El Piri (L’Esperit del Pirineus)
Fun. Integrity. Athleticism. Community. Respect.
The Event
El Piri is a solo and unsupported bikepacking gravel adventure. The starts at 08:00 on June 15th 2024. Tracker collection, bag drop and briefing will happen on the afternoon of the14th June.
Starting and finishing in Girona, the route covers 850 kilometres and features 20,000 meters of climbing.
The route is fun, split nearly 50/50 gravel/tarmac, designed to take you to some of the most beautiful areas in the Catalan Pyrenees.
The Name
Spirit:
I. An animating or vital principle; the immaterial or sentient element of a person.
* An animating or vital principle; the soul; incorporeal or immaterial being.
Esperit is the Catalan word for spirit.
The event was proudly conceived in the mountains of the Catalan Pyrenees, the events name naturally comes from the Catalan word for Pyrenees, Pirineus. Catalunya is an autonomous region located in North-Eastern Spain and one of the world’s great cycling destinations. Stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees, Catalunya offers unbeatable cycling and a warm culture.
The ancient city of Girona is a world-renowned cycling city, home to dozens of professional cyclists, exceptional riding terrain, much gastronomy and good transport connections.
What to expect
You can expect to experience the spirit of the Catalan Pyrenees and their beautiful warmth. The route has been pieced together from scratch by ultra-endurance cyclist James Hayden, with the input of experienced riders and locals. Drawing on his many years of experience competing in the world’s toughest bike-packing races, this event will step back from pushing the limits of the sport, instead it will go in search of Fun.
The course is enjoyable, it is designed to be a rewarding and fun gravel adventure.
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 riders ability and gearing, short sections of pushing might occur uphill.
Early summer weather in Catalunya is typically sunny and warm with plesant nights. Be prepared though as a section of the course climbs above 2,000m and weather could be inclimental or cool at night.
Is it for me?
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 well qualified if you have finished any gravel event.
Generally the route is entirely ridable. Skills beyond riding gravel are not necessary.
Equipment
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.