FAQs

  • El Piri is a solo and unsupported bikepacking gravel adventure through the Catalan Pyrenees.

  • The route covers 800 kilometres and features 20,000 meters of climbing.

  • The route is fun, split 50/50 gravel/tarmac, designed to take you to some of the most beautiful areas in the Catalan Pyrenees.

  • Most gravel roads in Catalunya are somewhat ungraded, the event tries to use the best but at times will be rough for short sections. Though tarmac accounts for 50% of the route, these sections are on smaller back roads and are a welcome respite.  

    The event does not feature any hike-a-bike. However, depending on a rider's ability and gearing, short sections of pushing might occur uphill. 

  • If you want a seriously fun gravel adventure in the beautiful quiet Pyrenees, this is it. This event is suited for everyone with some gravel or bikepacking experience. You will be qualified if you have finished any gravel event. The route is entirely ridable. Skills beyond riding gravel are not necessary. 

  • Yes, you are welcome to enter as a pair. This can be done through the entry form. 

  • Early summer weather in Catalunya is typically sunny and warm with pleasant nights. Be prepared though, as a section of the course climbs above 2,000m and weather could be changing or cool at night. 

  • Cycle! 

    Train: The train station in Girona is well served by fast trains from all over Europe.

    Fly: Girona Airport is close to the City Centre and easily reached by Sagales Bus or a short taxi ride. Barcelona airport is a short train ride away. 

  • Yes, the route passes through many towns and villages, roughly every 50 kilometres.

  • The route is half off-road. The off-road terrain is mostly reasonably smooth gravel. The course has been scouted on a drop bar gravel bike and hardtail. Gravel or XC type tires wider than 40mm would be wise. We have seen a mix of gravel bikes and hardtail mountain bikes at this event. 

  • Yes, rider registration and briefing will be held in person at The Service Course the afternoon of Friday 13th June. 

  • Yes, there will be a secure area for storing bike boxes and/or bags at The Service Course. There will be a small fee and this can be booked and paid for at registration. 

  • No, it is not allowed to pre-book any accommodation before the event starts. This is so rooms are not taken up with riders who may not arrive on schedule. 

  • If your bike breaks you can take public transport or hitch to a shop to fix it. Once your bike is working you should use it, or public transport to get back on route (unless you decide to scratch). 

  • Scratching can be done via email (bike@lesperitdelbikepacking.org). You are responsible to make your own way back to Girona or onwards. 

  • Yes, to cover accident, liability, and repatriation, while taking part in a cycling event. 

  • Yes, there will be a closing party on the evening of Friday 20th June, held in the courtyard of The Service Course in Girona.  Everyone who made it to the start line of the event is welcome. Tickets will be available to purchase nearer the time.  

  • No, there is no discount for bringing and using your own tracker. However, we are happy to assist in processing the information for your own tracker with our tracking service, Follow My Challenge. 

    • Organised event 

    • GPX route file with points of interest 

    • Tracker hire and service  

    • Online registration & briefings 

    • Event t-shirt 

    • Event coverage  

    • Event photos 

    • Online discussion group 

  • Payment for the event will be taken in January 2025.

  • Until 1st April 2025, 50% refund or entry can be deferred to 2026 (depending on availability).

    After 1st April 2025, entry is non-refundable.