Gravel Culture: Travel Gravel – Gravel bikepacking in Girona
Posted By Gravel Union
On 30 June 2020
Bikepacking is often considered to be a DIY travel gravel option, so why should you consider joining an organised event? We chat with the team at The Service Course in Girona to find out why we should sign on the dotted line.
The fact that you’re reading this means that we’re probably already preaching to the converted about how brilliant gravel riding is! We all know that a gravel bike is the perfect medium for seeing the world, whether it’s your local micro-world or further afield. But just because you are a keen gravellista, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve tried all the different variants of gravel riding that are out there? When you consider the different gravelly options available – single-day gravel races, multi-day gravel events, organised gravel group rides, off-road sportives, gravel holidays or gravelly bikepacking to name just a few, the differences between them can be bewildering, so we thought we would shine a Gravel Union spotlight around and see what we could catch in its beam.
We got in touch with the team at TheServiceCourse in Girona, Spain about their inaugural gravel bikepacking event which is going to be run over the first weekend in October. We wanted to try and get some inside scoop on why you might consider booking onto an organised bikepacking trip rather than just heading out there in a more homemade fashion.
GU – What’s the benefit of doing an organised bikepacking trip versus a DIY one?
TSC – The sense of community and shared experience is an important part of the gravel riding world. Whilst some folks may prefer going off into the wild solo or with mates, others may wish to meet fellow riders, make friends and have a bit of company along the way. Our event is not a race, it's about getting out there to enjoy, having an inspiring experience riding in nature, and having a laugh with your fellow riders along the way.
GU – I’m pretty handy with a map and a highlighter pen, why should I rely on someone else to plan the route for me?
TSC – In this era of easy access to GPX files and web-based route planning tools, it’s easy enough to plot your own route, but will it be a good one? You can’t beat local knowledge to find the perfect gravel trails. We have crafted an awesome route stitching together some of the most beautiful and remote gravel tracks and back roads accessible from Girona. Of course, a multi-day route means you can go way beyond the usual Girona loops, as great as they are.
GU – I’m fully kitted out with my dangle mug and boy scouts camping badge and don’t need babysitting on a gravel ride!
TSC – We totally respect that and we’re not there to mollycoddle you, but we will be around to help if something goes wrong – a mechanical problem, bonk, getting lost, feeling ill etc The event is not guided in the traditional manner, but we will be participating in the ride and we will have a support vehicle close by at all times in case anyone sounds the alarm. A quick fix from our guides could make the difference between making it through the 3 days or having to abandon early!
GU – If I’m already an experienced bikepacker, will you be able to teach me anything I don’t already know?
TSC - Every day is a school day! Our experienced guides will be around to help everyone learn in the best possible way - by doing! We will share our experience with all riders to go further, do more and get the most out of their riding than maybe they expected. Even if some riders are super experienced, they may learn something from others, and if you are new to bikepacking then you will be in very good company if you are keen to learn more!
GU – I’m saving up my pocket money for a new titanium widget that will save 7g off the weight of my gravel bikepacking rig so don’t have much spare cash at the minute - will I get any freebies if I come on your trip?
TSC - The good news is that it won't break the bank to join the event - its €100 per person, which covers all operating costs across the three days. This is the first edition of the event and we are not motivated by making money but creating some very special memories on and off the bike. We will have beers on the house before and after the event, and some goodies thrown in from some of our partners to help make the experience more special and memorable
GU – OK, you won us over with the beautiful latte art photo, is there anything else you’d like to add to seal the deal?
TSC - In summary, this is probably best suited towards those that either a) are feeling inspired by gravel/adventure races such as Silk Road, Atlas Mountain Race, Further, Badlands etc but are not sure where to start - this is jumping in the shallow-medium end rather than the deep end, or b) have plenty of experience and know-how but are keen to shake it up and get involved in something a bit more social and share their experience and stories! Everyone is welcome and we will make sure everyone has an awesome time out there!
If you’re inspired to sign up, you can find more details here