After a successful inaugural training camp last spring Artu is thrilled to announce our second Founder's Spring Training Camp, with Simon Mottram, the visionary founder of Rapha! Join us for an inspiring and educational experience as we support Simon and Ambitious about Autism during this unique training camp.
Set in the scenic surroundings of Girona, this camp offers an exceptional opportunity to train alongside Simon and engage with fellow cyclists who share your passion. Participants will enjoy expertly guided rides, insightful discussions on cycling culture, and the chance to learn from a leading figure in the cycling community.
Price per person from 3,700.00 euros
Artu, Can Terrades
Artu, Can Terrades
Day 4 - 135 km
Day 4 - Coll de la Boixeda
Your Artu guides will meet you at Barcelona airport and take you to Can Terrades - a two-hour drive through the amazing landscape of Girona Province.
Once you’re checked in, our mechanics will build your bike, ensuring it’s ready for riding over the next few days. If you’re renting a bike, it'll be fitted to you and perfectly prepared for riding.
A warm-up ride consisting a short loop with the mix of road and gravel path, will give you time to stretch your legs out and get used to your bike.
At the end of the ride, we’ll go through the beautiful town of Besalu over the impressive medieval bridge and through the gatehouse into the town, where you can enjoy some fresh drinks.
Over dinner, we’ll outline what to expect over the next few days of riding.
Today, our ride will start by riding thru the beautiful old towns and vineyards with some gravel sectors before heading to the coast.
Keep your energy as we will face the two main uphill sections at the end of the ride. As you reach the top of the second climb, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the coast and the charming white town called Cadaqués, which will be your final destination for today.
We will meet here our non-cycling partners and together enjoy a delightful meal at a seaside restaurant known for its delicious local cuisine and scenic location. This eatery has significant historical value as it was regularly visited by Dali. Following lunch, you will have some leisure time to explore the town.
It will take about 1 hour to transfer back to Can Terrades.
Discover the captivating Empordà region of Spain through a scenic bike ride loop that leads you from charming inland vistas to the Costa Brava coast.
This route features rolling terrain and picturesque gravel paths that wind through vibrant fields, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. As you cycle, revel in the beauty of the countryside, distinguished by expansive vineyards and lush olive groves, making every moment of your ride a memorable journey through nature's splendor.
Today’s loop - the Queen Stage - will take you into the Pyrenees and the Oix and Valter Valley. It is a beautiful hilly landscape where you will find a variety of exuberant vegetation that will lead you to the Natural Park of La Garrotxa. Deep valleys enclosed by long cliffs and walls of rock are what give the area its name: les garrotxes are “rough lands of bad tracks”.
You’ll be pleased to know that our route has no bad tracks today.
We will make a loop through the region, passing through Castellfollit de la Roca, a village built at the top of a cliff, making it a perfect location to survey the valley.
Winding roads with no cars will take you to Beget, a medieval, hidden town in the middle of the Camprodon Valley. You will have a coffee stop here, looking at the beautiful surroundings. You will be close to the border with France here. The loop will continue through Camprodon, where we will stop for lunch to taste local tapas overlooking its stunning medieval bridge. After lunch, we will continue the ride to the next valley and Olot town. We will have a small climb and a long descent to the valley and back to Can Terrades.
Today's ride we will start by using the gravel roads around ‘Mare de Déu del Mont’, one of the highest and most magnificent mountains in the area. Literally translated, it means the ‘mother of God mountain’ .
This ride is a truly memorable way to wrap up this cycling tour and one you won’t forget in your lifetime - it’s well worth the early rise!
After accomplishing the main challenge of the day, our ride will be mostly flat and we will quickly pass through a few medieval villages.
Once you're back at Can Terrades, you can treat yourself with a refreshing dip in the pool. Or take some time to unwind and relax those tired legs of yours in the sauna. It's the perfect way to recharge and feel rejuvenated.
Today's ride will take you to the Lake Banyoles (site of the 1992 Olympic rowing events) before arriving in Girona. We can stop for a coffee in one of the cycling cafes.
Our ride is traversing the scenic gravel path that follows the route of a historic train line.
When we arrive in Girona you can enjoy a well-earned fresh drink and lunch at one of the cycling cafes - Hors Categorie.
It is possible to stay after the lunch and enjoy the Giro Italia stage on the big screen with other passionate cyclists from Girona.
After you explore the town/watch the race we will have a short transfer back by car back to Can Terrades.
Start your day with a nourishing breakfast, appreciate the beautiful view, and make full use of the provided facilities at Can Terrades. Prior to your departure, our bike mechanic will carefully pack your bicycles before the transfer to the airport for your journey back home.
"Please join me in May for the second year of my Founder’s spring training camp, combining spectacular riding with excellent culture and gastronomy.
Our first event last April was a resounding success and certainly helped me build fitness at the start of the season. We have kept the same approach for 2025, but tweaked some elements to make the week even more rewarding:
Beautiful ‘All Road’ riding:
We will ride up to 600km in warm weather on quiet roads through beautiful countryside, from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the coast of the Costa Brava. We will increase the gravel options this year, adding off road sections to most routes, allowing us to avoid the larger roads and take in more of the beautiful scenery. Each guest can use the Artu fleet of Colnago bikes, fitted with 32mm tyres. There will be longer or shorter route options and groups every day, with local guides and vehicle support.
Excellent hospitality:
Can Terrades is a perfect base for the training camp and we will again be joined by Philippa, whose mostly plant based cuisine was loved by everyone this year. We will sample local wines and have plenty of time to enjoy the two pools on the property in warm late spring weather.
A full programme for non riding partners:
I would love to see more non-riding partners join us in May. Aga and the team as Can Terrades have put together a comprehensive programme of activities for non riders (or for those of us who would like a day or half day off the bike). This includes:
Whether you are preparing for a Gran Fondo, the Etape du Tour or even the Manchester to London ride in June (like me), this week of riding will leave you fitter, rejuvenated and ready for the summer ahead. What's more, for every booking Artu will contribute 1000 Euros to Ambitious About Autism, a charity that is very close to my heart.
I invite you to join me and a dozen other friends for a perfect week of riding and relaxation.
I do hope you can join me.
Simon
RCC 0001"
Below, please take a look at the various room types available, as well as the payment options. If you decide to pay a deposit, the entire payment needs to be made 90 days prior to your arrival.
1000 euros from each booking goes to Ambitious about Autism.
