Mane

The weather forecast was promising rainy Thursday. The Girona Bike Breaks Cycle Center decided not to organize its weekly shop ride. A little rain did not deter the foreigners, so there were some 16 riders waiting for the shop ride at 10am. Cal Sabater Only I and Martin from Netherlands knew the route. We decided to ride to Canet d'Adri despite the wet roads and cloud hanging low on the sides of the hills and mountains. The others followed us. We made it to the restaurant Cal Sabater. I rode with the slower riders, Martin with the faster ones. No accidents, a nice ride for everyone. After coffee, everyone but I, Matti P, and one riders with a hybrid bike decided to return to Girona and to ride up Santa Pellaia or something. We decided to ride to Sant Aniol de Finestres to see the funny and stupid turkeys, to have a cup of coffee and to enjoy quite road. The turkeys were active in the yard of the restaurant Can Tura. They are quite chatty, always responding to anyone w...

On Wednesday, Girona rides like a girl . A weekly ride leaves for four a 3-hour ride from the main post office by the Placa de Independencia. Nice and and well behaving boys and gentlemen are always welcome. Today many girls were down with flu. We were 4 boys and Anna. The weather was good enough, a bit chilly in the morning, but we had some sunshine as well. There are so many small country roads. If one knows the right routes, one never has to ride on highways. Today we choose the so called "stick farms" route. The route goes through plant nurseries and gardens near Celra. Small pines, palm trees etc are growing there waiting for someone to buy them. A large palm trees cost 4000 euros. Significant business. Monells  We rode to Pubol by Dali's castle to Monells for coffee. We were not the only cyclists riding as there were ten others having coffee in Monells. Good coffee, delicious bocadillos. Then it was time to climb over Santa Pellaia. It is a nice 9 km cl...

A good ( coffeeneuring ) ride has the following characteristics: riding with friends who a just a little faster than you sunshine, or at the very least no rain some new roads  strong legs great coffee long and fast enough Today we had a great ride. We were four: Anna, Howard, Sebastian and I. It was not raining, sun was shining intermittently, Anna led us to new roads (new to me, that is), coffee was hot and strong both in Banyoles and in Girona. I also felt strong, and could easily follow the others up any hills and even very steep ramps. 77km, 3hours.  Cortado and clara First we rode to Banyoles following the usual route via Cornellà del Terri, up the Pujas dels Cavallers and from there over some rolling hills to Banyoles. Rolling hills mean 5-6% for 700 meters. In Finland, we would call such a ascent a major climb. The weather is turning towards autumn here in Girona. In Banyoles, it was only 15C and overcast. We could still have coffee outside, but...

The coffeeneuring challenge continues. Today we decided to ride to the River Terri dam and continue from there over a 600m high pass to Osor and back to Girona. Today's participants were Matti, Niko and Juha. This is how happy the ride made us. This was one of the nicest short ride so far in Girona. Of course, riding to Angles was a bit dull, but with Matti pulling the group at a brisk pace, it did not take long. The traffic was rather light as we left Girona by 12.15. The valley from the lower dam to the higher dam is very beautiful. I was also told that the view from the higher dam over to artificial lake and mountains is magnificent. My fear of heights prevented me from verifying this claim. After the dam there is a very, very steep climb. The steep part is about 2 kilometers long with 150 climbing. Avarage of 7.5%, but with sections over 15%, maybe even 20%. Very hard. Everyone managed the climb quite well, even I had no real problems. The downhill is very steep and...

Coffeeneuring is an annual riding challenge. The rules are quite simple My first two rides took me alone to Banyoles and with Anna and Matti to the coast at Sant Felieu de Guixols. On Friday, I rode to Banyoles along the usual route. I had coffee on the lake, on a platform. It was q quiet, sunny, I was in no hurry. Not much company except some very tame ducks. An easy ride of 45km. On Sunday, the 9th of October, we - Anna and Matti P - rode a bit longer coffee ride via Llagostera, Santa Grau, Sant Feliu de Guixols, La Bispal de Emporia, Monells and Celra. 117km, with some medium climbs. The weather had a slight hint of autumn, with temperature of 14C when descending from Santa Grau to the coast. Almost no sun. The route https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17074584  - real distance of 117km. In Sant Feliu de Guixols We had a lovely coffee break in Monells.

I intended to climb Sant Marti Sacalm. It is said to be a very enjoyable climb leading to place with great views . But I had again forgotten to eat enough and properly before heading out on my bike. So, I bonked after the first - smaller - climb to Les Planes d'Hostoles. Suddenly my legs did not want to turn the pedals. There was some animal in my stomach tossing and turning. On the way to Les Planes d'Hostols - water fountain No Sant Marti Sacalm today then. I has a nice ride (except for the hunger and empty legs) anyway. The weather was perfect for riding. 20C to 23C. No rain, I managed to ride ahead of the rain at least three times. Som strong head wind from south, but it only increases stamina. Since the N-141e road from Olot to Girona is really boring, I used all my will power and rode over Mas LLunes to Estanyol and back to Girona. I arrived in Girona at 5.30pm. The Taj Indian restaurant , the only restaurant with large enough portions to satisfy mu current hun...

After riding up and down mountains and hills, I wanted to ride a very easy flat route today. I was thinking about riding to Cap de Creus, but decided not to. It was becoming a bit late - had I had a flat, I would not have made it to the Llança station before sunset. And I do not fancy cycling in the dark. River Ter So instead, I spent some time exploring Empuriabrava. It is an artificial Venice-like maze of canals built on a swamp. The residents have both fancy cars and expensive boat s. Some boats are bigger than houses. About 30% of the boats and houses seems to be for sale. The average age of population is over 55 and BMI about 30. Not a place for cyclists. Too many cars. Empuriabrava From Empuriabrava I rode to Vilajuiga. Since still had some time before sunset, I rode to Figueres via Peralada. The road C-252 is very nice. I took a train back from Figueres. 109km, about 4 hours. Average hearth rate 122bpm. Very, very easy pace. And no climbing. The route:  ht...