Accommodation in Barcelona and travel agent services

There are plenty of hotels in Barcelona, but despite the offer, it is sometimes difficult to find accommodation in the city. The best strategy is of course early booking. Prices range from low(-ish) to extravagant, so spending an inordinate amount of money is perfectly possible. Usually, however, your travel agent will be able to offer an attractive package that will include the plane ticket as well.
If you are looking for a local operator, you can always check Tutsi (www.viatgestutsi.com), our favourite travel agent. These are the folks we hire when we need to organise our expeditions. Feel free to contact them directly. It's an independent business, independently run, but we thoroughly reccommend them and they'll set you up fine!

Cycling packing list

Helmet
Sunglasses
Gloves
Maillot (jersey)
Culotte (shorts)
Socks
Shoes (very important!)
Wind Breaker / Rain Gear
Warm vest or fleece
Camelback (for the tools and clothes, but also to carry large amounts of water)
Toolkit & pump for presta valves (the thin ones, our bikes ride tubeless)

In winter, bring warm gloves and long tights. In summer, sunblock is essential. Always bring the windbreaker. Our guides carry extra tools, pump and first aid kits, but you should be mechanically self suficient; it is not a good idea to always rely on someone else's patch kit!

As for clipless pedals, we're ok if you ride Shimano, Crank Brothers ot Time. Otherwise, please bring yours with you.

For long distance expeditions, we reccommend that you bring along your own saddle...

Mobile phones that work in the rest of Europe work here as well. Some companies might need to activate 'roaming' options, though. Please check with your provider. US devices usually do not work.

Barcelona mountainbike is 100% casual style. No formal clothing is needed at any time. In any case, make sure you always take with you some warm sweater for cool nights.

Insurance

We have two types of inssurance, both for accident and liability. The assistance provided covers the medical expenses, rescue expenses and travel expenses to your residence address, up to 6.000 euros per person. This should cover just about everything we can encounter out in the woods. We are all certified First Aid providers and mountain guides. The best insurance, however, is a safe ride. Mountain bike is a potentially dangerous activity, but most risks can be kept on check by never riding above your possibilities.

Repairs and parts policy

If it is our bike, we take care of everything. On our expeditions, a bike mechanic will make sure everything in your bike is as crisp and smooth as on day one. If you are bringing your own bike, you should be carrying some specific spares, like a derrailleur hanger, for instance. Also, it should be in good working order and revised by a competent mechanic before it comes to Barcelona.

Medical and dietary requirements

If you are following a medication, bring along what you need and let the guide know. Also, inform the guide of medical conditions that might require intervention (diabetes, severe allergies, etc). Better be safe.

Dietary requirements: In our trips we have catered for just about every imaginable diets. Please let us know if you have any. Cooks in Catalunya have the reputation of being among the best in the world, and when given enough notice, can come up with the most amazing creations in every style.