ruta brutal
28th-31st July- 4 riding days, 400km, 10,000m, 2 sore legs, raw arse, and a few tantrums
Prepare to embark on the ultimate cycling challenge curated exclusively for the most adventurous of individuals who like a bit of a struggle. Enter the realm of Luke Scheybeler, co-founder of Rapha, who resides in the breathtaking, yet unforgiving, depths of Catalunya's formidable mountainous terrain—a place that doesn't readily cater to the faint of heart. Inspired by his own grueling journeys through this awe-inspiring yet merciless landscape, Luke recognized a shared desire among thrill-seeking cyclists to conquer the same extraordinary terrain.
Driven by this realization, Luke approached Grit | Girona with an audacious proposition—to craft an unparalleled four-day gravel biking experience that transcends the conventional notions of a standard Girona gravel tour. Drawing upon our extensive knowledge and relentless pursuit of cycling excellence, we have meticulously designed a route that transcends boundaries and pushes the limits of what is considered possible. Brace yourself as we navigate farm tracks, forest roads, hiking trails, pristine gravel roads, and unyielding rural routes. Be prepared for a scarcity of smooth surfaces, for this is a journey where challenges abound.
You can expect moments when dismounting becomes inevitable, traversing sections where your trusty steed must be carried, and pushing your limits in sections where even a moment's distraction could spell disaster. But amidst these trials, the rewards are boundless. As your heart races and adrenaline surges through your veins, the vistas that unfold before your eyes will leave you breathless. This is not merely a cycling tour; it is an extraordinary feat of strength, skill, and sheer determination that will redefine your perception of what is possible on two wheels.
Join us on this exclusive escapade, where only the bravest and most intrepid souls dare to venture. Together, we will conquer the untamed beauty of Catalunya's remote landscapes, creating memories that will forever ignite the spirit of adventure within you. Prepare to embark on the ultimate test of your cycling prowess, as we challenge the limits of what you thought possible—a truly unforgettable experience awaits.
Experience the ultimate blend of challenge and indulgence on an exceptional cycling adventure. After each day's triumphs, retreat to rural hotels offering unrivaled comfort, delectable cuisine, and impeccable service—the perfect pampering after conquering the road.
Throughout your journey, enjoy full vehicle support in accessible sections, while lunch awaits at stunning rural restaurants nestled in the hills. Our knowledgeable guides ensure a steady supply of water, Mars bars, and Coke. Your bags will be ready at each evening stop, while we tend to your bike, allowing you to relax in a hot tub.
Our route traverses Girona's four mountain ranges—the Gavarres, Alt Garrotxa, Garrotxa, and Guilleres—before returning to Girona for an exquisite evening of fine dining and luxury sleep. Join us for this extraordinary adventure, where pain meets pleasure, and unforgettable memories are made.
Dates:
It all kicks off this July, with check-in on Thursday 27th, departing 28th, and returning to Girona on the evening of Monday 31st, check-out Tuesday morning.
The cost includes
5 nights accommodation* from Thursday to Tuesday morning (2 nights in Girona, 3 nights on tour)
Ride food
Lunches
Guides
Bike care
Vehicle support
*excluding alcoholic drinks
Options: airport transfers, high quality bike rental, massage.
Price: €4935
Places are strictly limited, and we will try to create a well matched group to maximise everyone’s enjoyment and balance out the misery. Apply below to experience your best and worst moments on a bike.
GUIDES
Our guides have years of experience when it comes to the best gravel in the Girona region. They guide by knowing the routes rather than by looking down at other people’s GPX files. When they aren’t guiding, they’re exploring, so that you can focus on enjoying the ride rather than wondering if you’re on the right track. The routes that they have created for this journey really do show the best of Girona gravel and perhaps the best gravel you’ll ever experience.
With backgrounds in world class off-road coaching and wilderness guiding, your guides will ensure that your Ruta Brutal is full of all the kinds of challenging and funny incidents that create the best kinds of memories. Technically the routes vary from smooth fine gravel to bedrock, rough farm tracks and singletrack as rough as a badgers ass, but there will be nothing that a standard gravel bike and competent cyclist is not able to cope with, as long as you don’t mind hiking occasionally.
