La Ruta Mar i Muntanya Bike Tour August 27 - September 3, 2016

La Ruta Mar i Muntanya is a road cycling tour that travels from the Mediterranean to the foothills of the Pyrenees. The trip includes 6 guided rides, cultural visits, culinary delights at some of Spain’s finest restaurants. Starting from the beautiful Portitxol beach in L’Escala, we will explore the northern part of Girona for 3 days. We will ride through seaside villages of the Costa Brava and into the foothills of the Pyrenees. This spectacular riding will include a visit to one of the wineries of D.O. Emporda, the Greek and Roman Ruins of Empuries, the Dali Museum in Figures and an opportunity to relax on the beach and pamper yourself at the idyllic Hostal d’Empuries spa. For the second half of the tour we will stay in Girona, a walled city with a rich history dating back to the 1st Century. Girona is where many North American cycling professionals are based in Europe and it is known as a culinary capital. Here, you ride some of the mountains made famous by the professionals, such as Rocacorba and Els Angels, visit the church where the artist, Salvador Dali, was married, shop on the Rambla de Catalunya and walk on the ancient city wall. “In 2002, while racing professionally, Girona, Spain became our European home. We were lured to this small town by our friends because the weather and terrain are ideal for cycling, but we discovered much more. Girona is a lovely region with a rich culture, history and inspiring architecture. It is the home of some of Spain’s finest restaurants. The Costa Brava and the Pyrenean mountains are ideal for cycling, food, wine and relaxation.” ~Dede Barry Dates: August 27 - September 3, 2016 This trip includes:

Transfers to and from Barcelona Airport.

8 days / 7 nights

4 nights in a 4 star hotel in Girona

3 nights Hostal d’Empuries

6 guided rides according to the group level

Breakfast daily

Energy bars, drinks, ride snacks and coffee stops on rides

4 dinners in specialty restaurants representative of traditional Mediterranean, Spanish, and Catalonian cuisines.

Support Van and luggage transfer between hotels.

Repair service and bicycle tune up.

Road Book with detailed maps and complete information for the rides.

Specially designed trip jersey

Hiking and yoga for partners who would like to join the tour, but do not ride bikes Registration information: Price: Double: 2520 Euro, Single: 3120 Euro, Superior: (double) 2710 Euro, Deposit of 850 Euro required by February 15, 2016 Please contact Jaume Cabruja at BikeCat for registration: jaume@bikecat.com For more information, contact Dede Barry: dede@bikespecialties.com Bike recommendation: Road bike. Rental bikes available (three different models) 250-290 Euro per week. Trip insurance is recommended.