This is a 7 day / 6 night
cycling tour that includes cycling the
“Carrilet”, the converted railway that runs for 135km from Ripoll in the
Pyrenees to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea.
The riding
starts in the mountain town of Ripoll (682 metres) and follows the old
railway line that connects Ripoll to Sant Joan de les Abadesses (775
metres). This entire section is paved and is an idyllic start to the ride.
From Sant Joan de les Abadesses the ride weaves its way through this
medieval town before climbing its way up to the Coll de Santigosa at 1,010
metres before descending into Olot. This mountain section of riding is one
of the highlights of cycling in Catalonia – truly spectacular.
From
Olot to Girona the riding takes place on the converted railway that is known
as “The Carrilet”. It is a gentle descent for about 60 km into Girona. The
section of the Carrilet between Girona and Sant Feliu de Guixols is
approximately 40 km and covers a diverse range of scenery from the
undulating farmland around Girona to the Pine and Cork forests of the
coastal region. A truly beautiful ride.
Itinerary
Day
Activity
Accommodation
1
Transfer
from Girona to Ripoll
Ripoll
2
Cycle
from Ripoll to Olot
Olot
3
Cycle
around Olot Volcanic areas
Olot
4
Cycle
from Olot to Girona
Girona
5
Cycle
from Girona to Sant Feliu de Guixols
Sant Feliu de
Guixols
6
Free day
cycling
Sant
Feliu to Tossa de Mar
Sant Feliu de
Guixols
7
Coach to
Girona or Barcelona
Description
of Itinerary
Day
Activity
Day 1
Creative Catalonia
will pick you up from Girona train station and transport both you and
your bikes to your accommodation in Ripoll.
Day 2
Cycling from
Ripoll to Olot partly along the “Carrilet” – the converted railway
line that now serves as a
dual use cycle and walk path.
Approximate cycling distance:
40 km
Day 3
Explore Garrotxa countryside by bike through beautiful woods and the
Volcanic zones (all on small roads, Bike Trails or good forest roads).
Approximate cycling distance:
40 km
Day 4
Cycle along the
“Carrilet” (converted railway line) from the Volcanic zone of Olot
in the foothills of the Pyrenees to Girona city.
Approximate cycling distance:
60
km
Day 5
Continue
along the “Carrilet” from the plains of
Girona through the Pine forests of the coastal hills to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea.
Approximate cycling distance:
40
km
Day 6
Free day
to explore along the coast around Sant Feliu de Guixols. A favourite
ride is the coastal road between Sant Feliu de Guixols and Tossa de
Mar.
Approximate cycling distance:
50 km
Day 7
Return coach to
either Girona or Barcelona from Sant Feliu de Guixols.
Please note that this is not included in the price of the tour.
Notes:
Creative
Catalonia will provide you with detailed route notes, maps, bicycles and locks.
Each bike
is equipped with:
a
puncture repair kit,
2
spare inner tubes,
a
pump,
a
water bottle
a
helmet.
The Bike:
Our bike for the tour is the Orbea Ravel with front
suspension and suspension seat post. It is your perfect partner for riding
the Carrilet as well as for the fantastic cycle touring routes that you will
follow on this unforgettable tour.