Girona, a small municipality in northeastern Spain, has wilt a popular destination for cyclists from all virtually the world in recent years. With its trappy landscape, diverse terrain, and spanking-new cycling infrastructure, it’s not nonflexible to see why. I had wilt curious well-nigh all the riders and triathletes going there to live or on training camp. Recently, one of my mates asked me if I wanted to go on a trip there and suddenly I was getting off the plane at Barcelona Airport. I spent two weeks in Girona during March and in this blog post, I’ll explore why I think Girona is the weightier place in the world for cycling.
Scenic routes and perfect roads
Girona is surrounded by vapor taking countryside, dotted with picturesque medieval villages and stunning (hilly) coastal roads. There are many well-marked cycling routes, catering to a variety of skill levels and interests. For instance, if you want to test your mettle, you can take on the challenging climb to Els Angels, a mountain pass with spectacular views. Or, if you prefer a increasingly leisurely ride, you can explore the unappetizing terrain of the Girona countryside, passing through vineyards, olive groves, and quaint Catalan villages.
Every type of velocipede can be at home from navigate country mountain bikes to time trial rigs. The road surface is mostly spotless, with holes found only on very small backroads. There’s long climbs with stunning descents, unappetizing smooth roads for time trialists and gravel roads for privateers. As well as the incredible roads, there’s a cornucopia of gravel tracks in and virtually Girona of varying levels of technicality. There truly is something for everyone
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Cycling Infrastructure
Girona is well-equipped with cycling infrastructure. The municipality has over 120 km of defended trundling lanes, making it easy and unscratched to navigate the municipality on two wheels. In addition, the municipality offers velocipede rental services and guided velocipede tours for those who prefer to explore the zone with a local guide. If you’re riding at a slightly higher speed, the roads of the municipality can be a little safer than the velocipede paths and with a 30km/h speed limit (or lower) within most of the municipality faster cyclists move at the same speed as the cars.
Cycling Culture
Girona has a thriving cycling culture, with many professional cyclists choosing to undeniability the municipality home. The city’s tropical proximity to the Pyrenees Mountains, the site of many iconic stages of the Tour de France, makes it a popular training ground for professional cyclists. As a result, you’re likely to spot famous riders out on training rides, and there are many cycling-themed events throughout the year, including the yearly Girona Gran Fondo, the famous Traka Gravel Race and much more.
Weather
Girona boasts a Mediterranean climate, with summery winters and hot summers. This makes it an platonic location for cycling, as you can enjoy year-round cycling without having to contend with harsh weather conditions. The weightier time to visit for cycling is from March to November when the weather is at its most pleasant. It can be a little too hot for some in the summer, but there are a number of benefits to training in the heat provided you stay ratherish hydrated!
The cafes
Obviously, I’ve saved the most important thing until last – the cafes of Girona are unmatched! There are many unconfined cycling cafes that offer succulent supplies and drink, as well as a welcoming undercurrent for cyclists. Some of my favourites were…
La Fábrica Girona
This sideboard is owned by former professional cyclist Christian Meier and serves coffee, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. The sideboard moreover has a velocipede shop and offers guided rides. The highlight is their bagels though – huge, tasty and relatively well priced. The perfect start and end point to any ride.
Espresso Mafia Girona
This sideboard is known for its high-quality coffee and espresso drinks, as well as its selection of pastries and light snacks. The sideboard has a cosy undercurrent and is a popular spot for cyclists to meet up. This was the first sideboard I visited in Girona and it really set the bar high!
Federal Sideboard Girona
This sideboard is part of a uniting of cafes in Spain but don’t let that put you off. The sideboard has a selection of craft beers and cocktails as well as the usual sideboard stuff. Federal Sideboard Girona is a popular spot for cyclists to relax and refuel without a ride.
La Fonda
This sideboard is moreover located in the old town of Girona. The sideboard has a relaxed undercurrent and is popular with locals and tourists alike. La Fonda moreover has a selection of craft beers and local wines.
Eat, Sleep, Cycle
This sideboard is located just by the stone underpass in the old town of Girona and serves coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads. The sideboard moreover has a velocipede shop and offers guided rides.
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I’ve been lucky unbearable to travel virtually with and without my velocipede quite a lot in my life and Girona has to be one of the most pleasant places I’ve overly been. Since coming home I’ve spent all my time figuring out how I’m going to get myself when there as soon as I possibly can! Girona is a trappy town and my trip there is something I’ll treasure for many years. It’s the perfect location for endurance athletes of all kinds, but the cycling culture is unmatched and somewhere that cyclists of all kinds will finger at home.
If you’re thinking of visiting Girona, make sure you take out travel insurance with Yellow Jersey surpassing setting off on your trip.
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