OK, I'm tired. I've been cycling for 2 weeks now so why do I feel a bit guilty about a lazy day off? I've covered 1,400 km, mostly in the direction I planned to go, albeit without having to deal with any nasty headwinds. Out of interest I've checked the Google maps distance for my approximate track and it gives 1,170 km (with that very important caveat 'This route may have road closures'). So I've been bimbling about on mountainous back road diversions for an extra 230km - ouch! That's 2 days riding. The problem is, and it's caught me out 3 times now, is that new autovia's have been built over the original road and the car is king.....bicycles and tractors shall take to the hills. It really messes up your day.
 |
| What! No bikes! |
I've re-sewn the catch on my trousers, done all my laundry and later this afternoon I'm going to go out on the bike (unladen!) and take a look around Girona. There is a Decathlon store not far away as I need a new water bag ( the original came off the bike over a speed bump and skittered along the tarmac just long enough to wear a hole in the corner) and a thermal sleeping bag liner. I've been checking out the night temperatures in the Balkans and I need a bit more insulation at night. My current silk liner is light and compact but doesn't add much insulation.
 |
| My hostel room in Girona |
Tomorrow I'll be in France, I'll aim to pull up somewhere south of Perpignan but will do some detailed route planning this evening.
Its all very exciting Mike and I wish I had a chance to do it alongside you. Having said that your descriptions are well written and one can sense the pleasure and pain that you are experiencing.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the interaction with the locals and the music. Reminds me of our evening with your next door neighbors at Casa Da Fonte when our harmonicas came out.
Stay safe Mate and thanks for your efforts with pictures and info
Love Dad.
==============================================
Hi Dad,
Deletethat was a great night! You would have loved it! I left around 11pm after walking in about 4 hours earlier and thought....I haven't even showered yet!
Hi Mike, tried to comment before, but nothing showed, I'll have another go.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant challenge you've set yourself, must be difficult to find the time to fill this blog. Love reading as you go along Mike, Best Wishes for a safe journey.
Derek
Thanks Derek! You're so right about finding the the time to write this........if only I could do it as I was riding along! My nightstops at hostels/hotels are just one mad rush of sorting out kit, battery charging, washing/drying smalls, showering, eating, route planning, talking to beloved...and of course writing the blog. Shouldn't really complain though, I'm having a great time : )
DeleteLoving the blog mike. I can identify with the spanish road closures due to motorway building from my brighton to barcelona ride. How can there be so little consideration for cyclists these days? Anyway, incredibly well done! Amazing for an old guy like you :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark! I was thinking of you and your not inconsiderable detour around that tunnel. Talk about consideration for cyclists..........I got forced on to the verge today by some pleb who thought it was less effort to lean on his horn than take his foot off the accelerator.....the genre seem to drive big black SUV's with smoked glass windows....
DeleteNice to know your there
'Grumpy old man'
Really interesting reading Mike. I'm only just catching up with you. You are doing really well especially under all the unforeseen circumstances.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet! Don't tell fibs......all this bike stuff is probably about as interesting to you as me listening to you talk about manicures : )
DeletePS I like your profile piccy!
PPS I really do enjoy your blog.