There are challenges that begin as an apparently crazy idea and end up becoming an experience that changes everything. The ride from Barcelona to Baqueira with Velodrom was one of those challenges that test your body, mind, team... and gear. A challenge that perfectly sums up what cycling really means when you live it to the fullest.
Since Velodrom was founded, its goal has been clear: to inspire people to ride bikes. Over time, that idea has materialized into challenges that, although they may seem “crazy,” are perfectly achievable when a group works together and pedals in the same direction.
This adventure was no exception. And, moreover, it had an added purpose: to push GOBIK clothing to the limit in real and demanding conditions, with no filters or shortcuts.
A real challenge: numbers that command respect
The route spoke for itself: 292 kilometers and more than 5,000 meters of elevation gain, in a single day. A long, tough, and ever-changing course, where planning was key, but where adaptability would ultimately be decisive.
The day begins even before pedaling
One of the tensest moments came even before getting on the bike. All eyes were on the weather forecast. Uncertainty about the weather accompanied the group from the very beginning... and it was soon confirmed.
During the first few kilometers, the asphalt was wet at dawn and soon gave way to several hours of rain, about three to four hours. Despite this, the group remained strong and focused. After that difficult start, the weather improved and the temperatures were pleasant for much of the day... until the final stretch.
The Port de la Bonaigua: where everything is decided
On the asphalt, the toughest moment was, without a doubt, the final climb to Port de la Bonaigua. After more than 250 km covered, the exhaustion was total. In addition, the day was coming to an end, temperatures dropped sharply, and snow appeared. The thermometer hovered around 0 degrees, and the pass proved to be long, demanding, and crushing both physically and mentally.
A group that leaves no one behind
If anything defined this adventure, it was the group dynamic. Empathy, respect for individual paces, and teamwork marked every kilometer. No one was left behind for lack of support. Arriving together was the goal, even if the final toughness meant that the last kilometers were completed in a staggered fashion.
That spirit says a lot about what Velodrom is: they like to dress well, they like good bikes, but above all, they are cyclists. Passionate.
Living the adventure from outside the bike
For the GOBIK team, the experience was no less demanding. The day began at 6 a.m. leaving Barcelona in a van, with more than 12 hours of support during the route and another 4 hours of return at night. A silent but essential effort: cheering, assisting, anticipating problems, and being available at all times.
The logistics were meticulously planned. Stops were scheduled approximately every 3 hours, where cyclists could change clothes, eat, and reorganize. Each participant brought their own food—pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit—as well as energy bars provided by Velodrom.
Layers, merino, and real protection against cold and rain
The conditions made proper garment management essential. During the adventure, the cyclists wore:
- Base layers such as Pacer, Element and Envy, combined with merino base layers.
- Thermal layers for the cold: Skimo Pro, Armour and Superarmour.
- Layered glove system: Finder 2.0 (thin) and Hypeguard (winter).
- Key accessories: Velotoze overshoes, Defender toe covers, merino bandana, thermal headband, merino socks and all the merino wool accessories from the catalog.
Many of the garments incorporated Polartec fabric, seeking maximum comfort in extreme situations. But if there was a decisive combination, it was the Velotoze overshoes together with the toe covers, especially during the long hours of rain, when water from the asphalt soaked the shoes relentlessly.
An arrival to remember
The arrival at the top of Bonaigua was emotional. Although the initial plan was to arrive together, reality imposed a different pace. The cyclists arrived one by one, exhausted, and the support team welcomed them with open arms. Without Speeches, without artifices. Just emotion, hugs, and the feeling of having overcome something big.
Afterwards, the descent towards Baqueira was done in stages. Some participants stayed there to start their family vacations; others changed clothes, loaded up their bikes, and returned to Barcelona. Of course, before that there was time to order some good pizzas on the way down the mountain pass and regain strength.
Much more than kilometers
Beyond the numbers, this adventure leaves something deeper: personal growth. Each cyclist carried their own inner story, their own mental challenge. And, as a group, the experience strengthened the bonds, the friendship, and the sense of belonging.
This kind of challenge doesn't end when the GPS is turned off. It stays inside. And these are the things that make you always want to put on an invisible bib and go out to look for the next adventure. For now, here is a summary of what we experienced. Watch video.
