Bikes Ripoll: Key figure in cycling in the Ripollès
Joan Iglesias, owner of Bikes Ripoll, has become one of the key figures in cycling in the Ripollès thanks to his deep knowledge of the region and its routes.
Cyclists passing through the Ripollès often stop at Bikes Ripoll, not only to repair their bikes or to buy or rent one, but also to ask for advice. In smaller cycling destinations, this informal network plays a vital role. Official maps, guidebooks and route descriptions provide the framework, but many of the decisions riders make on the bike are still based on local knowledge. Without claiming to be anything more than a bike shop, Bikes Ripoll has naturally become part of that network.
Iglesias plays many different roles within the local cycling community. He shares the latest information from local residents about trail conditions, while visitors come into the shop looking for recommendations. He is also actively involved in the region’s cycling scene and works closely with clubs such as Sant Joan de les Abadesses Cycling Club. Above all, he is one of the people trusted by Ripollès Desenvolupament to help maintain the quality of the 24 routes that make up the Ripollès Mountain Bike Trail Centre.
According to Iglesias, cycling tourism in the Ripollès is growing steadily, even if the pace is gradual. “The Ripollès is still a relatively undiscovered destination. Cycling here isn’t built around huge mass participation events, but around access to nature, waymarked mountain bike routes and a landscape that you can explore straight from town, with demanding climbs and superb singletrack. In the end, the Tour de France only shows a small part of what the region has to offer. Beyond the Collada de Toses there are countless beautiful places and roads that are well worth discovering.”
Mountain biking
“I believe the Ripollès offers something truly unique, both for road cycling and mountain biking. In both disciplines, there’s terrain to suit every kind of rider. Ripoll and its surroundings provide completely different experiences depending on how far you want to ride and how much of a challenge you’re looking for.”
The Centre BTT del Ripollès (Ripollès Mountain Bike Trail Centre) features almost 500 kilometres of mountain bike routes spread across 24 officially approved trails. They range from ten to more than forty kilometres in length, with some exceeding 1,000 metres of elevation gain. “Being in the Pyrenees, there are naturally demanding routes with steep gradients and long distances. The trails pass through areas of outstanding natural and cultural value, opening onto sweeping landscapes and spectacular viewpoints.”
Iglesias himself is undoubtedly one of the people who knows the area best. After years of riding the region’s roads and trails, he knows the Ripollès like few others. “One of the things I enjoy most about running Bikes Ripoll is being able to share my experience with visitors, recommend routes and then see them come back with a smile on their faces.”
Bikes Ripoll
Carrer Progrés 43, Ground Floor, Ripoll
Sales & Workshop: +34 972 96 02 92 / +34 636 27 21 67
Shop email: bikesripoll@gmail.com
https://www.bikesripoll.com/
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