TL;DR. The Traka takes place in Girona in late April or early May. Get there by train or plane, book accommodation as soon as you have your entry confirmed because the city fills up, bring your bike in a box or rent one at the destination, and collect your race number the day before. Girona is the epicentre of European gravel: riding here makes sense far beyond race day.
Girona has something you cannot fake. In spring, when The Traka takes over the city, the cycling atmosphere is so thick you can feel it in the bars of the Barri Vell. Riders arrive from all over Europe carrying bike boxes, wheels slung over one arm, with the look of someone who has travelled many hours to do something that genuinely matters to them. If you are planning to race the Traka 100, 200, or 360, this guide handles the logistical side so you can arrive with a clear head and focus on what counts: riding.
The exact dates for each edition are confirmed by the organisation on its official website. Historically the race has been held between late April and the first days of May, so watch for the official announcement as soon as the calendar opens.
How do I get to Girona for The Traka?
You have three real options. The train from Barcelona is the most convenient if you fly into El Prat. Girona-Costa Brava airport (GRO) shortens the journey if you can find a direct flight. A car makes sense if you are travelling from within Spain without a connection.
- Train from Barcelona: The high-speed or regional train from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stations gets you to Girona in around 40 minutes. This is the simplest option if you fly into El Prat (BCN). You can bring a bike bag on board, but check Renfe’s conditions beforehand because spaces for large items are limited and it is worth reserving in advance.
- Girona-Costa Brava airport (GRO): Located around 12 kilometres from the city centre. Ryanair operates direct routes from several European and Spanish cities. From the airport to the centre there is a bus service, although with a bike box it is more practical to take a taxi or private transfer.
- Own car: Useful if you are coming from inland Spain or if you have a lot of kit. Girona has several car parks, but during Traka week the city fills up and finding parking close to the centre can be difficult. Some accommodation outside the centre has its own parking.
Where to stay in Girona during the race?
Book as soon as you have your entry confirmed. This is not an exaggeration: accommodation in central Girona sells out well in advance during Traka week.
The best areas are the historic centre, the Mercadal neighbourhood, and the Eixample, all well connected to the start area. Sant Gregori, a municipality a few kilometres away, offers quieter accommodation options and tends to have availability when the centre is already full. The surrounding area — places like Fornells de la Selva or Bescanó — also works if you have a car.
- Girona city: The most practical option for accessing pre-race events and the start without depending on transport. Hostels, boutique hotels, and tourist apartments sell out fast.
- Sant Gregori and surroundings: Quieter, a good option if you prefer to rest away from the noise. You need a car or bike to get around.
- Les Gavarres rural houses: If you want to feel like you are inside the race terrain before the start. Supply is limited, so you need to book months in advance.
If you want to better understand the training block before the race to arrive in shape, you can read our guide on Traka 2027 preparation.
What is the weather like in Girona in spring?
Variable and with a real chance of rain. Spring in Girona can bring sunny days of 20 degrees and days of persistent rain with temperatures around 10-12 degrees at altitude. Les Gavarres retains moisture and the tramontane wind can appear without warning.
For a long-distance race in spring in Girona, your kit should include:
- Long-sleeve jersey or arm warmers for the mornings
- Waterproof windproof jacket, especially for the 200 and the 360
- Lightweight gloves
- Helmet visor or glasses suitable for rain
Check the forecast three or four days out, but always bring rain gear even if the forecast says sunny.
How do I transport my bike to Girona?
In a bike box if you are flying, in a hard case if you are going by train or car. Dismantling and reassembling is part of the protocol for any rider who travels regularly: remove the handlebars, take out the front wheel, lower the saddle, and protect the frame with foam. If you do not want the hassle, there are alternatives at the destination.
- Workshops and shops in Girona city: There are several shops specialised in gravel and road cycling that assemble bikes brought in boxes, carry out pre-race checks, and hire out tools. Some offer a specific service during Traka week, but they get saturated. Book an appointment in advance.
- Bike rental in Girona: If you do not want to travel with your own bike, there is the option of renting a gravel bike from one of the city shops. Supply is limited and demand is high during race week, so contact in advance and confirm the correct size for you.
- Bike transport services: There are companies specialised in door-to-door bicycle transport within Europe. They are more expensive but eliminate the risk of damage in the hold.
How does race-day-minus-one logistics work?
Race number collection is usually done the day before the start, at the Expo Village set up by the organisation in Girona. Always confirm the exact location and times on The Traka’s official website, as these can vary between editions.
At the Expo you can also check your runner’s bag, buy kit, and attend the technical talks the organisation usually runs. It is worth going along without rushing, especially if this is your first Traka.
Regarding drop bags: their availability depends on the distance. In the 360, there are usually aid station points where you can leave a bag with extra kit. In the 100 and 200 options are more limited or non-existent. Review the specific regulations for your distance on the official race website before preparing your kit.
Why is Girona the European capital of gravel?
It is not marketing. Girona has been the base of some of the world’s most prominent professional cyclists for years, and that has created a cycling infrastructure and community that does not exist anywhere else in Europe with the same density.
Les Gavarres, the massif that is the backdrop for most of the Traka route, offers dozens of dirt tracks and paths that can be linked almost infinitely. The terrain is technical, varied, and demands your full attention. The pine forests and the smell of damp spring soil give riding here a texture unlike anywhere else.
Beyond the race, if you arrive one or two days early you can ride without pressure, exploring routes from the city towards Sant Mateu de Montnegre, the Sant Miquel de Cruïlles hermitage, or the tracks surrounding Puig d’Arques. Many riders take advantage of Traka week to ride for several days and soak up the atmosphere.
If you want to have your gravel year well structured before committing to dates, the gravel races directory gives you a comprehensive view of the most relevant events on the calendar.
What are the logistical differences between the Traka 100, 200, and 360?
The differences are not just in kilometres. Each distance involves different planning.
- Traka 100: Completable in a single day for any rider with a solid base. Logistics are simpler: one race day, no need to plan overnight nutrition or bivouac kit. What does not change is terrain preparation and knowing the aid station locations.
- Traka 200: A long day or two days depending on pace. Requires more nutrition planning and may involve riding through the night. Energy management and sleep come into play.
- Traka 360: Bikepacking format with one or two bivouacs. You need additional kit, planning of rest points, and a solid multi-day nutrition strategy. Drop bag logistics and checkpoint management become more important.
If you are weighing which distance to choose or how to structure training for each format, working with a gravel cycling coach lets you periodise the pre-race block with clear criteria, leaving nothing to chance.
Is there anything I should know before arriving for the first time?
Several things that Traka veterans repeat and first-timers learn too late.
- The terrain in Les Gavarres can become very slippery when it rains. Tyre choice and pressure matter more than you might think.
- The atmosphere in Girona during Traka week is extraordinary, but also tiring. Manage your sleep well in the days before.
- Bring cash for aid stops at village bars: they do not always accept card.
- If you have a mechanical issue on the route, the kilometres in remote areas can be long. Carry what you need to fix a puncture and check your brakes before you set off.
- Confirm with the organisation whether there is a bag storage service at the start, especially useful if you are racing solo and have no one to wait for you at the finish.
If you have been wanting to race the Traka for a while but still do not have a structured training plan, at Push Rider we work with gravel riders of all levels to arrive at this kind of race in the right condition. You can see the full race profile at The Traka or tell us what you need directly at /en/apply/.