Grounded - an elementary journey
Most of us have had an uneasy feeling creep up on us over the past few years, a feeling that we’re losing a connection with nature, movement, fellow souls, and fun. Compromising too often, drifting from who we really are. Well, how about taking a step to change things? Now.
The elementary purpose of Grounded is to help you start that journey back to your true self - a strong, natural, fearless, flexible, gritty, mud-splattered and happy odd-ball.
After a social gravel ride in Girona, two unusual creatures started a discussion that lead to the idea of combining yoga with gravel biking, in the setting of an oasis of calm. A unique retreat centre with nature at it’s heart. But maybe retreat is the wrong term to use. We’re charging head long into a fresh approach to how we live in the coming times. One centred on facing challenges, in nature, with supportive friends, happy food, expert guidance, and with all elements at our disposal.
Yoga and gravel seems like a weird combination, and we’re glad you noticed. But look further and they offer an exceptional combination of elements we can benefit from on so many levels. Purposeful movement that can be physically challenging, meditational, focused, joyful and even occasionally painful. Guided by experienced leaders, helping you push some boundaries, gain mobility, celebrate nature, surprise yourself, laugh, cry, and gain confidence. At Grounded you will experience the touch of fire, air, water, earth, sky and silliness, Leonie and Dave can be trusted to make your Grounded week a special one.
Leonie the young and talented yoga guru - guru in the true sense. A gravel cyclist, with wonderful travel tales, more wisdom and life experiences than should be legal, and a calming tone in the yoga studio.. Dave the old weathered Irishman, former coach, now gravel guru, who can’t touch his toes. But wants to. He knows every trail, puddle, coffee stop and swim spot in the area.
Between us we can be your cheerleaders and guides, provide guidance and motivation, leave you alone, bring you in, and feed you all the best food during your stay.
GRounded happens
Our base is at the incredible La Bruguera de Púbol, located just 20km from Girona, Catalonia, With a superb climate, outstanding food and wonderful culture it's hard to imagine a better location for Grounded to base our first retreat.
Situated in a stunning woodland spot between the mountains and the sea, surrounded by Mediterranean nature and charming small villages, their eco-sustainable guest house offers the perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility and inspiration in a regenerative environment.
La Bruguera is more than sustainability. Who wants to maintain the current climate or economic situation? The folks a La Bruguera want the world to be better, and to do that we have to regenerate ourselves, not just maintain ourselves.
They practice a philosophy of “Regenerative Living” that includes the ethics, principles and practice of permaculture, applied degrowth and the seventh generation principle, which implies that we are governing the world for – at least – the next seven generations.
So who is Grounded for?
It’s for you. It’s for us too. Your friends. Our family.
You might be a gravel curious road cyclist, a yoga master, a gritted and committed off-road rider, or terrified of a downward dog. No one is left behind, everyone is guided and encouraged, and those with inflexible hamstrings are as welcome as those with gravel scarred elbows.
And what will happen?
The daily program has been developed to enable a full day, but not a daunting day. Morning yoga, a gravel bike ride, with lunch on the go, a chilled afternoon relaxing in the grounds of La Bruguera, and then a wind-down in the yoga studio. The focus is on fire, water, earth and air. Fun is the bonus element. The cycling routes will be created to cater for multiple levels of fitness and ability, with skills coaching available if required. We can arrange rental bikes for you so you don’t have the hassle of dragging your own bike through airports and train stations.
And when will it happen?
Grounded will start on on the afternoon of Sunday the 4th October, and run until lunchtime on Friday 9th October. Within that period will be multiple yoga sessions and 6 guided gravel rides. And
SO What’s the big deal?
Cost: €1587 per person
Included is 5 nights accommodation at La Bruguera de Pubol (based on 2 sharing), breakfast each morning, 4 evening meals (with one free evening), yoga classes led by Leonie, gravel rides, led by Dave, exposure to nature, solitude, connection, and a fresh perspective on who and what you are. You can also jump in the sea, with no additional charge.
Options: airport transfers, bike rental, massage, Girona walking tour.
Places on Grounded are limited, and you can secure you place with a 35% deposit. To be part of this special week, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch with full information.
Saturday 4th October to Friday 9th October: €1480