Girona and the Pyrenees Tour

CAMS Cycling Collective would like to present our 2020 European trip to Girona and the Pyrenees - 30 August to 13 September. Local tour operators have designed us a Tour with 3 stages to help discover the beautiful landscapes and signature climbs of Spain and France. Over 12 rides you will have the opportunity to ride 1,100 km and climb 24,500m, so training in the lead up is a must!

Stage 1 - is around Girona, the cycling capital of Europe where you will experience some of the best riding the area has to offer over 7 days (5 rides).
Stage 2 - is a point to point route from Girona to the Pyrenees though Andorra over 4 riding days to the high mountains.
Stage 3 - we finish with 3 days of incredible Pyrenean rides to remember, including iconic Cols of the Tour de France and hidden cycling favourites.

Please register your interest below and enjoy the excitement of having an awesome motivation for your training in the coming months.

TOUR DETAILS

ITINERARY

AUG 30 - Day 1: ARRIVAL

Check in at Hotel Carlemany is from 14:00. Guests arriving early are welcome to store luggage at reception.

You’ll make our own way to Girona and Hotel Carlemany. We can arrange group transfers from Barcelona Airport, this will be discussed with confirmed riders.

Hotel: Hotel Carlemany
Included Meals: Welcome meal

AUG 31 - Day 2: RIDE

The Costa Brava - 93 km, 1,300 m
Climb - Sant Grau - 7 km, 400 m, 5% avg.

Ride out on rolling lanes to Llagostera and climb up and over to the seaside town of Tossa de Mar. After pausing for coffee at Loop Cafe climb out of Tossa de Mar and enjoy the spectacular rolling coast road with incredible views of the Costa Brava. The main event of the day is the climb up San Grau, a gorgeous road hugging the coast which rises to 500 m altitude at a steady 5% average. Descend back to Llagostera and retrace to Girona enjoying views of the Pyrenees in the background.

Hotel: Hotel Carlemany
Included Meals: Breakfast

SEPT 1 - Day 3: RIDE

Sant Hilari Sacalm - 99 km, 1,600 m
Climb - Sant Hilari Sacalm - 21 km, 700 m, 3.5% avg.
Climb - Mas Llunes - 6 km, 150 m, 2% avg.

Ride south-west out of Girona to Brunyola and the town of Santa Coloma de Farners. From here climb the steady 21 km up to Sant Hilari Sacalm at an altitude of 800 m and enjoy a well-deserved coffee break at the top. Enjoy a sweeping descent tracking the river to the town of Anglès and cruise up the shallow climb to Mas Llunes. Return home via Aiguaviva and Vilablareix.

Hotel: Hotel Carlemany
Included Meals: Breakfast

SEPT 2 - Day 4: RIDE

Rocacorba - 74 km, 1,400 m
Climb - Rocacorba - 11 km, 786 m, 7% avg.

Rocacorba is Girona’s most iconic climb, made famous by the likes of David Millar and the Velo Club Rocacorba. The climb is 11 km long with a stiff average gradient of 7%, there are steep ramps of well over 10% and the max gradient is 24%. Watch out for the rugged road surface and expect great views of the region at the top. Descend to Banyoles Lake for coffee and cruise home on country lanes. Be sure to stop by Rocacorba Cafe on your return to Girona.

Hotel: Hotel Carlemany
Included Meals: Breakfast

SEPT 3 - Day 5: RIDE

The Gateway to the Pyrenees - 112 km, 2,100 m
Climb - Mare de Déu del Mont - 18 km, 938 m, 5% avg.

Ride north to the gateway of the Pyrenees, the stunning climb up to Mare de Déu del Mont. Enjoy rolling lanes on the way out and views of the climb getting closer and closer. At 44 km the climb starts proper - 18 kms up to an elevation of 1,123 m. The climb starts gently and ramps up as you reach the summit - pace yourself, take your time and enjoy the views! The route home takes in the medieval town of Besalu and skirts Banyoles Lake before returning to Girona.

Hotel: Hotel Carlemany
Included Meals: Breakfast

Sept 4 - Day 6: RIDE

Els Àngels and Santa Pelaia - 67 km, 1,300 m
Climb - Els Àngels - 11 km, 455 m, 3% avg.
Climb - Santa Pelaia - 7 km, 400 m, 3% avg.

A true Girona classic to finish off the week. The climbing starts at the edge of the city to the sanctuary at Els Àngels. At the top enjoy 360-degree views of the Girona with views of Rocacorba, Mare de Deu del Mont, Sant Hilari and the Costa Brava. Descend to the Empordà region and coffee in the medieval plaza of Monells. Climb again to the church at Sant Pelaia and descend to Cassa de la Selva, the home of cork-making. Return to Girona on small, country lanes.

Hotel: Hotel Carlemany
Included Meals Breakfast

Sept 5 - Day 7: REST DAY

Rest up and enjoy Girona! Walk the medieval walls around the city and enjoy yourselves.

Hotel: Hotel Carlemany
Included Meals: Breakfast

sept 6 - Day 8: RIDE

Point to point ride - Girona to Pobla de Lillet - 120 km, 2,300 m
Climb - Col de Canes - 12 km, 700 m, 6% avg.
Climb - Col de Merolla - 15 km, 470 m, 3% avg.

Ride north out of Girona and through the lakeside town of Banyoles. Ride through the beautiful back roads of the La Garrotxa region climbing through the town of Santa Pau towards Olot. From Olot comes the first climb, the Col de Canes. It has a steady gradient that averages out at 6%. At the top enjoy a nutritious picnic provided by the support team before heading downhill and gearing up for the second climb, the Col de Merolla. A fun descent takes us to our stop for the night in the pretty village of Pobla de Lillet.

Guesthouse: El Castell de La Pobla de Lillet
Included Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch on ride, evening meal

sept 7 - Day 9: RIDE

Point to point ride -Pobla de Lillet to Sort - 134 km, 2,700 m
Climb - Col de La Creueta - 21 km, 1,100 m, 5% avg.
Climb - Puerto del Cantó - 18 km, 1,000 m, 5% avg.

The climbing starts from the front door of the guesthouse, with the pretty ascent to the village of Castellar de n’Hug and the Coll de La Creueta. From the ski station of La Molina descend to Alp and cruise along the valley to the day’s picnic lunch spot at La Seu d’Urgell. The second climb of the day is the steady 18 km Port del Cantó where beautiful views and an awesome descent to Sort await.

Hotel: Hotel Pessets and Spa, Sort
Included Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal

sept 8 - Day 10: RIDE

Point to point ride - Sort to Bagnères- de-Luchon - 106 km, 2,200 m
Climb - Puerto de La Bonaigua - 18 km, 1,100 m, 6% avg.
Climb - Col du Portillon - 8 km, 600 m, 7% avg.

The valley road from Sort rises to the base of the first climb of the day, the 18 km ascent of the Bonaigua and our first attempt to reach over 2,000 m of altitude. A fast descent follows into the Vall D’Aran and the town of Viella, our last time to enjoy Catalunya. The second climb of the day takes us to the border of France via the Col du Portillon, a regular feature in the Tour de France. The descent takes us to Bagnères-du-Luchon, our first French stopover and resting place for the night.

Hotel: Hotel Alti, Bagnères-du-Luchon
Included Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal

sept 9 - Day 11: THE QUEEN STAGE

Point to point ride - Bagnères-de- Luchon to Saint-Savin - 110 km, 3,400 m
Climb - Col du Peyresourde - 14 km, 900 m, 6% avg.
Climb - Col d'Aspin - 11 km, 700 m, 6% avg.
Climb - Col du Tourmalet - 16 km, 1,200 m, 8% avg.

Take on three hors category cols on a stage to rival any in the Tour de France. The first challenge of the day is the Col de Peyresourde. Enjoy a coffee break at the top and why not taste the local crepes from the summit cafe! A fast descent runs to Arreau and the base of the Col d'Aspin, a beautiful climb with the sounds of cowbells to enjoy as the views unfold.

After a quick refuel at the top, a fast descent follows to Saint Marie Campan and the base of the biggest challenge of the week, the iconic Col du Tourmalet. One of the most famous Tour de France climbs the Tourmalet is 15 km long and reaches an altitude of 2,100 m. Descend through Luz Saint Sauveur and save something for the short climb to our resting place in the village of Saint Savin.

Hotel: Hotel Viscos, Saint Savin
Included Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal

sept 10 - Day 12: RIDE

Optional out and back ride to the Hautacam - 36 km, 1,200 m
Climb - Hautacam - 17 km, 1,170 m, 7% avg.

The Hautacam is a regular feature in the Tour de France. Expect regular changes in gradient and ramps of up to 11%. Those feeling energetic can continue a little higher to the Col de Tramassel. Sports massages will be scheduled today.

Hotel: Hotel Viscos, Saint Savin
Included Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, evening meal

sept 11 - Day 13: HIDDEN GEMS RIDE

Loop ride to the Soulor, Aubisque and Spandelles - 82 km, 2,700 m
Climb - Col du Soulor - 13 km, 569 m, 7% avg.
Climb - Col d'Aubisque - 7.5 km, 500 m, 4.6% avg.
Climb - Col de Spandelles - 10.5 km, 855 m, 8% avg.

Climb two Pyrenean classics and one hidden gem on today’s ride. Start on the slopes of the Col du Soulor and enjoy gorgeous views of the valley as you climb. Then a top descent to the stunning Cirque du Litor road and take on the short climb to the Col d'Aubisque. Pause for coffee and photos at the giant Tour de France bikes before heading back to enjoy a stunning descent to Ferriers and the base of the final climb to the Col de Spandelles, with max gradients of 21% so this is a true leg-breaker to end the day!

Hotel: Hotel Viscos, Saint Savin
Included Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

sept 12 - Day 14: PARADE STAGE

Cirque de Gavarnie - 90 km, 2,300 m
Climb - Cirque de Gavarnie (Col de Tentes) - 30 km, 1,585 m, 5% avg.

Climb into the heart of the national park on this spectacular grand finale to the Cirque de Gavarnie. Enjoy stunning views all the way up of the Cirque de Gavarnie and of the high mountains forming the natural border with Spain. A true off-the beaten track hors categorised climb which cannot be missed!

Hotel: Hotel Viscos, Saint Savin
Included Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, celebration evening meal

sept 13 - Day 15: DEPARTURES

It’s time to say goodbye! Your onward travel will be from Toulouse Airport. A group transfer to Toulouse Airport is included.

Included Meals: Breakfast

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

How to get to Girona

From Girona Airport
For direct flights from European destinations.
Private transfers are available from €50 and we can help you book this.
A public bus also runs during the day.

From Barcelona Airport
For international flights. We recommend flying into Barcelona Airport. Group and private transfers are available on request.
Private transfers are available from €180.
A Sagales coach will costs €19. The train costs €17 plus the metro fare from the airport to Barcelona Sants.
The 40 min train is not suitable for guests travelling with bikes. The hotel is a 5 min walk from Girona Train Station for those arriving via coach or train.

From Girona Bus or Train Station
For overland journeys from major European cities. It is located about 1.5km distance (15 min walk) from Girona’s Old Town.

Meeting Point

Our guides will be there to welcome you at our hotel and to give a tour briefing at our first evening meal.

Departure from Toulouse Airport
Plan your onward travel from Toulouse Airport.

Making the Most of Your Journey
Before the Tour - spend some time in Barcelona, check out the Sagrada Familia, the Barceloneta beach and the fantastic food!
After the Tour - If you’re not ready to go home take a train north and explore the culture and gastronomy of San Sebastian. Consider heading over to Bilbao, home of the iconic Guggenheim museum.

FAQ’s

Non-Cycling Partners
This tour is not recommended for non-cycling partners as there are multiple point to point stages.

Trip Changes
Our Tour Itinerary will provide the final information for your tour. Note: We reserve the right to change ride details and hotels at our discretion to improve your experience.

Ride Support
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water. On point to point days and in the Pyrenees the team will serve a roadside lunch – a time efficient pit stop with the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, fruit and veg to keep you energised and feeling healthy all week. There are 6 lunches included in the tour. The Ride Leaders are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime. Our Ride Leaders know the region well and speak the local language.

Meals
Your trip includes daily breakfast at your hotels/guesthouses. Ride nutrition is available throughout the Tour. Lunches are either nutritious time-efficient picnics served by our guides, or a quick stop in our favourite cafes and restaurants along the way. Six lunches are included in the Tour. On other days choose from the menu at cafe stops at your own expense. Six evening meals are included on the first, last and point-to-point nights. On the other nights we’ll provide restaurant recommendations and can make reservations for you on request.

Laundry
Your Girona hotel can provide a laundry service on request (at additional cost).

Insurance
We highly recommend investing in travel, bike and health insurance for your trip, so that you are covered in the event of any accident or emergency.

Total Price to Pay and Payment Methods
The cost of the tour is AU$7,300 per person (shared accommodation - an extra AU$1,525 will get you your own room). This Tour is for current CAMS 12 month members, for all other memeber costs please contact Cameron Hughes directly. Your final price will include any additional bike rental, any arranged transfers, or extra nights as requested. A deposit of 50% of your final price is required at the time of booking and payment of the remaining 50% can be paid monthly up until June 30, 2020.

Custom Tour Cancellation Policy
If a member of the group can no longer attend then their deposit is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to a new group member. Please see our terms and conditions when we email you a request for your first payment.

Passport and Visa Requirements
Australian and New Zealand (among others) do not require a tourist / entry visa. For those outside these countries, you must inquire about the need of acquiring a visa or other relevant documentation that allows you to enter the country or countries in which the tour takes place, according to your nationality.

Bike Hire
Can be arranged, and there is a selection of high-quality bikes, such as RIDLEY, FACTOR, BASSO and ORBEA to rent for the duration of our Tour at a 10% discount, ask us for more details.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

We would love to have you join us! Please register your interest below and enjoy the excitement of having an awesome motivation for your training in the coming months.