I woke up this morning and my adrenalin was still going from last night. Four of us had decided to go on a dark skies ride for a Christmas meal by bike along some Dartmoor lanes. We met at 6.30 at Ivybridge Watermark Centre. It was only 6 miles to the Cornwood Inn along the Dartmoor Way Cycle Route but it was truly amazing. There was no moon and no urban lights either so it was a true dark skies ride. We could sense the countryside. We could hear owls hooting, we listened to the flow of rivers alongside us and could pick out the ancient walls and trees beside the road. On the return ride, we stopped and turned off our lights to look at the stars.
When we arrived back at the Watermark, we realized that it was the winter solstice. We had a great dark skies ride and a enjoyable meal too. Happy Christmas.
Thursday, 22 December 2016
Wednesday, 16 November 2016
AN AWARD AND SOME FAVOURITE IMAGES FROM 2016
I have won an award and it is for doing what I enjoy, going out with my bike. I am apparently SW Volunteer of the Year for Sustrans. I have not talked much about Sustrans in my blog. I have always liked what they do. The National Cycle Network is its creation and nothing to do with our Government. It is a credit to Sustrans that all the local authorities across the UK have adopted it. For me, it brings adventure in some of Britain's remotest places and in busier areas the NCN, as it is known, takes people along safe paths suitable for everyone, children, disabled people, elderly as well as cyclists. It has something for everyone. These are a selection of images that have inspired me in 2016.
My first image was taken in Cambridge in February and could easily be thought to be in one of Europe's cycling capitals, such as Copenhagen or Amsterdam. All towns and cities should have cycling facilities like this. There would be less traffic congestion and we would "mostly" be happier
The next image was popular with the Wildlife Trusts and was tweeted to 100K followers. My theme was searching for 30 Days Wild which they ask everyone to take part in June every year. I was in the New Forest for this piccie.
I sometimes lead small group guided rides for Sustrans in South Devon. My image below was a group ride that I led on Dartmoor.
Of course Dartmoor can be bleak. Why else was a jail built there? It did not put this Sustrans cyclist off
The NCN takes you to some iconic places. I often use it for my tours in the UK and Ireland. Taken last year, this is my buddy, Andy, also a volunteer, in the Black Mountains
This image was taken last month at the Sustainable Travel Fair in Ivybridge. It is Gary Streeter, our MP, checking out an e-mountain bike. This is his blog for the Fair and I am wondering if he will become a convert?
If on tour, many of the best scenic journeys can be off-road. There is nothing wrong with some mud or hard tracks, just bring a tough bike with good tyres. This is my buddy, Dagmar, from Germany setting off for the Pyrenees earlier this year.
And finally, every journey must have its high point. Here is mine in 2016
If you would like to join a mini adventure in deepest South Devon in 2017, please keep watching this website
My first image was taken in Cambridge in February and could easily be thought to be in one of Europe's cycling capitals, such as Copenhagen or Amsterdam. All towns and cities should have cycling facilities like this. There would be less traffic congestion and we would "mostly" be happier
The next image was popular with the Wildlife Trusts and was tweeted to 100K followers. My theme was searching for 30 Days Wild which they ask everyone to take part in June every year. I was in the New Forest for this piccie.
I sometimes lead small group guided rides for Sustrans in South Devon. My image below was a group ride that I led on Dartmoor.
Of course Dartmoor can be bleak. Why else was a jail built there? It did not put this Sustrans cyclist off
The NCN takes you to some iconic places. I often use it for my tours in the UK and Ireland. Taken last year, this is my buddy, Andy, also a volunteer, in the Black Mountains
This image was taken last month at the Sustainable Travel Fair in Ivybridge. It is Gary Streeter, our MP, checking out an e-mountain bike. This is his blog for the Fair and I am wondering if he will become a convert?
If on tour, many of the best scenic journeys can be off-road. There is nothing wrong with some mud or hard tracks, just bring a tough bike with good tyres. This is my buddy, Dagmar, from Germany setting off for the Pyrenees earlier this year.
And finally, every journey must have its high point. Here is mine in 2016
If you would like to join a mini adventure in deepest South Devon in 2017, please keep watching this website
Friday, 14 October 2016
A SHORT CYCLE TOUR ON DEVON'S NORTH COAST
Although I live in Devon, I have never cycled its north east coast before. I have heard that the scenery is stunning and hills are steep. I met my friend, Jaana, in Barnstaple for a two day ride to Minehead. I cycled up from Ivybridge on the previous day while she came from London on the train.
The ride across the centre of Devon is one of my favourites with its varied mixture of moorland, countryside, quaint villages, cycle trails, quiet roads and sufficient coffee stops.
Some of the route left the highway and I enjoyed the next section crossing Mary Tavy Moor. Last time I was here, a cyclist came the other way wearing a dishdasha. This is a white ankle length garment usually with long sleeves and frequently worn by Arabs. The rider was accompanied by 6 children, all on mountain bikes
As we left Barnstaple, our journey took us north initially on a flat cycle trail, formerly a railway but after Braunton the journey started becoming arduous as we climbed into the hills. We arrived at Woolacombe Bay and discovered a most beautiful beach.
If you are a surf dude, you might end your journey here as it is apparantly one of the finest surfing destinations in the UK. The scenery changed to rugged cliffs as we cycled northwards and, at Ilfracombe, we discovered Verity, a complete contrast to everything up to now
Verity was created by Damien Hirst in 2011 and is 20.25 metres high. She is made from stainless steel and bronze. Verity was part of the reason that I wanted to cycle this coast and she must have made a significant impact on visitor numbers coming to Ilfracombe. The cliffs beyond continue to Minehead and we started to encounter some of the most challenging hills that I have ever met.
We discovered that a normal hill here is 25% and each hill has many bends, some switchbacks and the roads are all narrow. We walked up the hills and it was slightly terrifying going downhill with alarming thoughts of brake fade and worse. The compensations were truly epic scenery and admiring comments from people who never thought to see cyclists on these roads. Some of the roads were too narrow for most types of motor vehicle so we were left to ourselves to enjoy the scenery at a slow pace. We cycled through Combe Martin,along the Valley of the Rocks, Lynton, Porlock and finished at Minehead.
These are the journey details:
Day 1: Ivybridge - Barnstaple:- 84 miles, cycle routes NCN2 and 27
Days 2 and 3: Barnstaple - Minehead:- 78 very hilly miles, cycle route RCN51
The map is here
The ride across the centre of Devon is one of my favourites with its varied mixture of moorland, countryside, quaint villages, cycle trails, quiet roads and sufficient coffee stops.
Some of the route left the highway and I enjoyed the next section crossing Mary Tavy Moor. Last time I was here, a cyclist came the other way wearing a dishdasha. This is a white ankle length garment usually with long sleeves and frequently worn by Arabs. The rider was accompanied by 6 children, all on mountain bikes
As we left Barnstaple, our journey took us north initially on a flat cycle trail, formerly a railway but after Braunton the journey started becoming arduous as we climbed into the hills. We arrived at Woolacombe Bay and discovered a most beautiful beach.
If you are a surf dude, you might end your journey here as it is apparantly one of the finest surfing destinations in the UK. The scenery changed to rugged cliffs as we cycled northwards and, at Ilfracombe, we discovered Verity, a complete contrast to everything up to now
Verity was created by Damien Hirst in 2011 and is 20.25 metres high. She is made from stainless steel and bronze. Verity was part of the reason that I wanted to cycle this coast and she must have made a significant impact on visitor numbers coming to Ilfracombe. The cliffs beyond continue to Minehead and we started to encounter some of the most challenging hills that I have ever met.
We discovered that a normal hill here is 25% and each hill has many bends, some switchbacks and the roads are all narrow. We walked up the hills and it was slightly terrifying going downhill with alarming thoughts of brake fade and worse. The compensations were truly epic scenery and admiring comments from people who never thought to see cyclists on these roads. Some of the roads were too narrow for most types of motor vehicle so we were left to ourselves to enjoy the scenery at a slow pace. We cycled through Combe Martin,along the Valley of the Rocks, Lynton, Porlock and finished at Minehead.
These are the journey details:
Day 1: Ivybridge - Barnstaple:- 84 miles, cycle routes NCN2 and 27
Days 2 and 3: Barnstaple - Minehead:- 78 very hilly miles, cycle route RCN51
The map is here
Tuesday, 4 October 2016
A BIKE RIDE TO HIGH DAM
High Dam is in the Lake District and was built to serve Stott Park Bobbin Mill at Finsthwaite near Ulverston. The mill produced millions of bobbins for the once thriving spinning and weaving industries in Lancashire. Today, the mill is a visitor attraction and still in use. The dam occupies a particularly scenic location above it. My daughter wanted me to join her husband, new baby and her to go wild swimming in the dam. It was a 47 mile bike ride to achieve this. I am becoming a regular visitor to the Lakes and enjoy its many and varied bike routes.
The dam involves a climb on a rough track and it can be reached from the newly formed Lakes and Dales Cycle Loop
The woodland was quite splendid with many varieties of trees. I ask someone at the start of the track if I can cycle it. He thought that a mountain bike might be needed but I took my cyclocross tourer anyway. I walk with the family up the track as it is too gritty to cycle and it was good to see a tree creeper scampering up an oak.
Baby Finn is encouraged to try the saddle. The water is crystal clear with no wind and surrounded by woodland. My daughter encourages us to do a mini triathlon by running around the dam and swimming across it. We resolve to do this another time but all take a dip.This is my first wild swim for a long time so it is brief for me but both parents swim across and back with no wet suits.
Baby Finn is only 10 months old but he is already being groomed for sport including cycling. He loves being in the child seat of my daughter's bike.
The bike ride started from Milnethorpe and followed The Lakes and Dales Cycle Loop through Levens, Grange, Cartmel and Newby Bridge. Apart from the tree creeper, I had close up views of a young fox on the road and nature in the raw where a sparrow hawk was eating a pigeon still alive no more than 1 metre from where I was standing and quite oblivious to my interest.
The dam involves a climb on a rough track and it can be reached from the newly formed Lakes and Dales Cycle Loop
The woodland was quite splendid with many varieties of trees. I ask someone at the start of the track if I can cycle it. He thought that a mountain bike might be needed but I took my cyclocross tourer anyway. I walk with the family up the track as it is too gritty to cycle and it was good to see a tree creeper scampering up an oak.
Baby Finn is encouraged to try the saddle. The water is crystal clear with no wind and surrounded by woodland. My daughter encourages us to do a mini triathlon by running around the dam and swimming across it. We resolve to do this another time but all take a dip.This is my first wild swim for a long time so it is brief for me but both parents swim across and back with no wet suits.
Baby Finn is only 10 months old but he is already being groomed for sport including cycling. He loves being in the child seat of my daughter's bike.
The bike ride started from Milnethorpe and followed The Lakes and Dales Cycle Loop through Levens, Grange, Cartmel and Newby Bridge. Apart from the tree creeper, I had close up views of a young fox on the road and nature in the raw where a sparrow hawk was eating a pigeon still alive no more than 1 metre from where I was standing and quite oblivious to my interest.
Monday, 8 August 2016
SADDLE UP FOR MORE RIDES
What do you do when you have cycled the Pyrenees? Where I live, Dartmoor and the South Hams has some amazing cycle routes. They are varied, have wild places and some spectacular scenery. The problem is that I yearn for new places. These are a few of my favourite places in south west England where I have cycled recently.
This is cycle route RCN51 where it crosses a ford beside an old packhorse bridge near Porlock on Exmoor that I visited a month ago.
An old favourite is the Puffing Billy Trail at sunset on Dartmoor
This sandstone gorge is at Nynehead on NCN3 cycling north towards Taunton in Somerset
Cycling across the estuary of the River Erme in South Devon is just possible at low tide but it is not for
everyone
This cycle trail in Cornwall was even harder
The Cornish coast has some spectacular views. This was from NCN3 in West Cornwall
And finally, it is Rio's turn for the Olympics. Here are two images from 2012 where The National Lottery encouraged lots of us to get inspired with Pedal On UK. Our group cycled from Newton Abbott to Bristol.
I am saddling up for my next rides where open countryside and quiet lanes matter
This is cycle route RCN51 where it crosses a ford beside an old packhorse bridge near Porlock on Exmoor that I visited a month ago.
An old favourite is the Puffing Billy Trail at sunset on Dartmoor
This sandstone gorge is at Nynehead on NCN3 cycling north towards Taunton in Somerset
Cycling across the estuary of the River Erme in South Devon is just possible at low tide but it is not for
everyone
This cycle trail in Cornwall was even harder
The Cornish coast has some spectacular views. This was from NCN3 in West Cornwall
And finally, it is Rio's turn for the Olympics. Here are two images from 2012 where The National Lottery encouraged lots of us to get inspired with Pedal On UK. Our group cycled from Newton Abbott to Bristol.
I am saddling up for my next rides where open countryside and quiet lanes matter
Friday, 17 June 2016
AND FINALLY
This was our route along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, thanks to Dagmar's excellent navigation skills
These are some vital statistics:
> We succeeded cycling from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
> Distance: 1,146km (716 miles)
> Altitude climbed: 14,900m (48,887ft)
> Punctures: None
> Repairs: None
> Best scenic day: The ride to Pedroforca (day 4).
> Most memorable stop: Day ride from Ainsa (day 10)
> Best wildlife day: Everyday we could hear the birds singing and were immersed in wildlife rich countryside
> Best town/city: San Sebastian (final day)
> Any bad moments? Heavy traffic and heavy rain on the Corniche between St Jean De Luz and Hendaye
> Favourite overnight stop: Ainsa
> Route planning: All Dagmar's planning
> Quality of cycle routes: mostly quiet lanes but some off-road terrain and occasional main roads. The Spanish drivers were mostly very good.
> Comment on hills: completely different to UK. They are very long, often with hairpin bends but the gradients were shallow by UK standards. My longest recorded hill was 50km (31 miles), in this case going down.
These are some vital statistics:
> We succeeded cycling from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
> Distance: 1,146km (716 miles)
> Altitude climbed: 14,900m (48,887ft)
> Punctures: None
> Repairs: None
> Best scenic day: The ride to Pedroforca (day 4).
> Most memorable stop: Day ride from Ainsa (day 10)
> Best wildlife day: Everyday we could hear the birds singing and were immersed in wildlife rich countryside
> Best town/city: San Sebastian (final day)
> Any bad moments? Heavy traffic and heavy rain on the Corniche between St Jean De Luz and Hendaye
> Favourite overnight stop: Ainsa
> Route planning: All Dagmar's planning
> Quality of cycle routes: mostly quiet lanes but some off-road terrain and occasional main roads. The Spanish drivers were mostly very good.
> Comment on hills: completely different to UK. They are very long, often with hairpin bends but the gradients were shallow by UK standards. My longest recorded hill was 50km (31 miles), in this case going down.
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
HENDAYE AND JOURNEY'S END
Last night, we arrived at Hendaye and this was our journey's end. It was 39 miles and there were two colls but they were getting smaller. The excitement of our achievement was subdued because it was raining hard and we were soaked. Also the traffic on the very beautiful Corniche from St Jean de Luz was relentless and many cars overtook missing us by just a few centimetres. So here is the end point at the Atlantic Ocean.
My thoughts on this journey across the Spanish side of the Pyrenees are remembering children and families playing in the squares of the towns. The evenings seemed to be times for families to go out. Sometimes they were playing football, others on their bikes but always the cafes seemed to be places to meet and talk. I was frustrated at being unable to speak the language. Dagmar can speak some Spanish and did very well.
While cycling, birdsong and colourful wild flowers were always with us while the farm animals could often be heard by ting a lings from the bells around their necks. I loved finding the old towns where the church, a cafe and the square were the centre pieces. Motorists did not demand the roads and it felt safe and enjoyable in all these towns.
None of the hills were steep by British standards but they were often very long with many hairpin bends. In many places people were on motorbikes. They too were careful with cyclists and on several occasions we talked to motorcyclists. We marvelled how they had to wear such enormous and very hot leather gear while we were in shorts and tee shirts.
Today we left our bikes behind and travelled by train to St Sebastian, European Capital of Culture for 2016. We discovered a city where the streets were filled with inquisitive people and, like elsewhere in Spain, it felt safe to walk and discover its beautiful old world charm. People were encouraged to come by bike, bus and train so the roads were not busy.
Dagmar and I are already making plans for our bike adventure in 2017. This is her story
My thoughts on this journey across the Spanish side of the Pyrenees are remembering children and families playing in the squares of the towns. The evenings seemed to be times for families to go out. Sometimes they were playing football, others on their bikes but always the cafes seemed to be places to meet and talk. I was frustrated at being unable to speak the language. Dagmar can speak some Spanish and did very well.
While cycling, birdsong and colourful wild flowers were always with us while the farm animals could often be heard by ting a lings from the bells around their necks. I loved finding the old towns where the church, a cafe and the square were the centre pieces. Motorists did not demand the roads and it felt safe and enjoyable in all these towns.
None of the hills were steep by British standards but they were often very long with many hairpin bends. In many places people were on motorbikes. They too were careful with cyclists and on several occasions we talked to motorcyclists. We marvelled how they had to wear such enormous and very hot leather gear while we were in shorts and tee shirts.
Today we left our bikes behind and travelled by train to St Sebastian, European Capital of Culture for 2016. We discovered a city where the streets were filled with inquisitive people and, like elsewhere in Spain, it felt safe to walk and discover its beautiful old world charm. People were encouraged to come by bike, bus and train so the roads were not busy.
Dagmar and I are already making plans for our bike adventure in 2017. This is her story
Sunday, 29 May 2016
JAURRIETA TO ELIZONDO
This was our penultimate day in the Pyrenees. We cycled 54 miles, climbed 1,280m and dropped over 2,000m. We could no longer see the snow line and our route included one of the harder climbs.
We departed from Jaurrieta before the mountain bike event started but there were some early arrivals for the juniors.
Our route today crossed two trails and we stopped to talk to some interesting people. Better known is Camino de Santiago, the Pilgrim's Trail. The other is European Cycle Route EV 1
We saw many pilgrims walking the trail and this man was from the USA.
A Pilgrim's Pension is behind and I liked the boots hanging from the balcony. We spoke to others from Germany and the USA. It seemed that all were hiking 800km over 5 to 8 weeks. We saw many cyclists also, mostly road bikers but there were some long distance tourers. This couple were German and were cycling EV 1 from Faro in Portugal to Bordeaux. They said that they had experienced many hills. I thought that we had too. In fact I could not remember any flat cycling
This coll, although lower, experienced a tough climb and massive descent. The low level countryside was in many ways comparable to Dartmoor with its rushing streams, steep slopes and woodland. However on the north side, the architecture was completely different to what we have seen before
This journey continues to be an uplifting experience and the regular protests from the legs are kept in check by many coffee breaks and soothing words. This is Dagmar's blog and also my twitter
We departed from Jaurrieta before the mountain bike event started but there were some early arrivals for the juniors.
Our route today crossed two trails and we stopped to talk to some interesting people. Better known is Camino de Santiago, the Pilgrim's Trail. The other is European Cycle Route EV 1
We saw many pilgrims walking the trail and this man was from the USA.
A Pilgrim's Pension is behind and I liked the boots hanging from the balcony. We spoke to others from Germany and the USA. It seemed that all were hiking 800km over 5 to 8 weeks. We saw many cyclists also, mostly road bikers but there were some long distance tourers. This couple were German and were cycling EV 1 from Faro in Portugal to Bordeaux. They said that they had experienced many hills. I thought that we had too. In fact I could not remember any flat cycling
This coll, although lower, experienced a tough climb and massive descent. The low level countryside was in many ways comparable to Dartmoor with its rushing streams, steep slopes and woodland. However on the north side, the architecture was completely different to what we have seen before
This journey continues to be an uplifting experience and the regular protests from the legs are kept in check by many coffee breaks and soothing words. This is Dagmar's blog and also my twitter
Saturday, 28 May 2016
ARRIVAL IN NAVARRA
We asked for sandwiches for lunch today and were given gargantuan fresh baked rolls each half metre long filled with bacon. This was food for lumberjacks and into the bar walked a man with muscles that oozed strength. It looked like we were eating his snack. As usual, the cafe was on top of a hill in the old centre and this time we were at Vidangoz, a little village not on tourist trails. The cafe looked like a house but the bar was full with locals talking away.
We cycled 90 miles over the last two days and climbed 2,400m over hills that just kept coming. The bike continued to go well but the brakes were squealing on the downhills. I could not see anything wrong with them but kept my speed down just in case.
We arrived at our destination, Jaurrieta, to find a bike race in progress. It was the Vuelta a Navarra.
This started at 1pm and the riders had covered 125km by the time we saw them at 5.30pm. Tomorrow, a mountain bike event starts here.
On route, Dagmar encountered some cattle and we found a street market in Jaca's old town selling plants
We have two full days left on this tour and, when done, we will have cycled Coast to Coast from the Med to the Atlantic through the Pyrenees. We have already started planning our tour for 2017.
We cycled 90 miles over the last two days and climbed 2,400m over hills that just kept coming. The bike continued to go well but the brakes were squealing on the downhills. I could not see anything wrong with them but kept my speed down just in case.
We arrived at our destination, Jaurrieta, to find a bike race in progress. It was the Vuelta a Navarra.
This started at 1pm and the riders had covered 125km by the time we saw them at 5.30pm. Tomorrow, a mountain bike event starts here.
On route, Dagmar encountered some cattle and we found a street market in Jaca's old town selling plants
We have two full days left on this tour and, when done, we will have cycled Coast to Coast from the Med to the Atlantic through the Pyrenees. We have already started planning our tour for 2017.
Thursday, 26 May 2016
THREE DAYS IN ARAGON
We left Tamarite de Litera 3 days ago and are now in Sabinanigo. On route, we spent two nights at Ainsa, a pretty town on the south edge of the Pyrenees. We followed a farm trail out of Tamarite through poppy fields.
The problem with this was that our average speed was just 8mph. After 5 miles, we joined a tarmac road and headed north. The road was very quiet and the hills started to reappear. After 2 hours, it was time for coffee and we discovered the best coffee stops were always at cafes in the old part of towns. In Aragon, the old part is always on top of a steep hill. This morning a stork looked down at us from its nest in the church tower.
I tried to photograph the stork flying but failed. Our route back down to the road was so steep, we had to walk. When we met the road, a shepherd was leading his flock of sheep. They were so well behaved and I was very impressed. In Britain, dogs would be needed to keep control but not here as they just followed.
We met two German motorcyclists at lunch and fell into amicable conversation about the open road. Somehow being British with three German people felt very normal and I enjoyed the experience. After 3 miles, my bike reaches 30,000 miles. Dagmar and I wanted to celebrate with champagne but we only had water.
We cycled 54 miles to Ainsa and, as usual here, the old town was on top of a steep hill. We met the German motorcyclists again.
We stayed two nights in Ainsa and Dagmar found the most amazing circular route. Let me set the scene? there was one hill 22 miles long that almost reached the snow line. The was one hill back 31 miles long. One hill in Britain does not take long. Here, it might take 3 hours to climb it. This one was through one of the most stunning gorges that I have ever seen.
At the top of the 22 mile hill, we hope to find a cafe in the village but there was none. Instead a local person offered us a cigarillo and told us that sport is good for you. We enjoyed a break in the tiny square
Today, we cycled 51 miles from Ainsa to Sabinanigo.. We crossed a coll at 1,291m and continued to marvel at the wildlife.
Every day, I enjoy the wildlife. The flowers are everywhere and very beautiful. Everyday, we hear a cuckoo and most days we see vultures. Birds sing all the time and strange looking butterflies flutter in front of us. Surely this is what cycle touring is all about?
The problem with this was that our average speed was just 8mph. After 5 miles, we joined a tarmac road and headed north. The road was very quiet and the hills started to reappear. After 2 hours, it was time for coffee and we discovered the best coffee stops were always at cafes in the old part of towns. In Aragon, the old part is always on top of a steep hill. This morning a stork looked down at us from its nest in the church tower.
I tried to photograph the stork flying but failed. Our route back down to the road was so steep, we had to walk. When we met the road, a shepherd was leading his flock of sheep. They were so well behaved and I was very impressed. In Britain, dogs would be needed to keep control but not here as they just followed.
We met two German motorcyclists at lunch and fell into amicable conversation about the open road. Somehow being British with three German people felt very normal and I enjoyed the experience. After 3 miles, my bike reaches 30,000 miles. Dagmar and I wanted to celebrate with champagne but we only had water.
We cycled 54 miles to Ainsa and, as usual here, the old town was on top of a steep hill. We met the German motorcyclists again.
We stayed two nights in Ainsa and Dagmar found the most amazing circular route. Let me set the scene? there was one hill 22 miles long that almost reached the snow line. The was one hill back 31 miles long. One hill in Britain does not take long. Here, it might take 3 hours to climb it. This one was through one of the most stunning gorges that I have ever seen.
At the top of the 22 mile hill, we hope to find a cafe in the village but there was none. Instead a local person offered us a cigarillo and told us that sport is good for you. We enjoyed a break in the tiny square
Today, we cycled 51 miles from Ainsa to Sabinanigo.. We crossed a coll at 1,291m and continued to marvel at the wildlife.
Every day, I enjoy the wildlife. The flowers are everywhere and very beautiful. Everyday, we hear a cuckoo and most days we see vultures. Birds sing all the time and strange looking butterflies flutter in front of us. Surely this is what cycle touring is all about?
Monday, 23 May 2016
FINAL DAY IN CATALONIA
My bike continues to purr along on this trip. Today a dark shadow moved across in front of me. I stopped. I looked up to see a vulture flying low. Higher in the sky flying gracefully was a stork, all shimmering white in the sun with its long neck outstretched in front. More vultures were gently gliding above us.
I was on a long straight road that stretched almost far as my eye could see. The scenery continued to be magnificent but my mind wanders on roads like this and I became conscious of a deep drainage gully beside me. I would do serious damage to myself if I carelessly moved to my right. My attention is grabbed by a motorist going in the other direction who waves cheerfully as if encouraging me on. He did not wave at Dagmar who was a long way ahead. This was probably because his girl friend in the car would have given him a smack.
This was not the only motorist who has given signs of encouragement. Three times motor cyclists have raised their hands as if saying "respect". Riding bicycles and motorbikes share a common theme with love of the fresh air on the road. I just happen to think bicycles are best.
We cycled 55 miles today into Aragon and our destination was Tamarite de Litera. Here are a few images of today's journey
This is the long straight road with few cars and Dagmar is just a dot in the distance
Dagmar's navigation skills are excellent on this trip and her device which she calls "her little lady" is very accurate. Tomorrow I will sit in my saddle being guided by the "little lady" and at lunchtime I will watch my bike's odometer click to 30,000 miles.
I was on a long straight road that stretched almost far as my eye could see. The scenery continued to be magnificent but my mind wanders on roads like this and I became conscious of a deep drainage gully beside me. I would do serious damage to myself if I carelessly moved to my right. My attention is grabbed by a motorist going in the other direction who waves cheerfully as if encouraging me on. He did not wave at Dagmar who was a long way ahead. This was probably because his girl friend in the car would have given him a smack.
This was not the only motorist who has given signs of encouragement. Three times motor cyclists have raised their hands as if saying "respect". Riding bicycles and motorbikes share a common theme with love of the fresh air on the road. I just happen to think bicycles are best.
We cycled 55 miles today into Aragon and our destination was Tamarite de Litera. Here are a few images of today's journey
This is the long straight road with few cars and Dagmar is just a dot in the distance
Dagmar's navigation skills are excellent on this trip and her device which she calls "her little lady" is very accurate. Tomorrow I will sit in my saddle being guided by the "little lady" and at lunchtime I will watch my bike's odometer click to 30,000 miles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
