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Girona

Sep 21
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Cyclist’s Guide To Girona

By Girona, Girona Cycling Services No Comments

Girona is now well established as a capital of cycling. It has been decades since the first pros moved here to use the Catalan city as a training base and nowadays around 100 professional riders call Girona home for at least some part of the year. With this influx of pros Girona has raised its profile as a place for those seeking a European cycling holiday. The myriad stunning rides and routes based out of a vibrant and beautiful medieval city has inevitably drawn ever-increasing numbers of cycling tourists to the area. Girona is such a fantastic place for cycling that you could, in theory, arrive with a bike and simply muddle along, discovering a fair amount of what the city and surrounding area has to offer. However being somewhat more organised is preferable and as such we have compiled this comprehensive, but by no means inexhaustible, guide to Girona cycling.

Where To Eat in Girona

Food occupies the average cyclist’s consciousness to a greater degree than most ‘normal’ people. Whether you arrive starving at dinner time or need to know the best lunch spot, here’s our top picks of where to eat and drink in Girona:

Girona Cycling Cafés

  • Eat Sleep Cycle Café – Right next door to our shop is our very own cafe! Join us all day, every day for cyclist-friendly breakfast, lunch & evening meals. Carrer d’Albereda, 15, Girona
  • Federal – In the heart of Old Town, Federal is serving traditional breakfast and brunch, smoothies, and even a breakfast burger! Vegan friendly. Carrer de la Força 9, 17004 Girona
  • La Fabrica – A Girona classic, La Fabrica has an established reputation for serving delicious speciality coffee, and a range of breakfast and brunch classics from avocado toast, oats, and bagels! Vegan friendly. Carrer de la Llebre, 3, 17004, Girona
  • La Comuna Café – New to town, La Comuna has quickly established a reputation for pre-ride coffee stop, serving a health array of food. Vegan friendly. Carrer de la Barca, 34, Girona, Cataluna 17004
  • Coffee & Greens – A popular breakfast option if you’re looking for something light, super açaí bowls and sandwich options. Rambla de la Llibertat, 25, 17004, Girona
  • Hors Categorie – Good coffee, healthy food and craft beers, catch them on Tuesdays for Taco Tuesday! Carrer del Perill, 3, 17001 Girona
  • Bionèctar – Delicious, organic plant-based food and juices. Carrer D’en Francesc Eiximenis, 8, 17001, Girona

Out of Town:

  • Rustik Empordà – Grab a snack on the way out of the door and then ride to Bellcaire D’Empordà to fuel up on a tasty breakfast at Rustik. Carrer de dMolí, 4, 17141, Bellcaire

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Tapas

  • El Cafe – a local bar serving tapas, coffee and drinks. Carrer dels Ciutadans, 1 17004, Girona
  • Txalaka – Delicious pintxos (a Basque speciality similar to tapas). Carrer Bonastruc de Porta, 4, 17001, Girona
  • Can Canalla – Km0 food prepared with love & a great wine selection. Plaça Bell.lloch 4, 17004 Girona

Lunch & Dinner

  • La Picolla – Venture out of the old town for Girona’s best pizza, Carrer Migdia, 89, 17003 Girona
  • L’Alqueria – Fantastic Paella & the place to go for rice! Carrer Ginesta, 8, 17002, Girona
  • B12 – An all vegan bar and restaurant serving tapas and burgers as well as having a huge selection of beers! Plaça del Vi, 11, 17004 Girona
  • Om – Another all vegan restaurant in Old Town serving a super selection of foods for lunch and dinner. Carrer de la Força, 4, 6, 17004 Girona
  • Arròs i Peix – Visit Arròs i Peix for delicious fresh seafood. Carrer dels Ciutadans, 20, 17004, Girona
  • Plaça del Vi, 7 – Local food & wines beautifully prepared, Placa del Vi, 7, Girona

Fine Dining

The Girona area is home to a number of Michel Star restaurants, why not treat yourself to something extra special?

  • El Celler de Can Roca – The 3 Michelin Star restaurant owned by the  famous Roca brothers has twice been named the best restaurant in the world. Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona
  • Les Cols – this 2 Michelin Star restaurant is situated in the town of Olot in the La Garrotxa region, a converted masia (farmhouse) by chef Fina Puigdevall. Carretera de la Canya, 106, 17800 Olot, Girona
  • Massana – Awarded one Michelin Star, Massana’s focus is on local, seasonal products such as game, wild mushrooms and truffle. Carrer Bonastruc de Porta, 10, 17006 Girona
  • Divinum – Divinum hasn’t (yet) been awarded a Michelin Star but is certainly worthy, created by chefs who studied under Joan Roca, the food is an original blend of flavours, textures and aromas  Divinum Carrer de l’Albereda, 7, 17004 Girona

Coffee/snacks

  • Oniria Cafe – Serving speciality coffee, cake, and vegan cookies, Oniria is nestled in Ladama, a green grocery and plant haven! Carrer Nord, 13, 17001 Girona
  • Espresso Mafia – Another Girona coffee classic! Carrer de la Cort Reial, 5, 17004, Girona
  • Martina Sweet Cakes – This place is exactly as it says on the tin – delicious sweet cakes! Carrer de la Força, 1, 17004, Girona
  • Gelats Rocambolesc – From the owners of the Michellin Star rates Can Roca comes Rocambolesc ice cream, inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, here you can choose from delicious flavours and add toppings such as candy floss. Carrer de Santa Clara, 50, 17001, Girona
  • Crêpdequè? – A ‘hole in the wall’ serving crêpes with topping of your choice, perfect for a snack or desert as you stroll through the Barri Vell. Carrer de les Ballesteries, 49, 17004, Girona

Out of Town:

  • Dulce Pikika – If you ride or drive out towards the coast a stop at Dulce Pikika for one of their artisan cakes is a must! Av. Del Cavall Bernat, 143, Local 3, 17250, Castell-Platja d’Aro, Girona

Where To Sleep in Girona

A good night’s rest is essential preparation to taking full advantage of a day’s cycling in Girona, somewhere to safely store your bike is a bonus, the city has it all:

Girona Cycling Friendly Hotels & Guesthouses:

    • Hotel Carlemany – This four star cyclist friendly hotel has a dedicated bike room and in general is accommodating to cyclists.
    • Casa Cacao – A luxury boutique hotel opposite Eat Sleep Cycle.
    • Equipe Girona – With a pool, and bike facilities, this is a perfect spot for cyclists.

Girona Cycling Friendly Apartments

    • Velo Vern – Apartments to rent which are built with cyclists in mind.
    • Bravissimo Apartments – Apartments located right above Espresso Mafia in the heart of the old town.
    • Villas in Girona – If you’re looking for an escape a villa in Girona or the Costa Brava region could be just what you need.

Out of town:

    • Rocacorba Cycling – A little further out than the city, nestled just 2km away from the famous (or infamous) Rocacorba climb, Rocacorba is the perfect cyclist get away.
    • La Bruguera de Pubol – A stunning guest house in the beautiful village of Pubol with an on-site yoga studio. Powered on renewable energy, with a salt water pool, and permaculture garden, you’ll find the perfect peace here after a long day in the saddle.

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Where to Cycle in Girona

Now to the important bit, the cycling!

We’ve waxed lyrical on many occasions about the amazing cycling that Girona has to offer both on and off road. When you come to here you will find an enormous selection of roads and iconic climbs at your disposal such as the Girona classic, Rocacorba.

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The best way to find your way around on two wheels is to hire a guide. A local guide will know the Girona area inside out and can impart local knowledge you would otherwise not be privy to! The advantage of having someone showing you the way means you can focus on enjoying your surroundings without worrying about taking a wrong turn!

Of course, if you prefer to you can also guide yourself by following a route installed on a device which you can pick up from Eat Sleep Cycle. Or you could simply create your own, hire a bike and just explore!

Whichever way you choose to see Girona by bike you will no doubt fall in love with the smooth roads, abundant climbs and fantastic views that it has to offer!

To See & Do In Girona

Whether you’re having a rest day or travelling with a partner who doesn’t cycle there are plenty of things in and around Girona to occupy your time outside of pedalling.

Barcelona
Barcelona is a relatively short train journey away and as is to be expected from a major city there are plenty of activities to do there. Why not hire a Brompton in Barcelona as a novel way to get around the city?

Wine tasting in the Empordà Region
Located just north of Girona is the autonomous region of Empordà the area is known for its wine production and there are a number of vineyards which you can visit either by bike or another form of transport, and taste the produce.

Figueres Dalí Museum
If impressionist art is your thing then a visit to the place that Salvador Dalí called home is a must. The town of Figueres has a Dalí museum dedicated to the artist which is open Tuesday-Sunday.

Aqva Gerunda
Relax and wind down after a long day of cycling in Girona or simply treat yourself regardless at the town’s Roman baths and spa.

Banyoles Lake
The lakeside town of Banyoles is a short ride, drive or bus journey from Girona and is not one to miss, (our Lazy Lunes ride heads there every Monday at 10am). A coffee by the lake is a must as well as exploring the old town. If rowing, swimming or running are your thing it’s also a perfect location for all three.

Running
There are plenty of on and off road running routes around Girona, which can provide a great way to see the city and surrounding area!

Getting to Girona

Of course, the first part to enjoying Girona is getting here! There are numerous ways to travel to the city, depending on where you are coming from.

Girona Airport
By far the simplest way to get here is to fly into Girona. Flights into the tiny Girona Costa Brava airport, however, are usually from Europe only, plus during the winter months they are few and far between. If, however you do manage to get a flight to the local airport you are a mere 12.8km away from the city. There are no trains from Girona airport but buses are regular during the day and cost just €2.75 for a single. If you prefer to have a transfer arranged for you, you can do so via Eat Sleep Cycle for €35.

Barcelona Airport
If you can’t get directly to Girona then don’t fear as Barcelona-El Prat will serve. Albeit slightly further away, it is still relatively easy to transfer from El-Prat to Girona. A Sagales coach will cost you €19, a taxi transfer (which Eat Sleep Cycle can arrange) will cost €180 or if you choose to take the train it will cost €16 plus the metro fare from El Prat to Barcelona’s main station: Sants. If you decide to take the train be aware that this transfer may not be enjoyable with a bike bag and cases!

Madrid Airport
While Madrid is rather more of a jaunt away there are potentially more flight options for international travellers. Why not integrate a trip to the Spanish capital while you’re there? There are direct trains from Madrid to Girona as well as a bus network.

Train from London, Paris and other places in Europe
For those from Europe for whom time is not of the essence the option to take a train may be of interest. Most large city stations will service trains to the area, although beware that you may have to make changes along the way if you’re coming with a bike bag and luggage in tow.

Drive from other parts of Europe
Driving is also a good option for European-based visitors, northern Spain can be reached relatively easily and surprisingly quickly from most of Europe – just watch out for the tolls!

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Girona – A City for Cyclists

Whatever time of year and in whatever capacity you visit Girona its charms are sure to compel you to return. The sheer number of cyclists who settle in the city are testament to how special it really is for two-wheeled exploring! This cyclists guide to Girona is intended to be an up-to-date guide to our home city and we will be updating it regularly with any new recommendations and activities – so be sure to check back!

Girona Cycling Tours

If this has got you inspired to travel to Girona then why not view our Girona cycling tours and check out what camps and packages we have available. If you’re planning to travel here and don’t want to worry about bringing a bike then take a look at our rental bikes in Girona for top-quality, fully-serviced road, gravel and mountain bikes. If you’ve any questions about your possible cycling tour to Girona give us a call now on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online for more info!

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Sep 11
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Eat-Sleep-Cycle-Badlands-Gravel-Cycling

Badlands: My First Bikepacking Adventure

By Cycling, Cycling in Spain, Girona, South Spain, Spain, Women's Cycling No Comments

This year local Girona trio Rocket, Cristina, and Laura from Over & Out took on Badlands, by Transiberica. A 750km gravel race, crossing two deserts in Andalusia, with 16,000m of climbing. This was the first ultra-cycling race for all three, and for Rocket, her first ever bikepacking adventure…What a way to start. Read on to find out about how they prepared for this event, and how it went.

Where It Began

Laura and Cristina (Cris) had been preparing for Badlands for a year, whereas I had heard about it through them and decided it would be cool to challenge myself in a new way. Coming from road racing, I’ve been keen to get myself on a gravel, and what a way to kick things off with gravel racing, 750km in Andalusia? Yes please.

I’ll be honest, Badlands was not intended to be my first ever bikepacking adventure, but a series of unfortunate events, and a busy work schedule, meant that it happened that way. 10/10 would not recommend turning up never having backpacked before, but go big or go home, right?

As Laura and Cris were already riding as a pair, I entered solo with all of us repping our Over & Out squad.

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Badlands Preparation

Laura applied her knowledge as a cycling coach and director sportif to look at the route and split it into days. Listing out the climbs, technical sections, villages where we could find water, and hotels along the way. Naively, we split the route into four days, thinking five would be the maximum number of days it would take. I say naively because there’s a huge difference between what’s on paper, and the reality of the route which we quickly discovered during the event…

Training wise I had an event earlier in the Summer, a multi-day stage race in Andorra on the road, and so this was my first focus. I had a large base block prior to this event, some rest after the event, and then began to work back up. Unfortunately, due to work my training began to take a dip a few weeks prior to the event which wasn’t optimal, it meant I began tapering early. With guidance from Laura and Ciaran O’Grady, they helped make sure I was in the best position I could be in the circumstances.

With our route split completed, and training underway, we then needed to think about what we’re packing, which bike bags, and the equipment we’ll need along the way. As both Laura and Cris had some experience with this, they were able to help me with items I would need, and those I wouldn’t. I also reached out to other adventure seeking fanatics who had experience with ultra-riding or multi-day bikepacking adventures for advice.

Kit Choice

I decided to use Restrap bike bags, I’d used them before and was really impressed, they’d also been recommended to me multiple times as the best to use for this type of event. Having reached out to them, Restrap sponsored my bike bags for the event. I settled on the race collection saddle bag, frame bag, top tube bag, and then a canister bag. This was the perfect set up, I was able to fit everything I wanted to pack including having some extra room for food along the way. I also took a camelbak to ensure I could carry even more water, this was vital.

Kit wise, Universal Colours, a British sustainable and ethical focused clothing brand sponsored Over & Out. The kit was perfect, particularly the Chroma cycling jersey which was lightweight and comfortable. I wore the Mono bibshorts in a size up which were perfect for the heat.

For my shoes I opted to wear the Quoc Gran Tourer (which were gifted) over my S-Works MTB shoes, as they are much more supple and wider which meant when my feet were swelling in the heat, I still had room and felt no pressure points.

I refined my kit list with the help Laura, Cris, and Sami Sauri, and have to say I was happy with everything I brought.

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Bike Set Up

With the help of Willem from Eat Sleep Cycle, and input from Daan who did Badlands last year, we built up my brand-new RS Cycles Brusca gravel frame with Shimano GRX from my old cross bike.

We went with a 38t front chainring, and 46t cassette. While this worked well, there were times I wished for the 50t…

My tyres were Rene Herse Oracle Ridge 700C x 48 tubeless. I suffered with not one puncture, at all, and felt secure on the entire route. Never having ridden Rene Herse before I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I am beyond impressed with these tyres!

Race Countdown

We flew to Granada a few days prior to the event, giving us time to sort out last minute situations, as well as having time to recce the first few km of the start of the race, particularly the first climb and technical descent.

The Race

At the start line the nerves were real. I still had no idea what to expect, but we hung at the back knowing we wanted to take things slow.

Day one was epic. It is possibly one of my favourite days I’ve ever had on the bike, it was long, hard, with more climbing in one ride than I’ve ever done. There were some long climbs, one in particular which was all on the road and I was able to keep a strong cadence and spin up to the top. The first 40km were brutal, as we were told to expect, with some technical gravel and sharp gravel climbs. We made our way through, yoyoing with a few other riders with whom we got to know a little along the way.

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We stopped once for an early supper, and then carried on, our eyes set on Gorafe being the town just outside the first desert. Our initial plan was to ride through the desert at night, but arriving late to Gorafe and struggling to find some food without meat, we decided to hit the sack for a few hours.

This was the first time I’d ever slept out with no tent, in a random location, not including those as a child sleeping under the trampoline in my backgarden. We found a number of other rides sleeping outside in front of the only BnB in the town (which was fully booked) and decided the safest thing to do was to crash there also. I use the term sleep loosely, it was mostly drift in an out of consciousness over the course of a few hours. We slept on roll mats, in only bivvy bags, wearing leggings and a puffer jacket for warmth.

At 4:15am we started to pack up and find water getting ready to start the day in the desert. By 5am we were on the “road” hitting the first climb out of Gorafe. We rode for a few hours in the dark, and as the sun began to rise we hit the first village, finding a few of our friends at a café drinking coffee. We sat down to join them and caught up on the previous day. They’d ridden the 30km late last night and had crashed in the village square, having dealt with puncture after puncture for hours on end into the early hours of the day.

After a few cups of coffee, we carried on, enjoying a beautifully paved road to the next town, and last water stop (little did we know). As the day went on we took on some more technical sections of sand, long climbs, rocky sections, steep climbs, and as the day got hotter and hotter, the lack of water, food, and sleep started to become an issue.

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Laura’s ongoing tooth infection was becoming more and more unbearable, taking its toll on her body. We’d booked our hotel earlier in the day, knowing we’d need a bed for the night and this became out motivation to keep moving. With 30km to go before leaving the desert, we decided I would ride on, get to the hotel, and find food for us. During this 30km I had some of my darkest moments, I received word that Cris had crashed and hit her head and was struggling with dizziness. I’d nearly fainted in 49 degrees climbing up the final climb, forcing myself to get off and sit under the shade for a moment. With only 500ml of water left, and still the distance from the edge of the desert to Gor to go, not knowing where the water was, alone, a little scared, unable to keep food in my stomach having been sick, I wondered what the hell I was doing here. Seeing some other riders towards the top of climb lifted my spirits and I kept going.

Those final few kms to the hotel were the hardest of my life, alone, with no water, dehydrated, suffering with head stoke, it took everything to keep the pedals turning. I remember feeling so defeated, shaking feeling cold but hot, and delirious, having exited the desert there was still a way to go to Gor to our hotel and it felt insurmountable.

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That first glass of water at the hotel I will remember for the rest life. Badlands is like this; it pushes you beyond the limits of what you thought you were capable of. Having showered, taken a brief rest, and chugged my weight in water, I changed into the only non-cycling clothes I had and made my way back to the village to find a supermarket to find some food to cook for when Laura and Cris made it back. Another 6km I thought would be impossible, and yet I rode on.

When they arrived later that night, we were broken, hurting, exhausted, dehydrated, suffering with heat stroke but happy to have somewhere to sleep. With Laura in pain, Cris in no state to get on a bike, and with my struggling to get food in my stomach we went to bed planning to have a team meeting the following morning to check in before we decided on the day. The next section of the race was going to be a brutal section over 100km with no food stops, an 18km climb to start (which a friend of ours took 5hrs to get up as it was mostly hike-a-bike), and little water security.

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That following morning, after a long chat, we made the decision to pull the plug on this adventure. I was heartbroken for Laura and Cris who had been prepping and planning for this adventure for so long, but in our current states, we didn’t want to take the potential risks.

Badlands Reflection

Badlands was one of the best and worst rides of my life. Riding on the gravel with two of my best friends for so long, on a completely new adventure, was epic. Seeing them both accomplish things they’d never done before and seeing how strong they had come into this race was beyond awesome. Challenging myself and pushing myself out of my comfort zone to my growth zone was equally as awesome.

However, the lack of water, and water security, the heat, and the issues along the way made this one of the worst experiences I’d ever had on the bike. I suppose that’s the type 2 fun, it was horrible, but I look back and think how epic it was to make it through that.

Badlands challenges every essence of your being, and for those finishers, all of you, whether you completed it in two days or six, my hat is off to you! What a feat! For those who started and pulled the plug whether it was km 60 or 650, kudos to you, starting Badlands is not for fainthearted, and those who take to start do so with courage. You’re epic. And Badlands, perhaps I’ll be back for a re-match…

A huge thank you to Eat Sleep Cycle, Restrap, Universal Colours, and Quoc for your support.

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Sep 03
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Cycling in Girona in Autumn 2021: Everything You Need To Know

By Cycling, Girona No Comments

If you are planning a cycling trip to Girona this Autumn and worried if it will go ahead or not this blog is just what you need! Eat Sleep Cycle founder Lee shares his thoughts & advice for travelling to Catalunya this year as a cycling business owner in Girona.

Recently I have personally had many phone calls with concerned cyclists from all over the world planning a trip to Girona and wanted to write my answer down, who knows, maybe it helps some more cyclists out there!

Of course there are rules on entry and exit from your relative countries and from Spain, you will have to check those out yourself. But once you are in Girona you will be surprised just how normal things are and wonder why you left it so long!

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The simple answer is that eating, sleeping and cycling in Girona is now largely unaffected by COVID and has been for some time. There are no restrictions on where you can ride your bike and who with. All the cafes, restaurants and bars are open (in some areas closing at 1:30 am – if that affects you this blog is not for you!) and the hotels are in full swing inviting guests from all over the world. There is not a single aspect of your cycling trip that will be affected.

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Masks are still worn indoors but not outdoors. Some people still wear them outdoors but most don’t. Most people have had the double vaccine and this Summer really has felt normal with friends getting together, summer terraces full of happy people and enjoying their holidays.

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In fact we have seen a big surge in cyclists in Girona looking for group rides and cycling buddies to grab some food and drinks with. So if you are traveling solo Autumn is a perfect time to come.

Get In Touch!

Read more about staying in Girona on our Cyclist’s Guide to Girona here, or get in touch if you have any questions via email: [email protected]

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

Apr 01
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Made-in-Girona-Cycling-Products-Accessories

Made in Girona

By Girona No Comments

Girona: A City of Bikes

If Silicon Valley is where good tech companies start, Girona is where great cycling businesses & products are made! In this blog we look at our favorite local Girona brands. What we find, as always, is that it is all about the great people behind them, leading them forwards and interacting with the incredible Girona cycling community.

Tactic Sport: Handcrafted in Girona

This stylish bunch operates from a brand new state of the art cycling kit factory just outside of Girona. Anyone who went to the grand opening of their new factory last year would agree it was a great representation of their attitude towards work and style.

Traditionally a custom cycling kit manufacturer and serving clubs and teams across the European continent and beyond, Tactic more recently started developing its own stylish seasonal lines which have taken off big time. Racy fit, innovative colours, clever pricing and the Girona back drop all give for that “I’m a cool bike rider” feeling when you wear it.

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Quim (the owner) is as Catalan as they come but will crack into Spanish or English to relate to you when you cross paths with him. The team can be found on their weekly staff social ride (something we learnt from them), riding around with their customers to give them that personalised experience, or working hard at new designs, always trying to capture the special Girona origin and design feel.

Tactic are also headline sponsor to UCI women’s pro team Massi-Tactic, a first for Catalonia. The team has evolved from the hard work of Club Ciclista Baix Ter and aims to be present at all the best races in the European calendar.

Shop the Tactic collection on our online shop, or head to the Tactic website for custom kit enquiries.

BUCK!T: Eco-Friendly Up-cycled Accessories

The only thing we do not like about cycling is the waste we generate along the way. That is why we love Craig at BUCK!T who takes old tyres and turns them into belts, wallets and bike bags. As well as being funky as hell, they are extra durable and last forever. 

Craig works from a base in Girona, shipping his “made to order” popular product out worldwide. Craig & his partner Jamaica live a sustainable lifestyle, they don’t own a car and seek to run every part of their business with as low an environmental impact as possible.

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The tyres used by Buck!t are donated by Pro-Team mechanics, customers & local bicycle shops – every belt is one less tyre in landfill! ​

You can buy Craig’s up-cycled accessories online, and check out the full range on the Buck!t website. Images used are provided by Craig, photo credit Rosina Possingham: www.rosinapossingham.com

Rocacorba Clothing

It all started with the Rocacorba Food Truck which appeared near the top of Girona’s infamous climb, Rocacorba. Inside the kitted out caravan was a smiley handsome Catalan gentleman called Maties.

He would serve you a botifarra (local sausage), espresso or fizzy beverage, always with a smile and always wanting to know about your ride.

Locals loved it so much that Maties turned his concept into a brand: Rocacorba Clothing. We love his casual clothing which captures the local climbs and Girona Cycling art in such a stylish way.

The original Food Truck is still open on weekends during the season, but Maties has also opened Rocacorba Cafe in Girona old town. He’s one of the most entrepreneurial Girona locals that we know!

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To shop Rocacorba Clothing head over to our online shop, or visit the Rocacorba Girona site.

CHPT3: Girona Collection

When David Millar first visited our Girona Hub we were blown away by his friendliness and willingness to ride with us. I personally enjoyed an unforgettable 140 Km gravel ride with David from Barcelona to Girona.

The quality of the CHPT3 kit is another level and the Girona collection has design features carefully crafted in a unique way. It is all about the details and stories behind them with this kit. The CHPT3 design team take inspiration from the landscapes, nature & architecture of Girona to create subtle patterns & cool designs. 

It goes without saying that all of CHPT3’s clothing & collaborations are tested by David on Girona’s roads. From the beautiful CHPT3 Factor O2 bike, to the CHPT3 Brompton city bike, the Poc Devesa helmet & range of technical cycling clothing, it’s all designed to to best in class.

Made-in-Girona-CHPT3-David-Millar-Eat-Sleep-Cycle

We are proud to be the Girona home of CHPT3 & we love throwing on this kit and tearing it up! You can shop the CHPT3 Girona range online or head over to the CHPT3 website for the full range.

Sismic: Made in Olot

Eat Sleep Cycle design team: “Can you take 2 cm off the sleeve for us please?”

Toti (Sismic owner): “No problem, I will have it with you tomorrow”

The service level and time to market of Sismic kit can not be beaten. Based in Olot, between Girona and the foothills of the Pyrenees, Toti most often delivers samples the next day on his bike, making the most of the 120 km stunning road loop.

Sismic made the second season Eat Sleep Cycle kit and it is still going strong on cyclists all over the world, which is a testament to its quality.

Sismic makes custom kit for teams and clubs, mainly in Spain and France. Toti prefers less very close relationships meaning his customers are very happy with a personal approach. 

Toti can be found in every local race there is going, putting his kit to the test!

Made-in-Girona-Sismic-Custom-Cycling-Kit-Eat-Sleep-Cycle

Check out the range on the Sismic website & ask us about custom kit for your group when you next visit Girona!

Made in Girona – Support Local

We’re proud to work with these amazing companies & are always on the lookout to expand our range of local-inspired products. You can see our Made in Girona collection on our online shop, and be sure to checkout the range in our Girona store!

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

Feb 28
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Behind the Scenes: Bike Rental Girona

By Bike Hire No Comments

Back in the summer of 2016 three friends living in Girona pooled their credit cards, hunted for the best deal on the market & bought 7 bicycles. These bicycles were squeezed into an apartment hallway & delivered to the first Eat Sleep Cycle bike rental guests by founders Lee, Louise & Brian. Now, 3 and a bit years on, we’ve expanded from an apartment hallway to fill our Hub in Plaça Catalunya & a few months ago we opened a Service Course to house more bikes as well as our tour vehicles & equipment.

As the cycling tour season approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on why we work with the brands we work with.

Ridley: A Belgian Classic

The core of our rental fleet comes from Ridley bikes. Ridley is based in Flanders, Belgium – the heartland of cycling & home to some of the most spectacular cycling events on the calendar, the Tour of Flanders & Gent-Wevelgem. It is Belgium where kids master the cobblestones by the age of 5, where the country comes to a standstill to watch the Spring Classics. Ridley, like Eat Sleep Cycle, is made up of a team of people who live & breathe cycling.

Founded by Flandrian Joachim Aerts in 1997, Ridley is a company which has innovation at its core. After racing from the age of 14 to 19, Aerts soon took a different path and learnt bike painting, welding & building. He founded his first bike company in 1994. Staying at the forefront of product design & development is key & their mission is to build cutting edge machines which reflect a riders individuality. To date, Ridley has collected 15 world titles, one for each year since its involvement in professional sponsorship. Ridley is now a household name with top pros riding their bikes, for instance the powerhouse team of Belgium-based Lotto-Soudal making expert use of their bikes.

In 2017 we were searching for a bike brand to work with here in Girona. Ridley had just signed a sponsorship deal with Irish Pro Continental Squad Aqua Blue. A few of their riders were in town and we kept seeing Ridley bikes flash past. Ridley were not with another shop in Girona, so we got in touch & a new partnership was born. Ridley bikes are a firm favourite with our guests. They have great geometry which works for everyone & are dream to work with for our mechanics.

Our 2020 Ridley Bikes:

  • Fenix SL Disc – choice of 105 or Ultegra Di2
  • Helium SLX Ultegra Disc
  • Noah Fast Di2
  • Kanzo Adventure Sram Force 1x
  • Ignite
  • Tempo

Staff rides: Marc – Noah Fast, Nancy – Tempo

Factor: On top of the world

At the beginning of 2019 we were searching for a super-high end bike. We wanted to offer our guests the opportunity to ride one of the best bikes in the world during their tour of a lifetime. At the time we’d just started working with David Millar & his clothing brand, CHPT3. We’d seen David riding around on his beautiful One More Lap design bike and heard good things from riders in teh One Pro cycling team (at the time sponsored by Factor). One Linked in connection request later, and we were in touch with the owner of Factor Rob Gitels.

Factor Bikes is all about technology & its roots like in motorsport & aviation. In 2007 Factor Bikes was born in an industrial unit in Norfolk, England. Originally an offshoot of bf1systems, Factor began as a leading engineering firm dedicated to working at the highest levels of design with some of the fastest, most prestigious brands in the world including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati and many F1, Moto GP, and WRC teams.

In 2009 Factor entered the cycling world with the revolutionary FACTOR001. More pioneering development ensued and in 2012, Factor launched a collaboration with Aston Martin – the Factor ONE-77 £25k Hyper Bike. By 2013 Factor was unveiling its first production bike, the rule-breaking Vis Vires which included a bf1systems-developed power meter, a distinctive Twin Vane split down tube and a split external ‘Dual Bayonet’ fork. The Vis Vires platform debuted to unanimous critical acclaim from both the world’s cycling press and prestigious design award committees.

In 2014 the Factor engineers turned their attention to developing the next generation of frames, including the ONE & O2. Enter Baden Cooke. A top professional for 14 years, an Olympian & winner of over 50 races, Baden won the Green jersey in the Tour de France in 2003. As he worked with Factor, Baden fell in love with Factor’s vision & ideals. He took the Vis Vires for a test ride & that was it. Shortly after the ride Baden, along with engineer Rob Gitelis, purchased Factor Bikes from bf1systems.

The work continues and the new generation of Factor bikes continues to innovate & meet the highest demand of luxury performance.

Our 2020 Factor Bikes:

  • Factor 02 VAM Ultegra Di2
  • Plus Factor 02 Di2 in sizes 46 & 61

Staff rides: Louise – Factor O2

Basso: Italian Passion & Family Values

By mid-2019 we had a gorgeous bike fleet made up of a combination of Belgian class & the highest level of British engineering. What we needed next was an injection of Italian passion. Enter Basso.

Basso is a family run business located in northern Italy, in the shadow of Monte Grappa, in the town of Bassano del Grappa. In 1974 Alcide Basso, the youngest of three sons in the Basso family, started making bicycles in his family’s garage. In 1977 be founded Basso Bikes & was joined a year later by his brother, Marino, when he retired from professional racing. Marino enjoyed an incredible career which saw him win many stages of the Tour of Italy and become World Champion in 1972 with a win that inspired a nation. Marino wanted to offer the public the same tools that professional riders used.

Alcide had a solid foundation in mechanics from growing up in the workshops of master craftsmen & from working as a mechanic with Marino’s professional teams. He traveled all over Europe and worked with teams like Salvarani, Bianchi & Magniflex. By 1976 Alcide was able to open a retail store & in 1981 he opened the first Basso factory. The combination of Alcide’s talent for mechanics & engineering with Marino’s experience as a professional racer, led Basso bikes to create a unique geometry & ride feel across their range of bikes, which still shine through today. Basso’s are bikes created for racers.

So in the summer of 2019 we sat down with Alessandro Basso, the son of founder Alcide & got hooked on all things Basso. These a bikes for riders looking for a pure Italian race experience – they are the perfect machines on which to discover the rugged climbs of northern Italy & the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Our 2020 Basso Bikes:

  • Basso Astra Ultegra Disc
  • Basso Venta Ultegra Disc

Staff rides: Silvia – Basso Venta, Lee – Basso Astra

Reilly: Best in Class Titanium Bikes from Brighton, UK

We were looking for a missing experience for our gravel riders. With a stiff, fast carbon gravel bike from Ridley, perfect for high-octane dashes through the country side of Girona, we were missing a bike which would excel on the technical stuff & provide greater ride comfort. We asked the Gravel kings of Girona & we kept hearing about Reilly, so we got in touch. Enter Phil – all round legend & the guy who keeps things running smoothly at Reilly HQ.

Reilly is based in Brighton & is the work of renowned UK frame builder, Mark Reilly. Founder of Omega & then Enigma, Mark brings years of frame building expertise to the company. Co-founder Neil Fitzgerald comes from Formula 1 & the third partner, Damon Fischer, looks after graphic & product design. Together they create unique & beautiful bikes focused on creating the best ride experience for the user. Their approach is down to earth & their testing grounds are the rolling Sussex hills around Brighton.

Our 2020 Reilly Bikes

  • Reilly Gradient GRX

Focus Bikes: New Generation E-Bikes

The e-bike is a rising phenomenon in the cycling world with sales outstripping the sales of normal bikes. The e-bike is a fantastic way to level the playing field and for people of different levels to genuinely enjoy riding with each other. E-bikes make long kilometers & incredible landscapes accessible for a whole new group of people.

German brand Focus have a reputation for solid engineering. Their road e-bike has led the way for the industry & incorporates the latest technology for the lightest e-bike ride on the market. We’re waiting for the delivery of the first batch, so watch this space!

Our 2020 Focus Bikes:

  • Focus Paralane2 e-road bike
  • Focus Jarifa2 e-hybrid bike

Book for 2020 Now

To find out more about our 2020 rental fleet and to book now visit our Girona Bike Hire pages, give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online!

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

Nov 08
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Bike Rental Fleet 2020 - Eat Sleep Cycle - Spain

First Look: Our Eat Sleep Cycle 2020 Bike Rental Fleet

By Bike Hire One Comment

Our 2020 rental fleet is finalised, and it’s bigger and better than ever before giving you more bike hire options. We’ve collaborated with brands that we admire, who share our values and, crucially, make fantastic bikes that our guests will love! We’ve also updated our fleet to 100% disc brakes. From road to gravel, electric bikes and hybrid bikes, there’s a bike (and cycling tour) for every type of cyclist to enjoy.

New Rental Bikes for 2020

Let’s start with the new (and exciting!) arrivals for our 2020 rental fleet.

New Gravel Rental Bikes
Gravel is the new black in cycling right now and to reflect that we’ve upped our gravel game by adding TWO new gravel bikes to our 2020 fleet. Ideal for use on our Girona gravel cycling tour or embracing the Trans Alps Gravel tour!

Ridley Kanzo
First up is the Ridley Kanzo. Our 2019 fleet contained the Ridley X-Trail, the brand’s answer to an ‘all-road’ or gravel bike and we loved the versatility of this bike. Ridley have since replaced the X-Trail with the Kanzo Speed, a faster, racier, gravel-oriented bike and introduced the Kanzo Adventure; a bike designed for tougher gravel rides and with longer chainstays and a shorter reach for bigger tyres and more comfort on those long adventure rides.

Ridley Kanzo Spec:

  • Groupset: SRAM Force 1
  • Wheels: Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 DB

Ridley Kanzo Bike Rental - Eat Sleep Cycle

Reilly Gradient Disc
The second new addition to our gravel collection is the Reilly Gradient, a titanium gravel bike hand made in the UK. Not just a pretty frame (although have you SEEN it), in the brand’s own words: “The Reilly Gradient is an unprecedented engineering achievement. Combining a Hydro-formed REILLY AXIS 3AL-2.5V titanium tube set with our hugely flexible geometry”. We can’t wait to get out there and test it on the Girona gravel!

Reilly Gradient Disc Spec:

  • Groupset: Shimano GRX
  • Wheels: Fulcrum Racing 900

Reilly Bike Rental - Eat Sleep Cycle - Spain

New Road Rental Bikes
Road bikes make up the majority of our rental fleet and as such, curating a high-quality yet wide-ranging collection of road bikes for our guests to ride is paramount, these two new additions are no exception and will be the perfect two wheeled companions for our upcoming 2020 cycling tours.

Basso Diamante SV Ultegra Di2 Disc
For 2020 we will be augmenting our current collection of Basso bikes by adding the brand’s top-tier offering, the Diamante SV. The Diamante is the diamond in the Basso crown jewels, the top-end, aero, race offering from the Italian brand and the SV builds on previous Diamante incarnations with slight improvements and adjustments.

Basso Diamante SV Ultegra Di2 Disc Spec:

  • Groupset: Shimano Ultegra
  • Wheels: Microtech 38

Basso Diamante SV Ultegra Bike Rental - Eat Sleep Cycle - Spain

Ridley Helium SLX Ultegra Disc
Both us and our guests love our Ridley rentals so we’re adding the top-end Ridley Helium SLX to our fleet for even more choice! In Ridley’s words, the Helium SLX is: “the highest level when it comes to stiffness to weight ratio. We’ve designed it to be as light as possible to tackle the longest, steepest climbs. Yet it is stiff and durable…”

Ridley Helium SLX Ultegra Disc Spec:

  • Groupset: Shimano Ultegra
  • Wheels: Fulcrum Racing 5

Ridley Helium Bike Rental - Eat Sleep Cycle

Returning Rental Bikes for 2020

Now that we’ve gone through the lineup of new rental bike arrivals for 2020 it’s time to look at the tried and tested that will be returning to the rental fleet lineup for 2020!

Road Rental Bikes
Basso Astra Ultegra Disc & Basso Venta
We love Basso! We introduced the Italian brand to our fleet only a few months ago and the bikes have since had a very exciting reception from everyone who has ridden them. You can read more about the Astra and Venta on this blog.

Factor O2 VAM Disc
One of the most exciting bikes of 2019, the Factor O2 VAM has been a mega hit amongst both our tour and Girona guests as well as staff and friends of Eat Sleep Cycle. To find out more make sure you check out our Factor o2 VAM review (and preview!) to see why we love it.

Ridley Fenix 105 and Ultegra Disc
The Fenix has been in our fleet since 2018 and has received rave reviews from guests in both the 105 and Ultegra versions. Crucially, these models both run disc brakes, which we will be exclusively using in our rental fleet going forward.

Electric and Hybrid Rental Bikes

We’ve spoken before about how electric bikes are a game changer for cycling vacations and what was true in 2019 is even more true for 2020.

Electric Bike Rental - Orbea Bike Rental - Eat Sleep Cycle - Spain

Orbea Gain M20
Sometimes we all need a little boost, and the Orbea Gain M20 provides just that. For those riders who want to enjoy the thrill of climbing a mountain without the worry of whether they can make the whole way the Gain is a perfect safety net.

Ridley Tempo Disc (hybrid and electric)
Available as standard and e-bike versions, the Ridley Tempo disc is a great bike to take along the Via Verde or on a family ride or to explore a town and its surrounding area. Our guests have been impressed with the versatility of the Ridley Tempo Disc.

City Bike Rental - Brompton Bike Hire Girona

City Bike Rental

If you’re looking for a leisurely cycle tour around a city then these are the bikes for you, spearheaded by the classic cycling brand, Brompton.

Brompton
Bromptons are quite simply the best at what they do. A classic brand and a fabulous fold-up bike for getting around a city, we love Bromptons!

Bike Rental 2020 Girona - Eat Sleep Cycle

Book for 2020 Now

To find out more about our 2020 rental fleet and to book now visit our Girona bike hire portal, give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online!

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

Sep 26
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Basso Astra 2020 Bike Preview - Eat Sleep Cycle

Basso Astra 2020 Bike Preview

By Bike Hire No Comments

Last month we brought you a preview of the all-new Basso Venta when we added it to our Girona rental bike fleet. Now, it’s the turn of the all-new Astra, which has undergone a similar update and also been made a part of our Girona bike hire cavalry. The Astra comes in at a higher spec than the Venta and according to Basso: “The all-new 2020 Astra pushes the limits farther than any version before it and does so with a good dose of style.” Let’s find out more…

Basso Astra 2020 Bike - About Basso - Eat Sleep Cycle

About Basso Bikes

Founded in 1977 and based near Bassano del Grappa, Italy 50km northwest of Venice and less than 10km from the base of Monte Grappa, Basso have been making 100% Italian bikes for over 40 years. In their own words, the brand’s aim is to “put the product first, while always moving forward in terms of innovation, our technicians create with an extreme attention to detail, high precision and relentless perfectionism”, which sounds like a recipe for some pretty special bikes. Basso also work closely with another of our favourite brands, MAAP. The Australian brand, who design and make our beautiful Eat Sleep Cycle kit, worked with Basso to design a Diamante frame as well as running the MAAP/ Basso road team.

How Has the Basso Astra Been Improved?

Basso state that: “the latest version of the Astra model incorporates a great deal of technology that derives from its upper tier siblings and adopts a design that follows a tighter family feeling than ever before”. The new Astra benefits from aspects of the technology utilised within the pricier Diamante range. The frame is designed to be aero but not to such an exaggerated degree that it is rendered uncomfortable on long rides. The Astra has a larger head tube for increased solidity at the front, a near-horizontal top tube and chainstays that are designed for improved efficiency in power transfer.

Basso Astra 2020 Bike - Technical Info - Eat Sleep Cycle

Basso Astra Technical Info

The Astra’s frame is constructed from 100% 3k Torayca High Modulous Carbon Fiber from a blend of T700 and MR60 fibers.

  • Headset and fork 1-1/8” to 1.5” for more rigidity.
  • Monocoque frame without aluminium reinforcement parts
  • Integrated seatpost clamp
  • Disc brakes

Basso Astra Bike Rental Spec

Our Eat Sleep Cycle bike rental Basso Astras are set up with the following spec:

  • Microtech MR38 wheels
  • Shimano Ultegra 11-speed groupset
  • 11-32 cassette

Basso Astra Reviews

We will be road-testing the Astra and we will be sure to get feedback from our Eat Sleep Cycle Hub guests too. Check back here soon for a full review of how the new Basso Astra fares on the roads of Girona!

Basso Astra 2020 Bike Rental - Eat Sleep Cycle

Basso Astra Bike Rental

To find out more about buying or renting the Basso Astra visit our bike hire web page, give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online!

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

Photos: Basso

Sep 03
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Girona Gravel Cycling Tour Why You Should Come On One - Eat Sleep Cycle

Girona Gravel Cycling Tour – Why You Should Come On One!

By Girona, Gravel No Comments

Gravel cycling is tricky to define. In terms of terrain, ‘gravel’ can mean anything from unpaved roads to MTB single track and everything in between. On the subject of bikes, bike manufacturers use terms such as ‘all-road’, and ‘adventure’ to define their gravel machines, but one thing that gravel cycling can be defined by though, is how much fun it is to ride – and consequently, how addictive it is.

So, if you’ve exhausted the road, or even if you haven’t and you just want to try something new or want an excuse to buy a new bike / book another cycling trip then we’ve got you covered with the following reasons to join a gravel cycling tour!

Reasons to Come on a Gravel Cycling Tour

The Novelty of a New Discipline
Off-road purists may sneer at the advent of gravel cycling, at best dismissing it as a poor relation to cyclo-cross and at worst denouncing it as a mere marketing ploy by bike brands to sell more products. But there’s more to it than all of that, for starters, there are key differences between gravel and cyclo-cross bikes, namely that the former is designed for all-day endurance and thus comfort and the latter for flat-out racing on varied terrain over approximately one hour.

Gravel cycling is a novelty, but definitely not a gimmick, and it’s a novelty that doesn’t wear off, namely because there are always…

Girona Gravel Cycling Tour - New Places to Explore - Eat Sleep Cycle

…New Places to Explore

Uncovering new places you didn’t know existed, or completely rediscovering places you thought you already knew is part of what makes gravel so fun. The added benefit of a gravel cycling tour is that you can experience this without the danger of getting lost thanks to the addition of a knowledgeable, local guide. Gravel continuously surprises and when you’re on a bike that makes riding virtually any surface possible it’s always fresh and exciting. Taking this exploration to another level with bike-packing trips is just another way that gravel cycling enables you to see and do so much more.

Beginner Friendly

Never ridden a gravel bike before? No worries. A gravel cycling tour is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills and test your limits without worrying about traffic or hard tarmac. If you’re familiar with road riding and are just dipping your cleats into the off-road world then gravel is the perfect place to learn. Plus, on a gravel cycling tour your guide can coach you through technical sections and routes can be adapted to your level.

In addition, Gravel cycling is more inclusive than road or other disciplines, it’s not about what you wear, how much you know, your average speed, or how many Strava KOMs you own, if you’re up for an adventure then gravel is for you. You’ll never forget your first gravel ride!

Gravel Biking in Girona - Eat Sleep Cycle

Gravel Biking in Girona

So you know Girona for the pros, the classic climbs, the cafe culture, the quiet Catalan, country roads, you’ve got it sussed out, you know what it’s about. Think again. Girona is a gravel wonderland waiting to be discovered. For every classic Girona climb, you can bet there’s a gravel version. Done Sant Grau already? Do it on gravel and see it through a whole new perspective. Ever wondered if there was a different way to get to Banyoles Lake? There is, on gravel. If you thought road cycling in Girona seemed like an inexhaustible labyrinth of new discoveries then prepare to be amazed by what you can uncover off-road.

Basso Alta and Ridley - BIkes for Gravel Cycling - Eat Sleep Cycle

Weapons of Choice for Gravel Cycling

Of course, the right bike is vital for making the most of a gravel cycling tour. A versatile machine that can take you on almost any terrain is the order of the day. At Eat Sleep Cycle our go-to gravel steeds are the Basso Palta and Ridley X-Trail. You can read reviews of both on our blog!

Girona Gravel Cycling Camp - Eat Sleep Cycle

Want to Test the Girona Gravel?

Whether you’re a seasoned gravel rider or you just want to give gravel a try, our Girona Gravel Camp is for you! Give us a call now 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!

Photos by Daan Van Meeuwen

Aug 08
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The All-New Basso Venta - Bike Preview - Eat Sleep Cycle

The All-New Basso Venta – Bike Preview

By Bike Hire No Comments

We love Italy. The culture, the food, the cycling and since working with Basso, the bikes! For the end of the 2019 season we are super excited to be introducing the newly re-designed Basso Venta to our rental fleet. The new Venta landed in the Hub this week and we can’t wait for our test-ride event, but until we get our hands on it, let’s take a more general look at Basso and the new Venta’s spec.

Basso Bikes

Founded in 1977 and based near Bassano del Grappa, Italy 50km northwest of Venice and less than 10km from the base of Monte Grappa, Basso have been making 100% Italian bikes for over 40 years. In their own words, the brand’s aim is to “put the product first, while always moving forward in terms of innovation, our technicians create with an extreme attention to detail, high precision and relentless perfectionism”, which sounds like a recipe for some pretty special bikes. Basso also work closely with another of our favourite brands, MAAP. The Australian brand, who design and make our beautiful Eat Sleep Cycle kit, worked with Basso to design a Diamante frame as well as running the MAAP/ Basso road team.

The All-New Basso Venta - Basso Bikes

The New Basso Venta

The Venta model is not new to Basso, however the brand has completely redesigned the bike for the 20th anniversary (it’s described as the venti venta, venti meaning 20 in Italian), making it lighter, more aero and trickling down technology and lessons learned from the high-end Diamante but with a much smaller price tag at €??. Available in both disc and rim, they describe the bike as one for “from the pro racer to the Sunday amateur” which is reflected in the more relaxed, but still relatively racey fit.

Basso Venta Bike Specs

Now, onto the details that you need to know about the new Basso Venta bike – it’s a beauty!

  • Frame: Full carbon construction and no aluminium reinforced parts.
  • Tapered Headset: Headset and fork 1-1/8” to 1.5” for more rigidity.
  • 2 Fit: The frame can be used with both mechanical and electronic groupsets.
  • Tyres: The Venta comes spec’d with 28mm tyres and there is clearance for a few mm more.

The All-New Basso Venta - Basso Venta Bike Specs

Basso Venta Road Testing

We will be road-testing the Venta in the coming days along with some of our Eat Sleep Cycle Hub customers and we will be sure to get feedback. Check back here soon for a full review of how the new Basso Venta fares on the roads of Girona! And, if you’re keen to find out more about Basso, check out our Basso Palta review here.

Basso Bike Rental - Eat Sleep Cycle Girona

Basso Venta Bike Rental

To find out more about buying or renting the Basso Venta visit our bike hire web page, give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online!

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

Aug 02
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Costa Brava Cycling - The Perfect Coastline for a Cycling Vacation

Costa Brava Cycling: Why the Catalan Coastline is Perfect for a Cycling Vacation

By Girona One Comment

Rolling, Mediterranean coastlines, stunning medieval towns and villages and the vineyards of the Empordà region – the Costa Brava is a fantastic place for a European cycling vacation, with plenty for non-cyclists to enjoy too! The best time to visit the Costa Brava is outside of the summer months when the region is quieter and the weather is slightly, but not too much, cooler. The combination of mountains to climb and rolling, coastal roads to cruise along makes for a truly stunning cycling vacation, and with the cycling hub of Girona in close proximity this region truly is a cyclist’s paradise!

In this post we’ll outline some of the best that Costa Brava has for cyclists, give some top picks for places to visit and perfect spots to rest up after a satisfying day in the saddle, read on!

Empordà Wine Region – Costa Brava Cycling With A View

The Empordà region is known for its vineyards where you can cycle out along the beautiful lanes to a winery such as Finca Bell Lloc where you can take a tour of the amazing architecture before being treated to wine-tasting and gastronomic experiences. From Calonge on the coast, the wine region unfolds north to the French border & there are a multitude of bodega’s to explore. Wine aficionados should check out to DO Empordà Wine Route & experience Catalan wine making in all its forms.

If you’ve had your fill of wine Empord’à still offers much to explore. The city of Figueres, an important urban and economic center of the Empordà, is the capital of Alt (high) Empordà whilst the town of Bisbal d’Empordà is the capital of the Baix (low) Empordà. The name Empordà comes from the Empúries (Emporiage in Latin), which means ‘the markets’. The town of Bisbal d’Empordà  has hosted a Friday market for centuries & is now the place to visit in Catalunya for ceramics, art & antiques.

Empordà has provided inspiration for numerous artists, the most famous being the Surrealist Salvador Dalí, with other local artists including Angel Planells, Joan Massanet & Evarist Vallès.

Towns of the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava Coastline is punctuated by a myriad of picture-postcard Medieval towns and villages with ancient histories and striking buildings. Cycle anywhere along the coastline and you’ll soon come across one of these enchanted municipalities, stopping to take in the beauty of each individual town could end up making for a long day out!

Costa Brava Cycling Vacation - Cadaques - Eat Sleep Cycle

Best Fishing Village: Cadaques

If you visit just one town on the Costa Brava then make it Cadaques, although those in the know do so outside of the summer months where it can fill to it’s white-walled capacity with tourists. The celebrated Catalan Impressionist Salvador Dali spent his summers there as a child before later keeping a studio nearby. With Picasso, Matisse and Magritte among other notable former frequenters, one look at the narrow, steep streets framed by white walls and the impossibly blue sea is enough to inspire anyone to whip out a canvas and start painting.

Best Cove: Llafranc

The rugged coastline surrounding Begur is home to nuermous delightful coves & villages. Llafranc is a pretty little village which offers a great start location for exploring the Camí Ronda, as well as picturesque hotels & fabulous restaurants.

Top Medieval Town: Monells

Monells is a perfectly preserved medieval villages nestled in the rolling countryside of Empordà. The village square is the perfect spot for a long lazy lunch & the photo opportunities are endless!

Where to Stay in Costa Brava

Many of the hotels in this region are cycling friendly due to the popularity and number of cyclists who frequent this region every year, here are a few of our hotels of choice:

Costa Brava Cycling - Where to Stay in Costa Brava

For that little bit extra:
Make your cycling vacation to the Costa Brava that little bit more special and stay in one of these stunning boutique hotels:

Costa Brava Cycling Routes

Empordà & Costa Brava offer incredible cycling routes for riders of all levels & inclinations. Whirl along rolling coast roads, climb to Sant Pere Pescador or San Grau. Trundle along flat lanes through the olive groves  & vineyards.

Costa Brava Cycling Routes - Eat Sleep Cycle

Costa Brava Cycling Tours

Our cycling tour of the Costa Brava incorporates the best that the Catalan Coastline has to offer, taking in all of the must-see places, staying in the best accommodation the region has to offer and sampling fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean. To find out more about our Costa Brava cycling tour give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online!

  • Tour of the Costa Brava – ride point to point from Girona to Cadaques with the mediterranean on your right!
  • Luxury Tour of the Costa Brava – stay in the region’s best 5* hotels & combine relaxed cycling with fabulous gourmet expereicnes
  • Beyond Girona – ride from the Pyrenees to Empordà & the Costa Brava
  • Pirinexus Cycle Tour – ride from Girona, to the Pyrenees & complete the loop along the Costa Brava
  • Costa Brava Hike & Bike – coming soon, ask us for more information!

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