Mare De Déu Del Mont loop

This is one of the toughest rides from Girona. The route heads north toward the Catalan Pyrenees on calm, mostly flat roads.

The challenge comes with the Mare de Déu del Mont climb. The road is narrow and quiet and as you gain height the views open up across the region. The climb rises close to 1000 meters over 18 kilometers. The hardest ramps come near the top, so pacing is key and it pays to keep something in reserve.

On the return to Girona, the route passes through Banyoles and Esponella. Both are perfect places to stop for coffee or food before the final kilometers home.