Forest gravel loop east of Barcelona — 72 km full day

This tour fits riders who are comfortable on a bike for several hours and have some experience on unpaved surfaces. You do not need technical skills: the tracks are forest and farm roads, not rocky descents. But 72 km with 1,050 m of climbing is a real day out, so a regular riding habit helps. If you have done the riverside gravel intro and want more distance, this is the natural next step. If you have never ridden gravel and rarely ride more than 30 km, start with the easier option first.

The loop heads east out of Barcelona and moves onto pine-forest tracks, where the surface is mostly compact earth and gravel with patches of loose stone. Climbs come in steady stages rather than one long wall, adding up to about 1,050 m across the day. Between forest sections the route drops onto quiet farm roads, where you can recover, ride side by side and talk. Expect a long stop in the middle of the day to eat and rest before the second half of the loop brings you back towards the city.

Ride Barcelona has three gravel days, and this one is the middle step. The Barcelona riverside gravel intro is 34 km on wide, forgiving tracks and is meant for first-timers. The Garrotxa volcano gravel day is 88 km in volcanic landscape and beech woods, for riders who already enjoy sustained off-road climbing. The forest gravel loop sits between them: long enough to feel like a proper adventure, with shade and farm roads instead of technical terrain. It is also a quieter alternative to the Costa Brava road day if you prefer dirt to tarmac.

The tour is based in Barcelona, so the start is reachable from the city centre by metro, bus or a short ride. Check the exact meeting point and start time with the partner when booking. As this is a full day, arrive rested, eat a good breakfast and bring enough water and snacks for the climbing sections. Wear shoes you can walk in, as well as padded shorts, and carry a light jacket, because forest sections can feel cooler than the open farm roads.

Pine forest gives welcome shade, which makes this loop a good choice in the warmer months, when exposed road rides can feel punishing. Spring and autumn are comfortable for a long day on gravel, with firm tracks and mild temperatures. After heavy rain, forest tracks can become soft and slower, so conditions may affect pace on the day. In midsummer, an early start helps you finish the climbing before the afternoon heat.