Girona Cycling Tours & Camps
Girona Cycling Tours
🚴 MTB ⛰ Hard ⏱ Multi-Day ★ Self-Guided

Banyoles lakeland MTB Challenge

A hard mtb tour through Banyoles lakeland, 142 km with 2432 m of climbing, self-guided.

★★★★★ 4.7 (48 reviews) From €337 per rider ⏱ 4–6 h riding per day
Banyoles lakeland MTB Challenge
Distance
142 km
Elevation
2,432 m
Max gradient
14%
Surface
Singletrack and forest road
Group size
max 8 riders
Fitness
Regular climber, used to long consecutive efforts

The Banyoles lakeland MTB Challenge is a rugged, multi-day ride for experienced cyclists seeking a true test of skill and endurance. This self-guided journey unfolds across 142 kilometers of singletrack and forest roads, with an elevation gain of 2,432 meters, demanding both technical prowess and stamina. The route is not for the faint-hearted—steep climbs, rocky descents, and tricky traverses will push riders to their limits. But for those who relish the challenge, the rewards are immense: sweeping views from Coll de Sant Iscle, the serene beauty of the Gavarres Cork Forest, and the exhilarating flow of trails that weave through Catalonia’s wild landscapes.

The ride begins at Sarrià de Ter bridge, where the initial ascent to Coll de Sant Iscle sets the tone for the adventure ahead. Here, riders will benefit from a skills coaching stop, offering tips to tackle the steepest section with confidence. A shuttle-assisted climb later in the journey allows cyclists to skip the grueling fire road, preserving energy for the more technical terrain ahead. The forest roads and singletrack that follow are a mix of smooth rollers and tight, root-laced sections, demanding precision and focus. The highlight of the route is the rock-slab traverses above the Gavarres Cork Forest, where balance and nerve are put to the test before a flowing descent that finishes near the medieval village of Peratallada.

This is a ride for those who thrive on variety—long, sustained climbs, fast descents, and technical sections that keep every pedal stroke engaging. Along the way, a coffee stop at La Xicra provides a chance to refuel and soak in the surrounding hills. The Banyoles lakeland’s mix of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery makes it a standout for riders who want more than just a scenic cruise. Whether it’s the thrill of pushing limits or the sheer joy of riding through some of Catalonia’s most dramatic landscapes, this journey delivers an unforgettable MTB experience.

Ride highlights

  • A skills coaching stop on the steepest section
  • A shuttle-assisted climb to skip the fire road
  • Rock-slab traverses above Gavarres Cork Forest
  • A flowing descent finishing near Peratallada

How the day unfolds

  1. Welcome and shakedown ride

    Bike fit, a short loop into Banyoles lakeland to test the legs, and a welcome dinner in Girona.

  2. Farewell ride

    A short final loop near Gavarres Cork Forest followed by a long lunch before transfers home.

What is included

  • Route pack: GPX, printed map and café guide
  • Phone support during the ride
  • Repair kit and pump
  • Knee pads and full-face helmet on request
  • GPX file and daily route notes
  • Support during the ride via WhatsApp
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Bike hire (available as an add-on)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks

On the road

Banyoles lakeland MTB Challenge — Gavarres Cork Forest Banyoles lakeland MTB Challenge — La Xicra Banyoles lakeland MTB Challenge — Coll de Sant Iscle

Good to know

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This is graded hard, so it is built for experienced, fit riders only.
How fit do I need to be for this ride?
This tour is graded hard: Regular climber, used to long consecutive efforts. Your guide sets the pace to match the group and always offers a shorter bail-out option.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
We reroute to a shorter, sheltered version of the loop or move the tour to another day at no extra cost.
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