Catalonia - Pyrenees, Cava and Costa Brava

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW

Catalonia is a region in the far northeastern corner of Spain situated between the Pyrenees Mountains to the north and the Costa Brava beaches to the east. The varied terrain of hills, meadows, and forests combined with rugged coastline and sandy beaches make it a fantastic area for cycling. It boasts a unique and interesting culture; the art of Gaudi and Dalí, Catalan culinary specialties, and the sparkling wine, Cava. We get a taste of it all, and a bit of France, on this circular route starting and ending in the historic city of Girona. It’s a 15-day tour with 13 riding days, 7 of which are moving to a new location and 6 of which are optional loops. This tour will be supported by Iberocycle.

After two nights in Girona, we move toward the Pyrenees to Olot in the volcanic region of Garrotxa, unique for its extinct volcanic cones (two nights). Next we head to Figueres at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains and home to the Dalí Theater and Museum with time for an afternoon visit (one night). On day 6 we cross into France to the Mediterranean coast via the scenic Col de Banyuls for two nights in Collioure, France, once an old fishing village. On day 8, we cycle south into Spain, following the coastline to Cadaqués, a whitewashed village sitting on Catalonia’s most easterly outcrop. On day 9, a loop ride passes Salvador Dalí’s seaside home and through Cap de Creus. On day 10, we ride along the Costa Brava to Torroella de Montgrí with its old town walls and 13th century castle. Our next stage is a short ride to Sant Felieu de Guíxols, our last stop along the Mediterranean Sea (two nights). Day 13, an optional ride, is a stunning coastal cliff ride to Tossa del Mar and back. Our final day of riding takes us back to Girona. A list of daily distances and elevation gains is located in Ride Leader Docs (visible after you sign up) or can be sent by email from the leader.

COVID VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

Participants must be fully vaccinated including booster shots if applicable and be prepared to present vaccination documentation for viewing by Ride Leader if requested.

RIDE RATING

The trip is rated a 2B, averaging 36 miles and 2380 feet of climbing per day. There are two required days exceeding the 2B rating (day 3: 36 miles and 3140 feet of climbing and day 8: 37 miles and 3630 feet of climbing). Day 8 also passes through two well-lit tunnels with sidewalks. For those preferring to avoid the tunnels, there is an option to bypass them (additional 680 feet of climbing). The required riding is 249 miles. If one rides all the optional loops choosing the longest loops, the distance is 474 miles over 13 days.

This ride is at times hilly. Iberocycle provides luggage transport and emergency rider transport, but each rider is expected to ride all the required riding unless ill or seriously injured. Iberocycle does not provide a “sag” shuttle service and we do not ride as a “stay together” group. Riders must be able to handle on the road mechanicals (flat tires etc) and must be able to follow a cue sheet and map and/or use their navigation devices.

WEATHER

Average low temperatures at this time of year are in the high 50s to low 60s and average highs in the mid to high 70s. It is not unusual to have days outside this range. Rain is always a possibility so bring good rain gear.

LODGING & MEALS

Fourteen nights lodging includes two nights each in Olot, Collioure, Cadaqués, Torroella de Montgrí, and Sant Felieu de Guíxols. We spend three nights in Girona and one night in Figueres. Daily breakfasts will be provided and there are five group dinners. Lunches and the remaining dinners will be on your own.

LOGISTICS

Arrive in Girona on Monday, May 29, 2023 and depart Monday, June 12 2023 from Girona. Last ride day is Sunday, June 11. The nearest large airport is Barcelona, a 45-minute train ride away. You might want to arrive early or stay after in order to spend extra time in Girona and Barcelona. They are beautiful, historic cities well worth visiting. For extra nights in Girona, make hotel arrangements through Iberocycle in order to get our group rate. Bike boxes will be stored in Girona. Luggage transport and emergency sag support for riders with significant health or mechanical problems preventing them from riding will also be provided. Rental bikes for an additional fee are available from Iberocycle whom you will contact directly to make arrangements.  Types of bikes available and costs: Cube carbon – 195 € / TREK hybrid 135 € / E-bike 230 €.

COST & ADMINISTRATION

In addition to the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee of $100, the estimated tour cost is $3700 based on an anticipated exchange rate of $1.25 = 1 Euro and a minimum of 16 participants. The estimated cost includes: 14 nights lodging with full breakfast; daily BAC social hour with beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks; five group dinners; luggage van & emergency sag support; storage of bike boxes; maps, cue sheets and GPS files; and tip for the guide. It does not include lunches or beverages with dinner. A deposit of $1500 assures your place on the tour. 

Final payment of $2200 and any solo supplements are due by March 1, 2023. The final payment and the solo supplement amount of $875 may be adjusted to reflect significant currency exchange rate changes. Solo payments are made to BAC by check. All final payments may be adjusted based on exchange rates at that time.

SOLOS & SINGLES POLICY

A very few solo rooms may be available at an extra cost of $875. Request this when applying for the ride! The supplement fee is due on March 1, 2023. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check. They should be mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

Singles are accepted as long as they pay solo supplement of $875 if no roommate is found. It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own.  The Ride Leader will do best efforts to help out. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled because the number of participants regestered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY

Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Before participating in any BAC tour, members should review their medical coverage and assess whether what you have is sufficient. If it isn’t, you should purchase additional travel medical coverage. BAC maintains a policy that provides coverage for expenses related to medical emergencies and repatriation when members are on tours outside the US and their home country. The policy ceases to be applicable if a member makes a personal deviation (e.g., makes a side trip not related to the planned BAC tour), has limits on expenses covered for family members and only applies for 45 days following departure from home. None of the policies maintained by BAC will cover costs associated with self-quarantines that may be government mandated. Members should also ensure that vaccinations are up to date (e.g., annual influenza, tetanus, etc.). If travelling outside your home country you may wish to consult with a travel physician or nurse to ensure that the appropriate vaccinations are up to date.

SIGN-UP

To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List. At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee and the initial tour deposit of $1600 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.