Sant Miquel de Cruïlles Ascent

The Sant Miquel de Cruïlles Ascent is a challenging yet deeply rewarding road cycling adventure through Catalonia’s Banyoles lakeland, perfect for riders seeking a hard but scenic test of endurance. Over 234 kilometers and 2570 meters of elevation gain, you’ll follow quiet farm lanes where the only sounds are the hum of tires on tarmac and the occasional rustle of reeds along the water’s edge. The route unfolds with the rhythm of quiet countryside, where the medieval streets of Pals—with their honey-colored stone and shadowed arches—offer a moment of historical respite before the return leg. This is a ride for experienced cyclists who crave long, unbroken stretches of road, where the physical effort is matched by the sheer pleasure of uninterrupted pedaling.

The journey begins at the Parc de la Devesa entrance in Girona, where the first few kilometers dissolve into the gentle sprawl of the lakeland. The Ter River Greenway provides a smooth, traffic-free warm-up, its tree-lined path guiding you toward the open expanses beyond. By mid-ride, you’ll have climbed to the 12th-century monastery of Sant Miquel de Cruïlles, its stone towers rising above the rolling landscape like a marker of achievement. The descent back toward Girona is one of the ride’s highlights—a fast, well-surfaced drop where the wind rushes past and the landscape blurs into streaks of green and gold. A well-earned coffee stop at Can Roca corner bar, with its no-frills charm and strong local brew, is the perfect pause before the final push home.

What makes this route special is the near absence of traffic on the Banyoles lakeland back roads, where the tarmac is smooth and the horizons wide. The medieval streets of Pals, with their narrow passageways and timeless atmosphere, provide a stark contrast to the open countryside, a reminder of the region’s deep history. Every detail—from the scent of wild herbs along the farm lanes to the cool breeze of the final descent—is designed to immerse you in the beauty of Catalonia’s cycling terrain. This is a ride that demands stamina but rewards with unforgettable views, quiet roads, and the pure joy of long-distance cycling at its finest.

Ride highlights

• Quiet farm lanes through Banyoles lakeland
• A fast, well-surfaced descent back towards Girona
• Almost zero traffic on the Banyoles lakeland back roads
• The medieval streets of Pals on the way home

How the day unfolds

1. Day 1

   Welcome and shakedown ride

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

2. Day 2

   Farewell ride

   A short final loop near Ter River Greenway followed by a long lunch before transfers home.

What is included

On the road

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