At the end of April, eight members to the club took to the hills and coastline of Girona for a week of pleasingly sunny cycling. After collecting bikes from a surprisingly popular rental store in the town centre, the first ride took the group through picturesque rolling countryside before arriving on the coastal plain. The return leg took us over Els Angles, the first, and by no means largest of the climbs of the week. Carb loading kicked off in earnest at breakfast on the second day before the longer ride including the 1000m ascent of El Mont, as part of a loop that included the lake at Banyoles. After continuing the tour of Girona’s less inspiring culinary haunts, day three was the ‘Queen Stage’ which included the steep and gravelly Rocacorba. The climb confounded physics somewhat by managing to take the circuitous route around the hill whilst remaining steep in most sections. The fourth day saw the group head East towards the coast once more, via the hair pinned climb of El Grau. The sweeping descent, and subsequent traverse of the undulating coastline was a highlight of the trip and was followed by the long burner heading back into Girona. The fifth and final day was a more relaxed affair prior to an evening flight home. Thanks must go to Andy for organising an excellent trip with a few beers, a similar number of chain off incidents and zero crashes!
