Cascade-Affiliated International Tours

Sept. 24 - Oct. 1, 2011
5/3/11 update: 8 spaces open. Tour will run!

Daily Distance: 30-78 miles, depending on interest and fitness level. A great trip for any moderate-level club rider!

€1,865 double occupancy, per person

€705 single suppliment

Highlights: Beginning in Girona and ending in Caldes-de-Montbui, this bike tour will allow you to experience the magic of Spain’s Catalonia region. Most days will offer two route options, giving you the choice of short, leisurely pedals or longer, leg-testing rides.

8 days, 7 nights

Option 1 – 32 miles/2,775 feet elevation gain

The riding portion of your tour will take us south through the villages of Quart, and Cassa de la Selva before reaching Caldes de Malavella, a small town famous for its thermal springs, and start climbing. We’ll reach the coast at Tossa del Mar. From that point on, your route will follow Catalonia’s famous Costa Brava.

Option 2 – 46 miles/3,935 feet elevation gain

You’ll follow the route described above until you reach Saint Feliu. Here you’ll have the option of a direct route (Option1) into Platja d’Aro, or a more circuitous route, covering an additional 14 miles.

Regardless of route, you choose, you’ll end the day’s ride in Plajta d’Aro, lodging at the four-star Silken Park Hotel San Jorge Platja d’Aro. This popular resort town, located along the lapping waters of the Mediterranean Sea, is noted for its crystal white beaches. And unlike Puget Sound, no wet suit is needed for swimming.

Option 1 – 30 miles/1,780 elevation gain

You’ll bicycle north, following the Costa Brava through a chain of shockingly beautiful coastal villages–Palamos, Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, Cap St Sebastia– all built around crescent white beaches tucked away in tiny coves. The short distance of this ride will allow you to fully absorb the awe of this magical coast and help you forget the current woes of your Seattle Mariners.

Option 2 – 53 miles/3,274 elevation gain

After following the coast south, you’ll turn inland at San Antoni de Calonge and begin ascending the Gavarres Mountains, highlighted by the “Coll de la Ganga.” Before returning to the coast you’ll pass through La Bisbal d’Emporda, world-famous for its pottery, Peratallada, a historic village of old stone buildings, and Pals, a well- preserved medieval town full of stone archways and narrow, cobbled streets.

Both rides will end in Tamariu, a quiet fishing village that borders a cuticle of beach nestled in a craggy cove. You’ll lodge at the three-star Hotel Tamariu.

Option 1 – 41 miles/2,000 feet elevation gain

Continuing north along the coast you’ll wheel into Torroella de Montrgrí, another town steeped with medieval wow, before reaching Sant Pere Pescador. Farther up the coast lies Castelló d’Empúries, a tiny medieval village dominated by the Basilica Santa Maria, a towering church built in the 13th century. A few pedal strokes’ away lies the coastal town of Roses, your destination for the day.

Option 2 – 65 miles/2,800 feet elevation gain

At Sant Pere Pescadors, you’ll bicycle inland, riding through a sleepy countryside dotted with farms and olive orchards. Along the way you’ll pass through a string of tiny villages– Peralada, Espolla, Rabós and Palau Saverdera–all steeped with ancient history and rural charm, providing a nice change of pace from Seattle’s Burke-Gilman Trail.

Both rides will conclude in the coastal resort village of Roses. Lodging will take place in the four-star Almadraba Park Hotel.

There are no options today, meaning you can feel like you’re back in Seattle, riding together in your own Critical Mass. We’ll transfer you to Sant Miquel de Fluvia and start riding from there. Past Banyoles, you’ll pedal into the volcanic park of La Garrotxa. This thickly forested park features 40 volcanic cones. Don’t fret – there’ll be no Mount Saint Helen moments. The last eruption took place 12,000 years ago. At night you’ll lodge in Olot at the three-star Can Blanc.

Option 2 – 41 miles/4,755 feet elevation gain

Both options will follow a southwest route through Catalonia’s La Selva region. This lush landscape is dominated by gnome-like forests of cork and beech. Along the way you’ll ride into Rupit. Perched along the high banks of a stream, the entire village is a monument to medieval architecture. Eventually you’ll wheel into Vic-Sau, your home for the night. You’ll lodge at the four-star Parador, noted for its stunning views overlooking the Sau Reservoir and the surrounding Guillerias Mountains.

Option 1 – 44 miles/3,020 feet elevation gain

Option 2 – 78 miles/7,315 feet elevation gain (a good ride if you’re trying to get in shape for the next Group Health STP)

Both rides will pedal south following sleepy country roads through tiny medieval villages. The longer route will wheel through the Parc Natural de Sant Llorenc del Munt i L’Obac, which features an impressive landscape of oak-filled valleys and ridges, accented by rocky bluffs and sheer cliffs. At night you’ll stay in Caldes de Montbui, a popular spa town famous for its thermal baths, some of which date back to Roman times. As a reward for your riding efforts, you’ll be treated to a complimentary spa session. You’ll lodge at the three-star Termes Victoria Hotel Balneari. Its downtown location will give you quick foot access to many of the town’s ancient architectural landmarks.

After breakfast we’ll transfer you to Barcelona.

THE FINE PRINT