PretripConsider arriving early and exploring Barcelona, a city of arts, culture and architectural richness. This cosmopolitan city is famous for the many works of master architect Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona has many splendid Gothic palaces, elegant green parks, sunlit beaches, hip cafés and excellent shopping. Day 1, Barcelona and Catalonia's PyreneesRide Options: 22-37 miles/2,800-5,800 ft
After a short transfer from Barcelona, we'll begin our bicycle journey with a short warm-up ride along quiet country roads into the Catalunya Pyrenees. Welcome dinner at our quaint B&B together. Day 2, Loop Ride in Catalonia's PyreneesRide Options: 36-52 miles/850-6,022 ft
How you spend the day is up to you: Test yourself on some spectacular cols along deserted scenic roads, enjoy some easy pedaling along the lakeshore or hike to a local auberge. Dinner together. Day 4, Catalonia's PyreneesRide Options: 48 miles/6,900 ft
We'll continue to ride in the Pyrenees region, following small roads with dramatic scenery and passing through several picturesque villages. We'll stay at a quaint B&B for the next two nights. Dinner together. Day 3, Catalonia's PyreneesRide Options: 48-63 miles/2,900-6,500 ft
We'll begin with a six-mile climb followed by a 26-mile descent with incredible views of the valley below. We'll continue with some easy pedaling through the valley to our four-star parador (a kind of luxury hotel, usually located in a historic building) that was once a 11th century monastery. Dinner on your own.
Climbing Option: For a greater challenge, you can add an additional 3,600 feet of climbing to our base ride. Day 6, Catalonia's PyreneesRide Options: 51-71 miles/3,270-3,900 ft
Our route begins with an easy spin followed by a six-mile descent to the valley below. Our first climb is along forested roads (12 miles/1,000 ft), then we'll descend for lunch. After lunch, our route takes us over our final climb (11 miles/1,200 ft) through a green valley along tiny, winding roads. The ride finishes with an eight-mile descent to our B&B, where we'll spend the next two nights. Dinner on your own. Day 7, Loop Ride - Catalonia's PyreneesRide: 56 miles/5,000 ft
Relax by the pool or join us for a loop ride along small country roads where Lance Armstrong and other pros prepare for their European races. The highlight of the ride is a visit to Beget, a beautiful unspoiled mountain village of well-preserved stone houses with beautiful wooden balconies. Dinner together.
Additional Climbing Option: 24 miles/4,100 ft
Looking for an additional challenge? You can continue up to Vallter 2000, one of Lance's favorite training rides — truly a trip highlight for climbers! Day 8, Ride to GironaRecovery Ride: 37 miles/1,100 ft
After yesterday's challenge, we'll enjoy a well-deserved recovery ride to Girona. We'll pedal through the scenic Parc Natural La Garrotxa, a natural volcanic area, and through the village of Banyoles. This village is home to the second highest natural lake in Europe, and is an international training destination for rowers. For those who want to further explore the area, there's an optional four-mile loop around lake. Relax and enjoy spectacular views of Girona and the surrounding countryside from our four-star hotel, where we'll remain for the next two nights. Dinner on your own.
Optional Ride: 19 miles/1,650 ft
For an extra challenge, climb the Mare de Dieu dels Angels, another famous training ride of the pros. Day 9, Girona/Santi Hillari Loop RideRide Options: 68-83 miles/4,179-4,809 ft or 37-43 miles
We'll ride into the Guilleries mountains to the lake at Sant Miquel de Ter, and climb to the mountain village of Santi Hillari. According to locals, this is one of Lance Armstrong's favorite rides. Dinner together at our four-star hotel. Day 10, Girona/Costa BravaRide Options: 44-57 miles/3,810-5,080 ft
Today's ride is another local favorite. We'll pass the mountaintop monastery of Mare de Deu dels Angels and continue along one of the most beautiful sections of the famous Costa Brava, the "Big Sur of Spain." In the afternoon, we'll transfer to our Barcelona hotel and pack up our bikes. Final celebration dinner!
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Ride Options: 22-37 miles/2,800-5,800 ftAfter a short transfer from Barcelona, we'll begin our bicycle journey with a short warm-up ride along quiet country roads into the Catalunya Pyrenees. Welcome dinner at our quaint B&B together.
Ride Options: 48-63 miles/2,900-6,500 ftWe'll begin with a six-mile climb followed by a 26-mile descent with incredible views of the valley below. We'll continue with some easy pedaling through the valley to our four-star parador (a kind of luxury hotel, usually located in a historic building) that was once a 11th century monastery. Dinner on your own.
Ride Options: 51-71 miles/3,270-3,900 ftOur route begins with an easy spin followed by a six-mile descent to the valley below. Our first climb is along forested roads (12 miles/1,000 ft), then we'll descend for lunch. After lunch, our route takes us over our final climb (11 miles/1,200 ft) through a green valley along tiny, winding roads. The ride finishes with an eight-mile descent to our B&B, where we'll spend the next two nights. Dinner on your own.
Ride: 56 miles/5,000 ftRelax by the pool or join us for a loop ride along small country roads where Lance Armstrong and other pros prepare for their European races. The highlight of the ride is a visit to Beget, a beautiful unspoiled mountain village of well-preserved stone houses with beautiful wooden balconies. Dinner together.
Recovery Ride: 37 miles/1,100 ftAfter yesterday's challenge, we'll enjoy a well-deserved recovery ride to Girona. We'll pedal through the scenic Parc Natural La Garrotxa, a natural volcanic area, and through the village of Banyoles. This village is home to the second highest natural lake in Europe, and is an international training destination for rowers. For those who want to further explore the area, there's an optional four-mile loop around lake. Relax and enjoy spectacular views of Girona and the surrounding countryside from our four-star hotel, where we'll remain for the next two nights. Dinner on your own.
