girona and the Pyrenees, and then we have Ireland, our newest offering.

Ireland, you say? That bucks the trend and doesn’t really follow the ESC ‘trend’, right? Wrong.

The Emerald Isle, so called because of the green countryside, is where we’re headed next and if a cycling tour with rolling hills, sleepy villages, wonderfully remote countryside and world-famous sites are what you seek, then it’s a tour for you! Read on to learn more!

Cycling Tour of Ireland’s West Coast

Those searching for epic days, ascending col after col, can move along because in a country where the highest paved road is less than 800 metres – and we go nowhere near it – this one isn’t for the mountain goats or hardened road riders.

No, this one is for those who prefer to experience a country’s unique culture, its rich heritage and traditions, and learn just why almost 80 million people worldwide claim Irish heritage (almost half of them American).

This tour, titled the Tour of Ireland’s West Coast, is one I feel very strongly about and gives you, the guest, the very best insight into what exactly makes Ireland so appealing to so many people.

Mention of the word Ireland automatically conjures up images of green fields, pints of Guinness, trad music, dramatic coastline and country roads and on this tour you´ll have more than your share of all of the above.

I feel very blessed to have lived in one of the cities we´ll travel through on this tour, and when guests visit Galway on days 3 and 4, I know they’ll feel the very same sense of belonging and excitement I felt when I moved there to study in 2008.

Galway and The Wild Atlantic Coastline

Though I only spent one year in Galway, it was the perfect base for which to explore the Wild Atlantic coastline north, west and south. To the south are the jaw-droppingly beautiful Cliffs of Moher which we’ll visit on day two after an opening warm-up ride up Spancill Hill to check those gears are running smoothly. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear ‘Spancill Hill’ belted out from one of the many bars in Ennis, Galway or Westport as it’s a very famous ballad composed by Michael Considine who was born there but migrated to the US to chase a better life. The song bemoans the plight of the Irish emigrants who longed for home from their new lives in America.

Galway is home to less than 80,000 people but the energy of the place in summer makes it feel there´s 800,000 around, and sitting in Eyre Square in the heart of the city on a warm summer’s day is a memory I cherish from my college days there.

Finding The ‘Real’ Ireland

West of Galway is where you’ll discover the ´real´ Ireland and if the country’s capital on the east coast, Dublin, is where you´ll find sprawling housing estates, global tech companies, social media giants and endless columns of fast-moving trains and buses, Connemara is where life moves at a very different clip.

The longest ride of the trip is the road to Clifden where you hug the coast as it meanders its way west. When I lived here, I told myself there is nothing as beautiful as a tailwind on the smooth blacktop roads out around Roundstone with the Aran Islands visible in the distance and the 12 Bens Mountains providing an idyllic backdrop.

Interestingly, the first non-stop trans-Atlantic flight was 100 years ago this year but it was a rather ill-fated adventure because the plane flown by two British aviators crash-landed not far from Clifden. Miraculously, neither of them died as it was a soft landing into a bog, but locals helped themselves to the remains of the plane to display as souvenirs.

Feel At Home in Westport

I´m often asked if I´ll ever return to Ireland from Girona and I always usually the same; only if I end up in Westport!

Simply put, the place has it all, from historical attractions, to outdoor adventures, to fine dining and a great community spirit. It’s easy to feel at home in Westport and I guarantee you´ll feel the same way on our last night here.

With no need for luck at all we’ll happen upon a live music session in Matt Molloy´s (because they have it seven nights a week), owned by a member of the legendary traditional Irish band The Chieftains. It´ll be the perfect way to relax, unwind and reflect on the trip of a lifetime.

More Than Just European Cycling Trips

At Eat Sleep Cycle were determined to bringing you on more than just cycling trips in Europe, it’s our mission to showcase the very best of what each destination has to offer. We want to show you more than just roads, we want to show you a country’s identity, which is why we always try to use local guides.

So join us on this trip by calling us on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online, and allow me show you the ‘real’ Ireland!

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Autumn is a beautiful time of year to ride bikes in Europe, the busy summer cycling destinations have come to a close but the weather is still warm and the sun is still shining. The high summer season of July and August is over and the tourists have largely gone home, leaving roads open for business for two-wheeled adventures. Here is our pick of the top destinations for an Autumnal European cycling vacation.

Girona Autumn Cycling – Home of the Pros

We may be biased towards our hometown but the fact that it is the chosen base of some 150 professional cyclists speaks for itself. We think that Autumn is the best time of year to visit Girona with the summer tourists gone and the temperatures hovering around the cycling sweet spot of the mid-twenties. With plenty of time to explore the mountains before winter creeps in and plenty of space to wander through the Old Town for a post-ride stroll, Girona is a great place to be in the Autumn months.

Highlights include the classic climbs of the area such as Rocacorba and Els Angels, the picturesque Banyoles lake and the Old Town of Girona itself.

Girona Cycling Tours

• Girona Classic Climbs: tick off all the Girona favorites in one week! 8th- 14th September & 6th-12th October 2019
• Pyrenees Mini Break: discover the hidden beauty of the pre-Pyrenees. 27th – 29th September 2019 & 25th – 27th October 2019

The Costa Brava – Coastal & Mountain Tour

For similar reasons to Girona, the Costa Brava is an ideal spot for an Autumn cycling vacation, with the beautiful, coastal towns becoming much quieter but staying equally as charming in the Autumn sunshine. At this time of year the winding coast roads are practically free of cars and the beaches are still habitable for a post-ride dip in the Med.

Highlights include the gorgeous coastal town of Cadaques, Girona and fresh seafood in Tossa de Mar.

Costa Brava Cycle Tours

• Tour of the Costa Brava: Ride Point-To-Point And Explore The Best Of The Costa Brava Region. 9th-13th November 2019

Andalucia Autumn Cycling – Sunshine and Smooth Roads

To ensure the need for less winter cycling kit Andalucia is the place to go in the colder months. Andalucía enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine a year and only 40 days of rain on average. While other parts of Spain are still much warmer than their Northern European counterparts during the Autumn, the South is warmer still. This is a great time of year to soak up the rich culture that the region has to offer alongside the fantastic riding on smooth roads.

Highlights include the Caminito del Rey, the Alhambra Palace, and the historical and picturesque cities of Antequera and Ronda.

Andalucia Cycling Tours

• Trans Andalucia: Ride Point-To-Point From Andalucia To Seville. 29th September – 6th October
• Andalucia Experience: Discover Granada, Antequera & Ronda. 22nd – 28th September

Costa del Sol – The Clue’s in the Name!

The region with Europe’s mildest ‘winter’ climate naturally boasts stunning Autumn conditions too. Much like neighbouring Andalucia, sunshine and smooth tarmac characterise the Costa del Sol and it’s for this reason that cyclists flock here during the autumn and winter. The Costa del Sol is the perfect place to go to extend a summer of riding or begin those early preparations for the following year.

Highlights include the Puerto del Leon climb, and the towns of Almuñécar and Orgiva.

Costa del Sol Cycling Tours:

• Costa del Sol Ride Camp: Explore The Coast & Climbs Of Andalucia. 24th-30th November 2019

Calpe – Training Heaven

The Calpe/Alicante area is known in summer as a haven for those seeking sun-soaked partying but in the autumn and winter it attracts a very different kind of clientele who mix with the stalwart mahogany ex-pats. Cyclists flock to the region in search of sun and smooth tarmac, which they receive in abundance. As with the rest of Spain the draw is not only the fantastic riding but also the laid-back lifestyle and delicious food and drink on offer, re-fuelling with some delicious tapas and a cerveza is a must!

Highlights include the Col de Rates climb, the Cumbre del Sol and Confrides.

Calpe Cycling Tours

• Calpe Ride Camp: Join The Pros And Head South To Smooth Roads & Sun! 17th – 23rd November 2019

Mallorca – The Old Favourite

The classic favourite amongst all kinds of cyclists as an Autumn/Winter cycling destination for a reason, Mallorca is a cyclist’s paradise. Ride to the Cap de Fortmentor lighthouse – the most northern point of the island, for nothing else if not a photo opportunity. An ascent of the sinewy climb of Sa Colabra, by far the most famous climb on the island and one of the most well-known in the world is also essential. Off the bike there is plenty to see and do including visiting the capital, Palma. For more check out our guide to cycling in Majorca!

Highlights include the Sa Colabra Climb, Cap de Fortmentor lighhouse, Col de Soller

Mallorca Cycling Tours

• Mallorca Ride Camp 20th-26th October 2019

Inspired To Ride Some European Autumn Cycling Destinations?

If one of these top European autumn cycling destinations has inspired you to ride then contact us online or via [email protected] for more information on any of our tours!

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