Categories
- Australasian Leg: Prep (4)
- Australasian Leg: Ride (1)
- Europe Leg Ride (4)
- Europe Leg: Prep (8)
- Ghosts in the machine (3)
- Rides (6)
- Uncategorized (18)
Category Archive:
Europe Leg Ride
8 days later
Back on British soil now; even if it is something that the Spanish government would like to change. Ride back to Gibraltar over the last few days has been fairly flat. Geographically and emotionally.
It’s been hard to top the highs and lows of riding the Veleta. I’m still blown away that I made it up there. Over the last few days, I would find myself passing through a small fishing village or hilltop town – quietly punching the air, mumbling ‘get in the office’. The relatively dull ride back is punctuated by these happy memories of achieving the goal.
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Pico Veleta 1, Continental Cycle Climb Challenge 1 !!
The agony and the ecstacy! Made it to the summit today at the second attempt. I’m so thrilled to be able to repay the generosity and kindness of everyone with the result.
It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but can honestly say that it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done. The weather was absolutely perfect, the view unparalleled.
I have many photos and videos, and much to tell. Sadly, I am too tired to think, let alone type. Thanks one and all, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Pico Veleta 1, Continental Cycle Climb Challenge 0
Made it to Granada yesterday after a grinding climb up from the Costa del Sol. The first day of the trip was a truly awful experience; There is no way to get across a huge section either side of Malaga without going on dual carriageway.
At one point, I ended up on a Motorway. There just wasn´t any choice – except for a 800-900 mile detour via Madrid. I have no license plate on my bike so I don´t expect to be receiving a non-speeding fine.
East of Malaga the roads were beautiful, and more than made up for the previous day. A climb of 1200 metres (from sea-level) was a sharp reminder of what lay ahead, and served as a reminder to keep the evening libations to the absolute minimum.
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A home from home
Landed safely in Gibraltar today. Thankfully bike survived the trip and was reassembled outside the airport within 30 mins.
Ever the skinflint, I thought I’d bypass a taxi fare to the hotel and walk instead. Had to strap the bike-box to the bike which was totally ridiculous. Being concerned about your appearance and people’s perception of you is the first casualty of any cycle tour.
After an eternity of pushing along bike and box, arrived at the hotel.
Had a little nap at the hotel (was up at 3.30 this morning) and then headed out on Scotty to shake a few cobwebs off. Climbed up the Rock which at over 400m was actually quite tough. Took several wrong turns on the way, so probably climbed quite a bit more than necessary.
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