A hilly off-road day on gravel tracks winding between extinct volcanoes and through beech forest, with 1,600 m of climbing.
from €135 per rider
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Garrotxa volcano gravel day from Barcelona — 88 km is a hard full day gravel tour in Barcelona, taking in Garrotxa.
Places on the way: Garrotxa
This is a full day of gravel riding in the Garrotxa, the volcanic country in the north of Catalonia. The route covers 88 km on loose tracks that wind between extinct volcanic cones and run through beech forest, with 1,600 m of climbing spread across the day. It is a hilly, sustained ride rather than a series of short punchy efforts, and the surface is rougher than anything on the easier gravel days on this site.
Expect farm tracks, forest roads and stony climbs, with long stretches where the trees close in overhead and the ground is soft with leaf litter. The volcanic cones give the route its shape: you ride around and between them, never far from a view of the next one.
Of all the tours here, this is the toughest gravel day. The forest gravel loop east of Barcelona is shorter and calmer, and the riverside gravel intro is a gentle first taste of the surface. This one is for riders who already enjoy long off-road climbing and want a proper day out of the city.
This is a hard day, rated at the top end of the site's gravel options. It suits riders who already ride gravel regularly, are comfortable on loose and stony surfaces, and can keep a steady rhythm over 88 km with 1,600 m of climbing.
It is not a good first gravel experience. If you are new to off-road riding, start with the riverside gravel intro at 34 km, then step up to the 72 km forest loop before attempting the volcano day. Check minimum age and bike options with the partner when booking.
The ride is set in the Garrotxa, where a chain of extinct volcanoes sits among farmland and woods. The tracks weave between the cones rather than over them, so the climbing comes as long, steady gradients and rolling ridges instead of one big summit.
Beech forest takes up much of the middle of the day. The tracks here are shaded and can be damp, with roots and loose stones in places. Between the woods, open farm tracks link the villages and give the legs a little recovery before the next climb.
The Garrotxa lies well north of Barcelona, so this is a full day out of the city rather than a ride from your hotel door. Check with the partner when booking how the day begins, whether transfers are arranged and where you meet.
Plan for an early start and a long day, and leave the evening free. Bring enough food and water for a day with 1,600 m of climbing, even if a stop is planned along the way.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for a hard day on gravel. Temperatures are moderate, and the beech woods are at their best, fresh green in spring and gold in autumn.
Summer can be hot on the open sections, and the tracks are driest and fastest. After heavy rain the forest tracks become slick and slower, so the day will feel harder. Winter days are short and cold at altitude. Confirm the running season with the partner.
Against the Forest gravel loop east of Barcelona at 72 km, this day is longer, steeper and more technical, and the scenery is volcanic rather than farm roads and shade. Against the Barcelona big climb morning, it spends its effort off-road across a whole day instead of on a single road ascent.
If you want the hardest challenge on the site and are happy on tarmac, the Pyrenees three-day road camp is a different kind of test. For loose-surface climbing, this is the one.
It is rated hard. The ride covers 88 km with 1,600 m of climbing on loose gravel tracks, so you need good fitness and some off-road experience.
No. Beginners should start with the 34 km riverside gravel intro or the 72 km forest gravel loop before attempting this day.
In the Garrotxa, a volcanic area in the north of Catalonia, on tracks between extinct volcanoes and through beech forest.
It is a full-day tour. Check the start time and the expected pace with the partner when booking.
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