How to Tackle Rocacorba

“If there is one thing we know, it’s Rocacorba”

Rocacorba is more than our name. The Rocacorba mountain is one of Girona’s best-known and toughest cycling climbs. It was made famous by its popularity among the local pros. Close enough to Girona (but only 1.5km from our doorstep) with challenging slopes, it became the perfect climb for the pro riders to test their form. Even leading up to the grand tours, riders including Tour winner Bradley Wiggins and Giro winner Ryder Hesjedal were known to train on the climb. With years of pro riders trying to break the magical 30 minute mark (~40 for the women), the Strava segment was and still is hotly contested and not just between the pro riders. It’s the perfect climb for any rider to test themselves and see how they stack up against some of the best in the world and a must-do climb for every cyclist in the Girona area. 

Years before we ever started Rocacorba Cycling, we were all riding on the slopes of the locally famous climb week after week, year after year. Given our combined history with the climb and location of Can Campolier, it was only natural when we started the business that we would name it “Rocacorba Cycling”. So, if there is one thing we know, it’s Rocacorba. 

We know every detail of our namesake climb: every corner, every gradient change, where to save and where to spend energy, and every horse and donkey along the way. Of course, Ashleigh is also the presiding QOM so we also have all her tips and secrets to help you get a personal best or tackle the climb for the first time. 

The Start 

The Rocacorba climb might be 1.5km from our doorstep but the first thing we suggest is a good warm up! A quick roll around the lake will wake the legs up by the time you arrive to the start of the climb which is officially just after the bridge. Make sure you have fluids as there is no place to get water on the climb. 

The 9.7km climb has an average gradient of 7%. On paper, that’s pretty straightforward but in reality the climb isn’t that simple. The start is the easiest part with shallower gradients and fools way too many riders into going out too hard. Pacing is most the most critical at this point so hold back! As Ash warns, “if you want your best time, don’t get excited too soon or you will pay for it at the top”.

When you reach the more open fields (hello mini horses!), you’re just arriving to the first of two flat/downhill sections. Use the 500m to spin out your legs because the second half of the climb is much harder. 

The Hardest Part

The next two kilometres are the toughest part of the climb with the average gradient at 10%. There is no shade and no respite, even on the outside lines of the corners, only hard and harder.

The key here is to be steady. Find a powerful rhythm and stay there. Keep an eye out to the left because you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the summit for the first time, demarcated by the cellular towers at the top. 

The road will feel like it’s levelling out and then you’ll be granted the welcome gift of the second 500m of downhill. Again, use it to spin out your legs and prepare for the final section up to the summit.

The Final Push 

The final 1.5km is still steep with an average gradient of 8%. With 8.5km in the legs, it bites but with views on the right of the Pyrenees and the summit so-close, you can start burning the end of your matches. Don’t be fooled by the green and white “Rocacorba” sign on the right, the summit is still 500m to go!

Make it to the hairpin past the sign and there is only 300m left. There is a white line across the road to mark the official finish so put your head down and empty the tank. It’s literally downhill home so don’t save anything now!

The Glory  

Once at the top, take the mandatory photo with the big green Rocacorba sign. Have a seat on the paragliding launch and enjoy the well-deserved beautiful views of Girona and the Costa Brava. After you carefully cycle back down, finish your pilgrimage with a celebratory coffee and cake at the official Rocacorba Food Truck right at Can Campolier—you’ve earned it. And maybe have a quick check on Strava too… 

Really want to get a PB? Ride it with one of our guides for a one-on-one coached climbing experience. 

If you are on a gravel bike, or on foot, head down the dirt road to the Rocacorba Sanctuary

Full Circle

Silvie, Wouter, Ashleigh and Carl outside the Rocacorba Cycling front door.

I didn’t even realise it was happening but there it was: a Dutch couple I’d met at the Boels Rental Women’s Tour in September last year at my doorstep. I couldn’t place them right away, but I knew I knew them. They reminded me; after I had won the QOM jersey on stage one, we met and I gave them my podium flowers. Now, here they were in Spain, at Rocacorba Cycling, and making our vision into a reality. Let me explain…

When we first started Rocacorba Cycling, I had my racing life and my business life. When we opened our doors, it was about more than being a hotel and cycling destination. Rocacorba Cycling was and is part of a big dream to bring the parts of cycling together, to marry the right hand of cycling passion with the left hand of sustainability. We wanted a place where everything could viably function together so there were no barriers between cyclists, cycling stakeholders, and everyone in between—a positive feedback loop, so to speak. 

That positive feedback was loud and clear when Wouter and Silvie came to stay. We’ve had fans become guests, guests become friends, and friends become family over the years but having fans come to stay because I had connected with them in person at a race was something special. 

Racing life and business life have really become symbiotic and that alignment feels so organic and fulfilling. Seeing that connection grow and gain momentum is motivating and uplifting—we hope for our guests also. We aren’t just a hotel. We aren’t just a cycling destination. There’s so much more to experience and feel, not only at Rocacorba Cycling, but beyond our ancient stone courtyard. 

We welcome everyone to join us in 2020 whether it’s following my races and preparation for the Tokyo Olympics, coming for a cycling holiday, staying at the hotel and enjoying Catalunya, or connecting with us on social media and being part of our journey from afar. 

From our family to yours, best wishes and we hope to see you in 2020!

A Good Place To Start

Marianne Vos is back this 2019 road season and it all kicked-off at the CCC-Liv Team Camp at Rocacorba Cycling. 

The dominant force of Marianne Vos as we all know her is back. When Ashleigh invited the CCC-Liv team to have their pre-season training camp at Rocacorba Cycling, we were all especially excited to have the legend that is Marianne Vos experience Rocacorba Cycling, Can Campolier, and the roads that we all call home. Since February, Marianne has collected 15 victories, including 4 Giro stage wins and the La Course title, and while we can’t take any claim on her palmares, she did tell us that getting off to a good start at the pre-season camp was an important part of her preparation. We’ll take that as a small victory.

Image: Oliver Grenaa

Welcome Change

Typically, Marianne heads down to Calpe for her pre-season training but after more than 6 years, she was ready for change. While it’s “easy and comfortable” to return to the same place again and again and “hard to change something that works,” Marianne says, “exploring is also a big part of cycling—a joy in cycling.” Add in good pre-season weather and quiet roads and we couldn’t agree more. 

With Ashleigh as their guide, Marianne and the whole CCC-Liv team got to explore the best of the Girona area and, as Marianne discovered, from Rocacorba Cycling, we have it all. “There are great climbs for training, great endurance rides, but there are also flats so there are all the options to train. That’s the most special thing.” Marianne favoured the impressive 18km Mare de Deu d’El Mont climb but, she says, “if you stay at Rocacorba Cycling, you have to do the Rocacorba climb”. 

Image: Oliver Grenaa

At Home

Back at Can Campolier, the team stayed all together, having the whole place to themselves. “Normally at training camps in a hotel, you feel stuck, and in between all the other teams that are training. So there is a racy feel. Here it was much more relaxed which was a positive. You can relax, enjoy the area, and it feels like home. It feels different from the rest of the season,” Marianne said. 

“Every day we woke up and walked over to the big house for breakfast with the sunrise. The views were amazing,” Marianne says. “I saw some photos before but, in person it’s even better. This place is stunning.” 

“Good food, nice people,” Marianne continues, “easy to travel to and relaxing…it was a good camp and a good place to prepare for the road season”. Based on her impressive results this year, we think it was a pretty good place to start too. 

Watch Marianne at the World Championships road race on Saturday, 28 September.

Image: Oliver Grenaa

Our All New Fleet

The new bike hire fleet has been in action for a few weeks at Rocacorba Cycling. The beautiful, fast, and brand new 2019 Cervelo R3 complimented with the versatile, alluring, and just downright fun 3T Exploro means we have bikes to cover all means of cycling adventures in Girona.

If you’ve always chosen to travel with your bike you’re really missing out on the opportunity of hiring a bike. Cyclists who travel with their bikes know all too well what a hassle it can be and, even worse, how expensive it can be when you have to replace damaged equipment on holiday. When you hire a bike, you don’t have to stress about packing, building, lugging around a bike bag, excess baggage fees, or surprise damage. Still, there’s something about having your own bike with you—we get it! You have your set-up dialled in, you’re comfortable, and, well, it’s your bike! But can you really say no to a beauty like the Cervelo R3?

Bike hire is a great chance to ride and experience a different bike, try out new equipment, and let’s not forget the amazing convenience of stress free travel while your loyal steed stays safely at home. You don’t have to worry about bringing tools, setting the bike up, or maintaining it; you get the absolute pleasure of riding a top-end bike. We take care of everything so you can just ride and enjoy.

Before your arrival, we will be in touch to get your measurements so your bike is set up specifically for you. Don’t know your measurements? We can help you figure them out or book a bike fit upon arrival. Whether you need a 80mm stem or you’ve never measured your saddle height before, we can ensure you a perfect, stress-free set-up. 

All of our rental bikes are the latest 2019 frames with the newest technology. Haven’t tried disc brakes yet? Been on the same soft carbon frames for years? Never been on gravel? Enjoy the excitement, responsiveness, and speed of something new with high-level components. Whether you’re renting a Cervelo R3 or a 3T Exploro (or both as many of our guests like to do), when you arrive, our in-house mechanic will have your bike set up to your exact measurements and ready to go. Along with your pedals, you’re encouraged to bring your own saddle that we will install for maximum comfort. Our mechanic is also bike fitter so any changes can be done on the spot to ensure you’re comfortable and ready to perform.

There’s been more than a few holiday romances that have turned into something long-lasting after a week of riding around Girona and the Costa Brava. If you fall in love with the nimble, light Cervelo R3 or you can’t let go of how the world opened up on a 3T Exploro, we’re not in the business of breaking hearts. We can always have a new one delivered right to your door. 

Rent a bike when you stay with us and explore all Girona has to offer.

Rocacorba Gravel Gran Fondo

Everyone has a different idea of gravel, that’s what’s so exciting. As a more niche sport, there aren’t any hard or fast rules about what a gravel Gran Fondo should be. When we started to plan the course in collaboration with the Rocacorba Gran Fondo organization, we all had a different idea of what should be included. In the end, we settled on the idea of celebrating the Rocacorba mountain in a new way with an unforgettable adventure.

Under the stone arch of the courtyard, the inaugural sold out ride took off from Can Campolier for the 57km route. Before hitting the climbs, the route took in the sights of Banyoles lake and then a small river crossing. Some took tyres through the ankle-deep water, others hopped across the stones.

The name “Rocacorba” always signifies a challenge so, of course, the riders tackled the slopes of our namesake climb. Up and down on the lower half of the mountain gave the riders a chance to take on steep climbs, fast descents, slow descents, loose gravel, rolling dirt, and road. The mixed terrain naturally separated riders into smaller groups and, while some were pushing the pace and others were more relaxed, everyone finished.

Greeted by a cold Rocacorba craft beer afterwards, everyone sprawled out on the lawn to enjoy the sunshine and hearing everyone’s stories, we knew we had success on our hands. From the seasoned gravel riders who travelled to join us to those who took on their first gravel experience, people had come back with memorable stories. Not only had we showcased Rocacorba in a new and different way but we really had created an unforgettable day of adventure.

Join our Girona Tour from the 24th - 30th May and kick off your stay with the Rocacorba Road Gran Fondo on May 25th.

The Best Things in Life Are Shared

The memorable rides, the ones that transform into shared stories, have a few special ingredients. Good roads help, great bikes are optional (okay, desirable!), but it’s the people, the vibe, and the opportunity that make a ride a memory. It’s not an easy combination to have when you travel to explore somewhere new but it’s exactly how we’ve designed our guided tours.

You might be hungry to conquer the legendary Girona climbs or longing for the sunshine and sea-side roads of the Costa Brava and a guided tour gives you the opportunity to go and ride. Explore the best roads of Girona without the stress of planning routes, navigating a new country and language, or finding people to ride with. With our local knowledge, in-house bike mechanic, and rider-focused premium accommodation, it’s a chance no cyclist will want to pass up. 

The best things in life are shared and every rider knows that’s true. Joining a guided tour might be a step out of your comfort zone but, at the end of the day, it’s riding bikes on great roads with new friends. Cycling brings together so many different types of people but with a shared passion it’s always a comfortable and happy environment. You won’t be too slow or too fast but you may be challenged, fall in love with Catalonia, and never want to leave. One thing is for sure, you’ll never forget your guided tour and you’ll be talking about it on your next ride. 

Only The Best

Riding somewhere new can be great. It can also be terrible. There is nothing worse than showing up to ride a route or climb you have dreamed about only to end up on the busiest roads, going the wrong way, at the worst time. We’ve all been there. A lot of people come to Girona and waste precious kilometres when they could be riding the good stuff. 

I never realized the value of a guide until I became one. After riding in Girona for many years, it’s second nature for me to put together routes. From the Costa Brava to the Pyrenees and every back-lane, not-on-Google-Maps road, I’ve ridden it. There are certain things that you just have to find out and experience first-hand on two wheels. Of course I know all the climbs, how to fix any road-side mechanical, and the best places to stop for coffee but it’s more than that. Its creating rides even the seasoned Girona rider would be excited by, knowing where the water taps are on abandoned back roads, the most picturesque places to stop for photos, where all the friendly donkeys are, and, of course, the inevitable conversations along the way. 

I’ve ridden with dentists, accountants, geologists, stay-at-home parents, lawyers, photographers. . . from all around the world. After a long ride it’s hard to remember I’m a guide because after the ride we’re all just tired, happy, and ready for a piece of chocolate cake or (and, in some cases) a beer. I can get you from A to B on the best and most incredibly quiet roads you’ve ever ridden but you’ll find out the really good stuff is along the way. 

Girona’s Best Climbs

There is so much to ride and experience as a cyclist in Girona but there are three must-do climbs that every rider should experience and no rider will forget. 

Rocacorba

Stats: 10.7km, 7%, 742m, Category 1

We aren’t just partial to our namesake climb, Rocacorba has a history every cyclist should become a part of. Used for over a decade by many local pros as a testing climb, the famous mountain is a challenge to anyone and everyone. The 10.7 kilometre climb has a deceptive overall gradient of 7%. Starting teasingly gentle before levelling off and demanding your easiest gear on sections up to 11%, disciplined pacing will pay off for the last half of the climb that averages 9%. However, the quiet tree-lined road offers just enough respite to remain achievable for the determined weekend warrior. Keep your eyes peeled toward the top for the faded “Look Right” painted on the road to see spanning Pyrenean peaks through an opening in the trees. If you ride it on the weekend, reward yourself with a coffee and a cupcake from the seasonal Rocacorba Food Truck on your way down.  

Strava link: https://www.strava.com/segments/686229

Mare de Déu del Mont

Stats: 18.5km, 5%, 919m, Category: HC

Boasting a 360 degree view that includes the peaks of the Pyrenees and Costa Brava coastline on a clear day, there aren’t many cycling climbs like the 18.5 kilometre Mare de Déu del Mont. There are two roads up D’El Mont that join past the mid point. Both options are narrow and twisty roads through the forest with steep hairpins but, if you choose the less popular route through Besalu instead of approaching via Cabanelles, add on an extra 1.5km. Where the two roads join the road quality improves and there is 6.8km to go. When you hit the 500m flat/downhill section 13 kilometres in, take a moment to enjoy the exposed view and prepare your legs for the final ascent to the summit. You’ll leave the trees behind and ride past the rocky cliffs before the final 300 meters that wrap around the back of the peak. After 18.5 kilometres with an average gradient of 5%, as the road ends, you’ll feel on top of the world. Make sure you park your bike and venture up to the church and cafe so you can get the whole 360 experience.

Strava link: https://www.strava.com/segments/3449399

Els Angels

10.1km, 3%, 344m, Category 2

Just outside of Girona, Els Angels is conveniently placed less than ten minutes from the city centre but you’ll feel miles away from the city. A staple climb for every local cyclist, pro and amateur, the twisty forrest-lined road has an approachable average gradient of 3% but, over 10.1 kilometres, it still requires some legs. The variable terrain will keep your attention with hairpins, downhills, flat and fast sections, and a few short steep rises that will tempt you out of the saddle. While the big cross marks the official summit for cyclists, you can continue up toward the Santuari dels Àngels church to see where Salvador Dali was married and catch a better view of the land and your accomplishment. 

Strava link: https://www.strava.com/segments/654192

Want to experience all the climbs on offer and more? Check out our tour packages or let us customise a trip to your needs.

Guest Perspective: Ashleigh Girona Bike Tour

Ashleigh's Girona Tour exceeded all my great expectations.  The riding routes, all expertly led by Ashleigh Moolman Pasio herself, were spectacular and challenging.  On the first day, we did an epic climb past medieval castle ruins to the monastery atop the Mare de Deu d’El Mont with breathtaking 360 degree views of the entire region.  Next we took a long scenic ride past volcanic ranges to the cobbled streets of Beget nestled in a remote, fairytale valley with a ranging mountain torrent roaring below stone bridges.  The next day we crossed flat plains all the way to the incredible cliffside vistas of the Costa Brava and back.  Finally, I had the good fortune to be paced to an excellent time all the way up the fabled "benchmark" Rocacorba climb by Ashleigh herself!

What made the tour overall such a rewarding and enriching experience was not only the challenging daily riding, but all of the amazing secondary support and activities the tour provided.  Staying in a fully modernized but historical stone villa provided the perfect setting for rest, quiet, and relaxation.  A lavish continental breakfast was laid out for us every morning before we awoke.  Our laundry was done for us each day and returned neatly folded.  Our rooms serviced and cleaned while we rode.  Delicious, home cooked meals were provided, filled with great conversation, conviviality, and lots of good humour.  Restaurant meals were equally exceptional and each one highlighted different regional specialties.  Everything was included in the very reasonable price of the tour.

Each day's ride was fully supported as well providing extra supplies at strategic points.  We had a professional photographer one day and many other great photos and videos shot by others driving sag or tagging along.  Each ride included two or more guides to accommodate everyone's optimal pace and no one was pushed too hard or slowed down.  My Cervelo R3 disc rental bike was a revelation. Truly a masterpiece to handle which gave me great confidence over a variety of terrain and conditions which included some gravel, some alpine style epic descents, damp and wet roads.  I didn't expect to like my rental bike more than my own bike!  After each ride, it was cleaned and tuned up optimally for the next day.  I would definitely rent rather than bring my bike all the way from the USA.

What I found most enthralling was the opportunity to ride in close proximity day by day with a champion cyclist like Ashleigh Moolman Pasio and other ex-pro athlete guides.  We were also greatly enriched on every ride and evening by a variety of luminaries from the professional cycling world who added great stories and legends from the pro women's peloton.  A leading agent in women's cycling.  A top Instagram cycling photographer.  A prominent soigneur in the Girona cycling scene.  A leading cycling journalist.  The foremost commentator of English language broadcast cycling. The local manufacturers behind the Tactic clothing line we received as complimentary jerseys.  Finally, we even got to meet many other professional cycling luminaries in person at the very memorable Girona Gala for Qhubeka on the final evening!

Truly an epic and memorable tour I would most highly recommend to any strong and adventurous cyclist.  This region of Catalonia is a Mecca for professional cyclists for a good reason. I myself cannot wait to return for another Ashleigh Tour!

Winter Cycling in Girona

Winter is starting to set in across Europe but here in Girona we are still enjoying warm sunny autumn days and bare-leg riding; it’s pretty rare to find a place you can ride outside year round; it’s even more rare to find a place that offers a cyclist so much, even in the winter. Most cycling destinations close-up seasonally but you’ll find Girona keeps its doors open for a reason.

Everything Girona has to offer a cyclist in summer is still available in the winter. If you thought the roads were quiet before, winter brings a new sense of tranquility and freedom. Without the hustle and bustle of tourists, the roads are even less populated with cars (if you can imagine that) and home to more solo riders rather than the summer pelotons. While you’ll see the true locals begin to cover up in early autumn, the sun stays warm and it’s not uncommon to have mid-day temperatures around 17-18C well into December. Of course, there are colder single-digit days but without the threat of snow or ice, it’s nothing some winter attire and a later start can’t combat. 

Enjoy the serpentining coastline of the Costa Brava two-abreast and the view of white-sand beaches as nature intended: empty. If the snow-lined summits entice you, head into the Pyrenees with warmer clothes, make a snow ball, feel like a hardcore hero, and then come back into the warmer valley of La Garrotxa natural park. Of course, there’s no better excuse to stop for coffee and cake when the temperatures are single digits and there are plenty of cafes worth riding to.

Join us for some winter miles with sunshine, check out our 3 Day and 6 Day Girona Cycle Tour or let us build you a custom Girona cycling getaway.