Girona Basecamp: Pro Climbs and Village Cafés
An endurance-minded 3-day cycling base in Girona focused on iconic climbs, quiet scenic loops, and village cafés. Daily plans prioritize bike-friendly routes, safe quiet roads, local repair shops, and recovery windows.
Highlights
- Rocacorba — Girona's signature training climb
- Quiet Gavarres loops and Sant Martí Vell village cafés
- Medieval Old Town: Cathedral, Jewish Quarter and city walls
- La Fabrica Girona — cyclist-favorite coffee & carb stop
- Local support: Decathlon Girona for parts/quick repairs
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, bike setup, short shake-out ride and Old Town orientation to prime legs for big climbs.
Hotel check-in and bike unpack
Arrive at your bike-friendly base, secure bikes in a safe area and confirm any hotel bike services.
Local tips:
- Ask reception to store your bike in a secure, indoor bike room — it keeps drivetrain clean and safe overnight.
- Request a late checkout option or luggage hold so you can stretch legs on an afternoon ride without hauling bags.
- Confirm a small basin/sink for a quick chain wipe and towel dry to avoid rust if it rains.
Bike fit, supplies & quick workshop check
Final tune: check tyre pressure, brakes, cassette and top up nutrition. Pick up any replacement tubes/CO2 from a big sports shop if needed.
Local tips:
- Bring your tyre size when hunting tubes — Decathlon stocks a full range and can mount tyres quickly.
- Ask the workshop to torque your stem and quick-releases — small slips on a long climb are morale killers.
- Buy a spare inner tube and a 15–20g CO2 if you don't want to carry multiple spares on training days.
Shake-out ride: Onyar riverbanks & Pont de les Peixateries Velles
Easy 1–1.5 hour spin from the hotel along the Onyar River to the colourful riverside houses and the iconic iron bridge — a perfect photo and warmup stop.
Local tips:
- Ride clockwise for gentler curb cuts and more cycle-lane stretches; avoid the narrow pedestrian-only alleys at peak midday.
- Use the short spin to confirm saddle height and fore-aft position — adjust in 2–3mm increments if anything feels off.
- Fill bottles at the many cafés near the river before heading back; public taps can be sparse in the narrow streets.
Lunch & caffeine top-up at La Fabrica Girona (cyclist café)
Cyclist-loved coffee, light lunches and expert route tips — an ideal recovery meal after the shake-out.
Local tips:
- Ask the barista for their best slow-carb option and a double espresso; it’s fueling, not dessert.
- If your group needs a quick mechanical, La Fabrica staff often know trusted local mechanics and friendly routes to avoid traffic.
- Secure outdoor seating for bike visibility, and stash your helmet and shoes nearby — cafés are busy during lunch.
Old Town: Jewish Quarter (El Call) and Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths)
Gentle post-ride cultural loop through Girona’s medieval lanes — short walks to stretch sore legs and soak up the views.
Local tips:
- Walk the uneven stone streets with cycling shoes off — flatter-soled shoes are kinder on ankles after a long ride.
- Keep water with you; many stairways have no vendors and the microclimate in the alleys can be warmer than open roads.
- Use this window to loosen any tight shorts/boots and apply fresh chamois cream if you’ll ride later in the trip.
Light climb up Passeig de la Muralla for city views
Short, non-technical walk along the old city walls — ideal to watch sunrise/sunset lines and assess next day’s wind patterns.
Local tips:
- Choose the section above Sant Feliu for the best westward view and calmer foot traffic — great for a post-ride cooldown.
- Carry a lightweight wind layer for the wall exposure; cooling winds can sap warmth fast after sweating.
- Note the hill gradients from the wall — they give a preview of how steep the approach roads are for morning exits.
Dinner at Casa Marieta — local comfort food
Classic Catalan plates in the heart of the Old Town; a relaxed, hearty meal to recover glycogen and chat about tomorrow’s route.
Local tips:
- Order protein and carbs: a shared rice or pasta dish plus a grilled fish or meat will refuel properly for a big ride day.
- Ask for an early table (19:30–20:00) if you want to be in bed early for tomorrow’s Rocacorba start.
- Request a takeaway coffee or pastry to pick up before an early start the next morning.
Day 2
Signature climb day — early roll to Rocacorba with measured pacing, recovery and mechanical support; evening recovery meal.
Early breakfast and final kit check
Quick carb-rich breakfast, hydrate thoroughly and confirm ride bottles, gels and spare tube layout.
Local tips:
- Aim for a 1:2 carb to protein ratio on a small breakfast; too heavy and you'll feel sluggish on steep ramps.
- Lay out kit in riding order: bibs, socks, shoes, helmet; this saves time and stress in the 05:30–07:00 window.
- Double-check tyre pressures for expected temps — Rocacorba's descent can be cooler so slightly higher pressure on the climb helps rolling efficiency.
Depart: rolling gates and quiet exits from Girona
Slip out of town using the quieter northern exits following local bike lanes and quiet roads to the Rocacorba approach.
Local tips:
- Get rolling while traffic is still light: many local riders start 06:30–07:00 to avoid busy tourist vehicles later in the day.
- Follow local signposts toward Bescanó / Sant Gregori to join the gentler feeder roads to Rocacorba.
- Clip in slowly at the first roundabout — cobbles and grit can surprise you if you’re cold and stiff.
Main ride: Rocacorba loop — climb, summit, descent, and rolling back
A pro-style training effort: long steady climbing to Rocacorba, measured rest at the summit, and technical descent back toward Girona. Route: Girona → Bescanó → Rocacorba summit → return.
Local tips:
- Pace conservatively on the first ramps — Rocacorba has sustained gradients; use a steady power rather than chasing group surges.
- Carry two full bottle cages plus a small half-litre reserve if you plan to go hard; summit water sources are unreliable.
- On the descent, check tyre rub and brake feel a few kms in — high-speed descents are common, and brake modulation is crucial.
Lunch & compression recovery at La Fabrica Girona
Rehydrate, eat a recovery meal with protein and carbs, and take 20–30 mins lying down or using compression to flush legs.
Local tips:
- Order a hearty salad with grilled protein plus a carbohydrate plate (rice or potato) — you’ll need glycogen for tomorrow too.
- Swap into flat shoes and elevate legs on a bench for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling after the climb.
- Ask staff for the quiet side of the cafe to do a quick chain degrease if your drivetrain collected grit on the descent.
Light bike check & spare-parts pickup
Short visit to the shop for a drivetrain inspection, top-up of sealant or a quick brake pad check after the descent.
Local tips:
- Ask the shop to check pad wear and wheel true — heat from long descents can alter alignment slightly.
- Pick up a fresh chain quick-link if your ride had rough roads; a cheap spare saves a tour.
- If your cassette felt gritty, ask for a quick degrease; it extends component life and improves shifting for repeat climbs.
Cooldown walk or nap; short wall stroll to watch rider traffic
Easy movement to encourage recovery; walk a section of the city wall or take a controlled nap in the hotel.
Local tips:
- A 20–30 minute nap after an intense climb can speed recovery — set an alarm and keep it light so you don't stiffen up.
- Take a slow 15-minute walk to avoid sudden stiffness if you nap — legs prefer gentle activity.
- Use compression socks for 30–60 minutes post-ride to help reduce overall muscle soreness.
Reward dinner at El Celler de Can Roca (optional; reserve in advance)
A top-tier culinary experience if you want to celebrate the day — requires reservation well in advance; great for full recovery menus.
Local tips:
- Book months ahead if you want a seat; bring a lightweight kit bag and change into performance-casual clothes for comfort.
- Choose a menu with balanced protein and vegetable courses — Michelin tasting menus can be long; consider sharing to get the best recovery nutrients.
- If you ate late after the ride, request a slightly later or private table so you can rest first and avoid rushing digestion.
Day 3
Gently rolling day in the Gavarres for recovery mileage, village cafés and optional coastal shuttle if legs still feel fresh.
Hydrating breakfast and kit prep
Focus on hydration and moderate carbs; plan bottles according to today's mileage and any expected warm microclimates in the Gavarres.
Local tips:
- Weigh your bottles if you're used to precise fueling; Gavarres can be warm in the afternoon so pack extra electrolytes.
- Eat a smaller breakfast if you plan a mid-morning village stop; saves stomach comfort on the first climbs.
- Top up your sunscreen in easy-to-apply spots (neck, forearms) — tree shade on climbs isn't always continuous.
Gavarres loop to Sant Martí Vell — quiet roads and gentle climbs
Scenic, low-traffic loop through Parc Natural de les Gavarres with a café stop in Sant Martí Vell. Ideal for steady endurance miles and enjoying village coffee culture.
Local tips:
- Stick to the smaller GIV and GI roads through the park — quieter and more scenic than coastal arteries.
- Watch for short, steep pitches on farm roads; gear down earlier to keep cadence steady and avoid hammering the legs.
- Plan a hydration top-up at Sant Martí Vell — the village water taps/fountain is cyclist-friendly in summer but always treat on-tour water cautiously.
Village lunch and café pause in Sant Martí Vell
Slow lunch at the village square; enjoy fresh bread, local cheese and espresso while resting under plane trees.
Local tips:
- Sit in the shade and rest legs flat for 10–15 minutes after the meal to aid digestion before rolling back.
- Ask locals for a quieter back road return route — they often point you to lesser-known paved tracks perfect for bikes.
- Buy a small pastry or sandwich to pack for later if you plan a longer afternoon spin — village shops can close early.
Afternoon: easy return to Girona and gentle coffee at La Fabrica
Wind down the trip with a relaxed pedal back, a final cafe stop to stretch and pick up any small parts before packing bikes.
Local tips:
- Use the return ride as an active recovery — keep cadence high and power low for better blood flow.
- Sit near the entrance of the café so you can watch your bikes and prep packing while you sip.
- If you need last-minute liquids or sealant, Decathlon and La Fabrica staff can point you to the closest outlet quickly.
Final Old Town stroll and gear pack
Short walk through the Força / Cathedral quarter to loosen legs, stretch, and then pack bikes for departure. Final opportunity to pick up souvenirs or local energy bars.
Local tips:
- Pack wheels first (if removing) and place small parts in labeled bags — saves time at airport/train check-in.
- Do a quick chain lube after the final wash if you’ve had wet miles — prevents rust in transport.
- Take one last easy 10-minute walk to keep legs loose before a long car/train trip home; sitting immediately can tighten muscles fast.
Farewell dinner or transfer prep (choose depending on schedule)
Either a relaxed farewell meal in town or final transfers to the station/airport. Prioritize hydration and light protein if traveling next day.
Local tips:
- If you have an early departure, favor a lighter dinner (fish/veg/rice) and a full hydration plan before bed.
- Confirm transport times for oversized bike boxes — some shuttles need advance notice.
- If you’re flying with bikes, photograph packed bikes and check airline size/weight rules one last time to avoid surprises.