Girona Cycling Holidays
According to Lance Armstrong's autobiography, he was hounded by
random drug tests at his home in Nice on the French Riviera and
chose to escape to the Spanish city of Girona to the north of
Barcelona as his main training base during the winter. Gustavo
Velazquez who runs
Espana Cycling Vacations described to us a momentous
occasion on one of his favourite rides to the sanctuary of Maré de
Deu del Mont .... "Back in 2002 I was lucky enough to do this
ride in the company of Lance Armstrong, Floyd Landis, and Matthew
White, all members of the former US Postal Cycling Team, an
experience of a lifetime. Its a challenging route of no more then
10 miles with some steep switch backs in the last few miles, but
the views from the top make the effort worth while. This is one of
the many climbs where the pros test their fitness right before the
major Tours."
 Not
only is this region popular with the professionals it is also a
popular destination for general cycling enthusiasts with routes to
cover the whole range of fitness levels. Out in the
countryside of Catalonia you'll discover medieval villages, art,
history, spectacular scenery and excellent cuisine, and what better
way to do it than from the seat of a bicycle. Experience the
smells, sounds and breathtaking views of the Pyrenees Mountains and
the emerald blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Girona is believed to have been founded by the Greeks and named
Gerunda by the Romans, it is a
fascinating city to explore and an ideal starting place for a cycling
tour. Steep cobbled streets take you into the labyrinth of the Barri
Vell with its centuries old houses. You can visit the Arab Baths, and
the Jewish Quarter, or take a stroll along the wall for the best view of
the city.
Cycling along the Mediterranean coast, more commonly known as the
Costa Brava, you'll come across steep cliffs which drop sharply to
sea; secluded, tightly enclosed coves with small beaches all of
which add up to a cyclists heaven. North of Girona on the
coast you'll come across the white village of Cadaqués which was
very popular with Salvador Dali. Indeed you can take a route
inland from Cadaqués to visit Figueras where the great artist was
born and visit the famous Dalí Museum.
 Looking
for more than a stroll around the coast and the inland villages then get
your hearts pumping and appetites open with a ride to the rolling hills
at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains, it offers the cycle tourist great
scenery and a chance to see the extinct volcanoes of Olot in the
Garrotxa region, and sample the best sausages in Catalunya among other
culinary delights.
Not to be missed, and only an hour train ride away, Barcelona is a
must see city. Gaudi's Sagrada Familia church, the colorful Ramblas,
the Cathedral, the Barri Gotic, and the many Tapas bars, make
Barcelona a nice break for those who don't want to ride every day.
If you're interested in an organised cycling holiday in this area
then take a look at the
Espana Cycling Vacations website. This is a small
business operated by Monica and Gustavo Velazquez, an American
couple who are passionate about cycling and about Spain. They
can organise an unforgettable cycling holiday based in a country
home in Masia near Girona for cyclists of all abilities.
Typically tours last 8 days and 7 nights and include pick up and
drop off at Barcelona airport.
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