Ride Coordinator Comments

We have reduced the minimum participants for the tour and have now hit that minimum so the tour is happening - The ride leader will offset any costs as a result of lowering the minimum number of participants if required

Ride Description

OVERVIEW
This tour offers the opportunity to ride across Spain, from the Atlantic (Bay of Biscay) to the Mediterranean (Costa Brava) along the Pyrenees, the natural mountain border between Spain and the rest of Europe. This region is home to breathtaking scenery, charming mountain villages, towering majestic peaks, lovely winding roads and iconic cycling climbs. The Pyrenees have a rich history dating back centuries, with evidence of Roman settlements, medieval castles, and ancient churches. 

Our tour starts in the Basque Country region of Spain, departing from the city of San Sebastián known for its beautiful beaches, charming old town, delicious food, and unique culture. 

The first riding day of the tour sees us leaving the Basque Country, heading to the Navarre region to our destinations of Elizondo, Auritz-Burguete and Isaba. This area was described by Ernest Hemingway as "the wildest territory in the Pyrenees" and features a number of fortress towers.

On Day 5, we leave Navarra and enter the region of Aragón on our way to Jaca for our first rest day in the cosmopolitan city known as the "pearl of the Pyrenees" and an important stop along the "Camino de Santiago", the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela. There are many interesting sites to visit in Jaca including an 11th century Romanesque cathedral and a 16th century citadel. Leaving Jaca, we head to Boltaña, a small village located in the Ara valley with a picturesque old quarter and an 11th century castle.

We cross into Catalonia on day 8, onward to El Pont de Suert, with views of the highest peak in the Pyrenees (Aneto - 3404m). The following day we cycle to the medieval town of Sort. 

On the 10th day of the tour, we enter Andorra, a small country in the mountains between Spain and France that will be the location for our second rest day. This wonderful area is known for its beautiful scenery, stunning skylines, excellent cycling and hiking as well as home to a number of professional cyclists and race stages.

Day 12 finds us back in Spain headed to Puigcerdá near the border with France. On our way to our destination just outside of Ribes de Freser, we pass through the La Molina area which is home to the oldest ski resort in Spain and the highest road of the trip at about 1800m of altitude. The next overnight is in Olot, known for its volcanic area of Garrotxa.  We then head  to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali and home to the Dali Museum, one of the most-visited Spanish museums. 

We reach the Mediterranean coast on Day 16, arriving in Cadaques, home to the Salvador Dalí House-Museum and the Cap de Creus natural park. Our last riding day takes us back inland to Girona with its picturesque Old town, walkable city wall, and ancient cathedral. Girona is also home to a number of professional cyclists and has a great cycling culture. 

Iberocycle will support our ride. This company is based in Spain, has supported numerous BAC rides, and the owner and staff are experienced cyclists and guides.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Participants must be vaccinated for Covid and will be asked to provide verification. Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

RIDE RATING
The tour has 14 required riding days with an average of 42 miles and 3900 feet of climbing, for an overall ride rating of 4B*, with 3 days at 4C with mileages on those days being around 53 miles. A day-by-day itinerary with daily mileage, elevation, and RWGPS links is available by contacting the Ride Coordinator. Optional routes are available on most days for those that wish for additional distance and climbing.

While Iberocycle will transfer luggage and be available for emergency support due to injury, illness or mechanical problems, it is expected that riders will be willing to cycle the entire ride, except for group transfers.

As with most BAC tours, this is a tour for independent experienced cyclists. We do not stay together as a group on the road and do not have a “guide” with us at all times. The luggage van is primarily a luggage transport vehicle but is available for injuries or illnesses. The luggage van is not a “sag” and riders should arrive for the tour ready to ride the distance and not expecting to be “sagged”.

BIKES
If you bring your own bike, we strongly recommend it be equipped with appropriate gearing to handle the elevation gain each day cycling in the mountains. Your bike boxes can be transported from the start in San Sebastián to the finish hotel in Girona at a cost of 50 EUR. Tandems are allowed on a case by case basis - contact the ride leader prior to signing up for the ride. E-bikes are a great option and have been used on similar routes, with the participants noting that it made the tour feel one level lower (i.e. 3B). Bike rentals are available through Iberocycle (info@iberocycle.com). Iberocycle has Cube Carbon Road Bikes (210 Euros), Hybrid Bikes (160 Euros) or E-bike (260 Euros) rentals if you prefer not to bring your own. 

WEATHER
The temperatures in late August / early September, late-summer, will range from 65 – 80°F during the day and cooler at night. Since we are traveling across Spain this will vary depending on whether we are near the coast, up in the mountains, etc. The weather is unpredictable at elevation/ mountains, so you will need clothing for a wide range of conditions including warm and water-proof clothing for cycling and walking.

LODGING & MEALS
Accommodation is on a double room basis, with private facilities and are typically 3-5 star quality. Included in the tour price are 17 hotel nights, 17 breakfasts, no lunches and 9 dinners, as well as a daily happy hour with snacks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

LOGISTICS
The tour begins Wednesday late afternoon, Aug 28, at the hotel Barceló Costa Vasca in San Sebastián with introductions,happy hour and a safety & tour briefing.The tour ends after breakfast on Sept 14 at the hotel Carlemany in Girona, Spain. 

You can fly directly into San Sebastián airport (EAS) which is 15km from downtown but it has limited flights. From EAS you can take a taxi/shuttle bus or bus to downtown San Sebastián. Bilbao is the closest large airport and has a direct bus from the airport (BIO) to downtown San Sebastián in 75 minutes. Girona does have its own airport (GRO) but again with limited flights. Barcelona is the nearest large airport (BCN) and it’s fairly easy to take the high speed train from Girona to Barcelona and then fly from BCN.

COST & ADMINISTRATION
The tour cost of $4220 per person is based on a currency exchange rate of $1.17 USD equals 1 Euro. The current exchange rate is currently more favorable, but fluctuates. Depending on currency exchange rates, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. The tour price covers vans to transport us and luggage, bike box storage, cycling snacks, drinks and water, maps, cue sheets, RWGPS routes (FIT, TCX, GPX, Maps) , route notes and happy hour expenses featuring Spanish wines and craft beers. The price does not include airfare to San Sebastián/Girona or any other flights, transportation from the airport to/from the starting hotel, entry fees to optional activities, beverages at included dinners. Gratuity for the guide is included. At the end of the tour, riders will receive a refund of any remaining money in the budget. The final payment of $2220 is due on June 1, 2024.

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY
Solo supplements are available at $900 based on the currency exchange rate of $1.17 USD equals 1 Euro. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office by June 1, 2024. 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.

We encourage single riders who are willing to share a room to sign up. We will assist with the search for a suitable roommate. Singles may be asked to stay on the pending list until they find a roommate.

CANCELLATION POLICY
The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered 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 canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling 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 canceling 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 cleanup. 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 might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible

SIGN-UP
To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit of $2000 and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card.. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.