Costa Brava coast road day — 118 km road ride

The ride is graded hard, and the reason is time in the saddle rather than any single gradient. You should be comfortable riding a road bike for a full day, covering 118 km with around 1,650 m of climbing, and eating and drinking on the move. Riders who regularly do 100 km weekend rides will be at home. If your longest ride is under 60 km, the Marbella greenway easy day or the riverside gravel intro are better places to start. Strong riders who prefer a hard morning to a long day may like the big climb half-day more.

The route follows a coastal cliff road, so expect a repeating pattern: a descent towards a cove, a short stretch near sea level, then a climb back up to the cliff line. The climbs are the kind that come in many medium pieces, which is how 1,650 m builds up over 118 km. Road surface is tarmac throughout, and the views open up at each headland. Because the road clings to the coast, pacing matters more than power. Riders who spend their energy early tend to find the second half long.

Lunch is the centre of the day and sits roughly between the two halves of the ride. It is a seafood meal in a coastal setting, with time to sit, refuel and let the group regroup before the return leg. Check with the partner when booking whether the meal itself is covered or paid on the day, and mention any allergies or dietary needs at the same time, as seafood menus can be limited. Plan to eat well but lightly enough to ride the afternoon comfortably.

Bring what you would for any full day on a road bike: a spare tube, plenty of water, sun protection and layers for the early start and any sea breeze. Coastal roads can be exposed, so check the forecast for wind as well as temperature. A compact gearset helps with the repeated climbs. Confirm the start point, transfer arrangements and bike hire options with the partner when you book, since the route is on the Costa Brava.