Today's edition of the Blog is by housemate and protagonist Simon the Chef/Doctor Heppell

There is a bike shop in Girona called Eat Sleep Cycle. We seem to be living by this motto.

Today was originally bookmarked as the day we would take on the Vallter 2000. What’s that, I hear you ask? It’s essentially a route to a ski resort in the Eastern Pyrenees close to Girona. The loop is 217km with >3000m of climbing. Definitely, a day to pack an extra rice cake or three. The resort is at 2000m hence the name.

With the showers forecast, we decided it best to change the plans for the day in case we got stranded in the middle of nowhere with nothing but some race-cut lycra to protect us from the elements. The Vallter 2000 awaits another day.

Looking for something similar but closer to home, in case the rain Gods had their way, we decided on venturing to Santuari del Far. This climb, with its towering cliffs, is 40km West of Girona and famous for its panoramic views. On very clear days, you can see most of the Pyrenees, the city of Girona, and allegedly, with binoculars, you can see Puig Major, which is the highest peak in Mallorca.

Today was far from clear. Some would say overcast. But it was very much worth the trip.

Andy and I pulled a ‘reverse wall’ out of the bag at 7 am. A ‘reverse wall’ is walking the medieval wall overlooking the old town, but this time, in reverse.

Everybody packed some rice cakes, and the eternal optimists in the group left their rain jackets in the suitcases. We rolled out at 9 am as usual, wondering what the day would have in store for us. Would we return home early, resembling Girona River rats, or would the forecast get it wrong?

As we cruised through the valley heading towards the base of the climb, Andy and Chorizo continued their heated discussions regards the Youtube cycling sensation and aerospace engineer Sachin ‘Hambini”. Andy is obviously a fan. Chorizo is most definitely not.

The valley is flat and straight (ish) with high walls on either side and is one of the most stunning routes in the area. But the flat was soon to be replaced with the up as we left the valley in search of our climb for the day.

As we approached the climb, some ominous-looking dark clouds started rolling in directly over Santuari del Far. Was this the time to pull the pin and head for home, or were the rain Gods calling our bluff?

The radar said the latter. We decided to continue with caution towards the climb, wondering if the radar had it right.

Surely the radar couldn’t be wrong?

The Santuari del Far is a 14 km climb of 5-6% with a few switchbacks thrown in for good measure. The clouds rolled through without a downpour, with it clearing up nicely as we approached the top. The rain jacket optimists got it right. With most of the climbing done for the day, it was almost all downhill all the way to Girona.

For the return trip, we stopped off at one of our favourite fuel stops, Café L’Esbart, for lunch.

Chorizo was clearly planning on big watts to pull us all home as he ordered two cokes straight off the bat. The poor waitress looked very confused when she counted 4 cyclists but made a request for 5 Cokes.

Patates braves (Spanish potatoes) and Truita Francesca (omelette sandwich), and another round of Cokes was the order of the day.

Fully fuelled, we set off for the return trip to Girona, which is a 1-2% descent for approx. 40km. Jump on a wheel and enjoy the ride, they say. And that’s exactly what we did.

As we approached Girona with 130km under the belt, AK attempted to recruit numbers for the ceremonial last climb of every day so far. The Holy Els Angels.

Will AK become the Els Angels' local legend? I guess only time will tell, although at this rate, I will be surprised if he doesn’t.

I had some patates braves to burn off, so decided to be led astray for some extra kms. As we hit the climb, out of nowhere, the heavens opened, and the long-awaited rain started to fall. Not cold, miserable rain but warm, refreshing rain. It felt good. Really good. Surely it wasn’t time to go home just yet?

AK didn’t take much persuasion to head over to the back of Els in the rain for some extra extras.

Once we clicked over 210kms and 3000m, we reluctantly admitted defeat. It was time for home.

Rumour had it Andy was preparing spaghetti bolognese. As we rolled in the door at 7 pm, as if by magic, dinner was served. Surely this day couldn’t get any better.

And yes, Linda, it was very tasty.

So no Vallter 200 today, but instead, Santuari del Far was a worthy replacement ride.

What did we learn? Spanish rain is alright. The jury is out on Hambini. We probably drink too much Coke. Rice cakes make you go faster. And riding with good mates in Girona is a lot of fun. The best bit is we get to do it all again tomorrow.

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2023 Stop Five — Lake Annecy

2023 Stop Four — Alpe d'Huez, French Alps

2023 Stop Three — La Chambre, French Alps

2023 Stop Two — Provence

2023 Stop One — The Pyrénées

Week Four — The final week