April 2020

We're in lockdown and forced to cancel our planned Brigade trip to Mallorca. Everything was ready: plane tickets, bike rental, hotel, car, routes planned! We have to face the facts quickly; we'll just keep doing some Zwift...

November 2020

The second wave prevents us from organizing the Brigade's traditional Christmas meal, an essential off-season gathering to kick-start the following year. Down but not out, if Matchy has taught us one thing, it's resilience.

February 2021

We decided to do it again in 2021, this time choosing a destination accessible by car to avoid having our flight cancelled a week before. This also gave us the option of bringing our own bikes and avoiding rental costs. Girona became an almost obvious choice. Less than a 6-hour drive, sunshine, great roads, and a strong cycling culture.

Indeed, what Has any cyclist not already heard of Girona? This small Catalan town has become a favorite training ground for cyclists, especially the stars of the peloton.

It has to be said that it has quite a few arguments in its favor. The climate, of course, the proximity to the mountains and the sea, the cost of living, but also the charm of the city (where part of Game of Thrones was filmed, useless information but we'll mention it anyway).Admire the beautiful La Brigada jersey specially designed for the occasion

In short, we went for the first time in February 2017 and were able to experience this atmosphere, enjoying rides where pros mingle with weekend cyclists. Like us, quite a few brigadiers needed and wanted to get moving, so we ended up with a great group of 18 motivated people.

May 2021

The program is short but intense. A 4-day weekend, with 4 outings planned. Early departure from Annecy on Friday the 21st and return on Monday the 24th in the afternoon.

The group of 18 allowed us to offer 3 different outings per day, so that everyone could find something they liked while being able to mix and alternate depending on the day.

We will be staying in Banyoles (20km) of Girona) in a superb, fully renovated 17th-century building. An exceptional place for cyclists. Run by Anglo-Saxons, the evening draft beer is always served ice-cold! And the meals are high quality, perfectly suited to our needs.

Friday's route was common to all, arriving in Girona for lunch, the objective was simple, the climb of Rocacorba (9.9 km at 7%, very irregular) for a total of 60 km and 1400m of elevation gain and a first moment shared together.

On Saturday, there were three routes, ranging from 110 km to 180 km for the longest. Most headed inland for routes with 2200 to 3300 m of elevation gain, while the group of women went to the coast for a ride enlivened by cocktails and a seaside atmosphere. There was something for everyone. and the day ends with massages and a beer by the pool.

On Sunday, there are again 3 routes, from 80 to 150 km, along the coast and inland – something for everyone. That's what makes Girona so charming. Some are looking for a ride More relaxed after two big days, enjoying shorter and less hilly routes.

Monday is already the last day! Off to Girona for a short ride and sightseeing detour in this very beautiful city.60 km on the agenda with 900m of elevation gain; the idea is to eat in Girona before heading back to Annecy in the afternoon. Time to take a quick photo at La Fabrica café and make a detour to The Service Course.

This last outing is therefore an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed group ride, satisfied with these 4 magical days, and accompanied by the sun which had been hiding from us a bit since the first ride on Friday.

Departure

A short but intense weekend, with 450 km covered for the most enthusiastic riders. All this while enjoying some much-needed relaxation during a trip abroad. A cold beer after the ride, a massage, a quick dip in the pool, if you prefer. a peaceful place suitable for cyclists, allowing you to concentrate on cycling and enjoy your off-peak moments.

With daily rides ranging from 50 to 180 km, we were able to discover beautiful climbs such as Rocacorba and Mare de Déu del Mont, ride along the coast, and take the time to stop in charming, unique villages... ensuring there was something for everyone. Cycling for pleasure and discovery!

This story makes you want to discover Girona, its sun, its calm, its beautiful roads between sea and mountains. Take your seat at Escape Girona 2022!