Coll de Malla Gravel Challenge

The Coll de Malla Gravel Challenge is a full-day cycling adventure that blends the rugged charm of the Gavarres massif with the smooth rhythms of gravel riding. Starting from Plaça de la Independència in Girona, this easy-paced tour unfolds over 15 kilometers of winding trails and quiet lanes, with just enough elevation gain—227 meters—to keep things interesting without demanding excessive effort. The route is a careful mix of 69% gravel and 31% tarmac, designed for riders who appreciate the tactile feedback of hardpack under their tires and the occasional stretch of singletrack that feels like a secret passage through the landscape. The tour is guided at a standard service level, making it ideal for those who want to explore at a relaxed pace while still benefiting from expert local knowledge.

One of the standout features of this ride is the dry riverbed sectors below Coll de Malla, where the trail carves through rocky terrain, offering a playful mix of loose gravel and firm ground—a perfect testing ground for tubeless setups. The route then winds its way to Cruïlles, a medieval village with a square that feels frozen in time, where riders take a well-earned coffee break at La Xicra. The Fluvià Riverbanks provide a serene contrast, with dusty singletrack linking quiet stretches of tarmac, where the river’s gentle murmur accompanies the rhythmic hum of tires. The scenery shifts between sun-dappled forests and open vistas, each turn revealing another layer of Catalonia’s natural beauty.

This tour is perfect for gravel enthusiasts who want a manageable yet rewarding ride, with a balance of technical challenge and scenic enjoyment. The route’s easy difficulty makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, while the varied terrain ensures that even experienced cyclists will find something to appreciate. Whether it’s the thrill of navigating the riverbed’s loose sections or the quiet satisfaction of rolling through Cruïlles’ historic streets, every moment is crafted to immerse riders in the essence of Catalonian gravel cycling. The mix of surfaces and landscapes ensures that the journey is as engaging as the destination, making the Coll de Malla Gravel Challenge a memorable day out for anyone who loves the freedom of two wheels.

Ride highlights

• Dry riverbed sectors below Coll de Malla
• The medieval square of Cruïlles for a coffee break
• A tubeless-friendly mix of hardpack and quiet lanes
• A dusty singletrack link near Fluvià Riverbanks

How the day unfolds

1. 08:30

   Bike fit and coffee

   Meet your guide at Plaça de la Independència, Girona, fit the bike and take on a coffee before rolling out.

2. 09:15

   Into Gavarres massif

   The first stretch warms the legs on quiet roads towards Gavarres massif.

3. 10:45

   The Coll de Malla section

   The main effort of the day, with the guide setting a steady, sustainable pace.

4. 12:30

   Lunch near Cruïlles

   A relaxed stop for food in or near Cruïlles, with the bikes in view.

5. 14:30

   Past Fluvià Riverbanks

   An easier afternoon section taking in Fluvià Riverbanks.

6. 16:30

   Return to Girona

   A final flowing stretch back into the city with a drink waiting on arrival.

What is included

On the road

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