El Piri

El Piri is a self-supported gravel bikepacking adventure through the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, combining world-class mountain scenery with a thoughtfully designed route that showcases the very best of northeastern Spain. Covering approximately 800 kilometres with around 19,000 metres of climbing, the event starts and finishes in the historic city of Girona, following a spectacular loop through some of Catalunya’s most remote natural parks.

Created by ultra-endurance racer James Hayden, the fixed route blends roughly equal parts gravel and quiet tarmac, linking flowing forest tracks, rugged mountain roads, and picturesque Catalan villages. The course is designed to be highly rideable, with very little hike-a-bike, while still demanding strong climbing legs and smart pacing.

El Piri follows a strict self-supported philosophy. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance permitted. Frequent villages along the route provide regular opportunities to resupply, but the relentless climbing and ever-changing mountain terrain make every kilometre hard-earned.

Passing through iconic landscapes such as the Cadí-Moixeró, Alt Pirineu, and Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser natural parks, El Piri offers an unforgettable journey across one of Europe’s finest gravel riding destinations. Blending challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community atmosphere, it has quickly become one of the continent’s standout bikepacking events.