ALEIX FERRER & MILLIE GIBBONS
A Catalonian Winter Solstice
Two riders on a mission to chase snow, sunlight, and the spirit of the shortest day of the year.
“We didn’t want the light or the cold to dictate our adventure, we wanted to make the ride an epic one.”
- ALEIX
For most cyclists, December means indoor trainers or short, frosty spins. But Aleix (a Girona native and ultra-runner) and Millie (a British ultra-endurance rider turned Girona local) don’t do “normal.” Instead, they marked the Winter Solstice with a 200km epic from Girona to Vallter 2000—Catalonia’s highest paved road—touching snow at the summit and finishing under a fiery sunset on Els Angels. We asked them about the ride, their love for Girona, and why adventure beats routine every time.
01
Q: Growing up in Girona, how has its cycling culture changed?
Aleix:
“When I was younger, you wouldn’t even see a road bike here—cycling was just a sport on TV. I never thought my hometown would become the mecca it is now. Riding made me appreciate Girona even more; I’m lucky to call it home.”
02
Q: Millie, what hooked you on Girona?
Millie:
“I came for the Traka gravel race and stayed for the community, weather, and endless riding. One day you’re in the Pyrenees, the next by the sea. It’s a dream.”
03
Q: What makes bikes the perfect adventure tool?
Aleix:
“I’m a runner first, but cycling captivates me—you can go anywhere under your own power.”
Millie:
“Sunrises, sunsets, picking a map destination and getting yourself there… that ‘wow’ never gets old when you're riding your bike.”
04
Q: Who dreamed up the Winter Solstice ride?
Aleix:
“We wanted to make the shortest day epic. Seeing snowy Pyrenees peaks, we knew we had to go. No letting cold or darkness dictate our ride.”
05
Q: Why Vallter 2000?
Mille:
“It’s special—we camped and rode there all summer. Aleix learned to ski there, and I’d never seen it in winter. Mission: touch snow at Catalonia’s highest road.”
06
Q: How did Els Angels feel as a finale?
Millie:
“Unreal. Snowy mountains in the distance, sunset blazing—one of our best ever. A perfect end to the ride.”
07
Q: Aleix, what’s next—running or cycling?
Aleix:
“I’ve pushed my running limits; now I’m tackling my first ultra road race in 2025. Time to see how far I can go on two wheels.”
08
Q: Millie, any 2025 ride plans?
Millie:
“Nothing set yet—ideas hit me like this one did. Maybe Granada gravel next… but there will be more snow missions!”
Photos: Aleix Ferrer
What Millie & Aleix Wore
