To the Mediterranean Sea

Yesterday we tackled the streets of Girona again and rode to the beautiful Lake Bunyoles, home of the Barcelona Rowing Olympics in 1992, a small but pristine body of water naturally fed by subterranean channels. It was an easy ride through the countryside, but strong gusty side winds kept one alert. Today it still remains a base for World Championship team events, for rowing, kayaking and triathlon with their world class facilities.  Along the water's edge, remains beautiful ornate rowing houses.


One of my favourite rides from this beautiful city, is down to the sea and returning via the Sant Grau climb. The day of course, starts by getting lost in these crazy streets, (something I really struggle with and  thank god for google maps) but anyway we pick up the route and soon enough on the road toward the coast.  We choose the back country single roads over the main 'B' roads, simply too much traffic.

A few hours later and a long, long downhill, we landed at Tossa de Mar on the Mediterranean waters edge and it's like we are in a different world. Thick with people, tanned and ready for the beach.  It's warm with little wind. Lots of people lying in the morning sun, but few swimming.  It's busy so we continue on, riding the beautiful undulating coastal road.


A few km's up the hilly coastal road, the traffic is stopped.  We ride to the front of the queue to see what's going on and theirs half a dozen black vans parked along the road with the police halting traffic. A pro rider from Alpecin-Deceuninck is being filmed going up and down the rolling hills with film crew riding alongside and drones overhead. I try to continue on but a crew member puts up her hand to stop me and says something of which I interpret to be Stop. We learn the road is closed for 20 minutes.  


The time passes quickly, such a beautiful part of the world.  Exclusive resorts dot little coves along the road, I wonder to myself, how much would it cost to stay there? certainly out of my budget. The road along the coast is bliss, its warm though. I pull over, strip off the under layer (don't care who's looking) and just as well as before long we turn left and are heading up.  

The climb out of the coast, is Sant Grau, 7km long, steady gradient of 6% with wonderful views looking back as the road snakes its way to the top. The majority of riders are coming down but there is no cars, maybe a motorbike or two.  When your hot and turning the wheels over, not much else goes through the brain other than keep turning them over Ang... At the very top the road heads up to 14% (the road sign tells you) for about 100 metres but feels like a mile.  

It's a glorious 10km downhill back to the town of Llagostera but just as we begin the descent, another pro rider (they are everywhere in this area).  We pass Wout van Aert climbing towards us, the much adored Belgum Pro rider from Visma Lease a bike team (coming back from injuries)  David yells 'Hello Wout' and he sought of looks at Dave.  We chat about that on the way down.  Dave says 'he didn't look his best' I say 'oh that's good, cause I wasn't looking my best either'    

We double check strava (I follow him) and sure enough, it was Wout.  He did the 10km climb three times, up and back up and back.............

Cork trees in Costa Brava area are common along the ride back to Girona.  Laws dictate the trees must grow for 25-34 years before the first harvest, which is done in a special way so the tree can continue to grow and produce more cork.  Enjoyed this stop and particularly the one at the crowded local pub which served us a strong coffee (lots of google translate was needed) and Fanta for the ride home.  


Cork is stripped every 9 to 12 years, so in their lifespan of 200 years, trees can be harvested over 16 times.  Amazing ......

A beautiful ride just shy of 100km




















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