The brigade in Girona
April 2020
We're in lockdown and forced to cancel the Brigade trip planned for Mallorca. Everything was ready: plane tickets, bike rental, hotel, car, and on-site itineraries! We have to face the obvious quickly: we're going to keep doing a bit of Zwift.
November 2020
The second wave prevents us from organizing the traditional Brigade Christmas meal, an essential off-season sharing moment to kick-start the momentum for the following year. Hit but not sunk, if Matchy has taught us one thing, it's resilience.
February 2021
We decided to do it again in 2021, this time choosing a destination accessible by car, to avoid having our flight canceled a week before. This also offered the possibility of traveling with your bike and avoiding the cost of renting it. Girona therefore became an almost obvious destination. Less than 6 hours by car, the sun, the roads, and the cycling atmosphere that reigns there.
Indeed, what Cyclists haven't heard of Girona? This small Catalan town has become a favorite training ground for cyclists, especially the stars of the peloton.
It must be said that it has quite a few arguments to put forward. The climate obviously, the proximity to the mountains and the sea, the cost of living but also the charm of the city (where part of Game of Thrones was notably filmed, useless information but we'll include it anyway).
Admire the beautiful La Brigada jersey special for the occasion
In short, we went there for the first time in February 2017, and were able to experience this atmosphere, enjoying rides where pros mix with Sunday cyclists. Like us, quite a few patrollers needed and wanted to move, since we found ourselves with a nice group of 18 motivated riders.
May 2021
The program is short but intense. A 4-day weekend, with 4 outings on the program. Early departure from Annecy on Friday 21st and return on Monday 24th in the afternoon.
The group of 18 allowed us to offer 3 different outings per day, so that everyone could find something for them while being able to mix and alternate depending on the day.
We will stay in Banyoles (20kms of Girona) in a superb 17th century building, completely renovated. An exceptional place for cyclists. Run by Anglo-Saxons, the evening draft beer is served fresh! And the quality meals are perfectly suited to our needs.
Friday's route was common to all, arriving in Girona for lunch, the objective was simple, the climb of Rocacorba (9.9 km at 7%, very irregular) for a total of 60 km and 1400m d+ and a first moment shared together.
Saturday, 3 courses, from 110 km to 180 km for the longest. The majority head inland for courses of 2200 to 3300 m of elevation gain while the group of girls heads towards the coast for a ride enlivened by cocktails and the seaside atmosphere. There's something for everyone, and the day ends with massages and a beer by the pool.
On Sunday, there will be three more routes, from 80 to 150 km, on the coast and inland, there's something for everyone. That's what makes Girona so charming. Some are looking for a ride more chill after two big first days by taking advantage of shorter and less hilly courses.
Monday is already the last day! Head to Girona for a short ride and sightseeing tour of this beautiful city.60 km on the program with 900 of elevation gain, the idea is to eat in Girona before leaving for Annecy in the afternoon. Just to take a little coffee photo at La Fabrica and a detour to The Service Course.
This last outing is therefore the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed group ride, satisfied with these 4 magical days, and accompanied by the sun which had been giving us a bit of a headache since the first ride on Friday.
Departure
A short but intense weekend, with 450 km covered for the most energetic. All this while enjoying the necessary relaxation time during a stay abroad. A cold beer after the ride, a massage, a little dip in the pool, choosing a peaceful and cyclist-friendly place, allowing you to concentrate on cycling and enjoy the downtime.
With rides ranging from 50 to 180 km each day, we were able to discover beautiful climbs such as Rocacorba or Mare de Déu del Mont, ride along the seaside, take the time to take a break in small, unusual villages... so that everyone could find something for them. Cycling pleasure and discovery!
This story makes you want to discover Girona, its sun, its calm, its beautiful roads between sea and mountains. Take a seat at Escape Girona 2022!
