Benvengut a Espanya

We pulled up stakes from our quiet area in France on Saturday to make our way to Girona, Spain.  It is in the heart of Catalunya, so what little Spanish I do speak is almost worthless.

As we left the banks of the Loire Lateral Canal, I said goodby to the last flat bike ride I will have for the next 6 weeks.

How flat can you get?

 I also had to stock up on my vin de Burgonne, as it is not that easy to find in Espana. Mama likes her Chardonnay....

We did buy 2 nice bottles, but all others about 5euro. 

We are in Girona for a week to participate in the Girona Gran Fondo.  It is going to be tough for us, as we have not had very many hills to train on since we arrived over here, and our cycling season takes the winter off in Tahoe. It is easier to make excuses than to just admit we are old and out of shape.

With the exception of Paris, Girona is the most international city I think I have ever visited.  It is a popular destination for many reasons. It is a medieval walled city; has a very old Jewish quarter, a rich history in the arts and trade, and in recent history, has become the cycling mecca for professional riders.  It probably didn't start with Lance Armstrong, but he certainly brought the spotlight to this area when he made it his off season training headquarters.  Many pros followed and now there are skinny people in lyrca everywhere. And where the pros go to ride, so follow all of the avid recreational cyclists with the tours and cycling events to

Some of the surrounding hills. Yes, we rode them...

accompany them.  The riding here has been beautiful; albeit warm and challenging. There have been group rides and events every day this week to go along with the bike event on Saturday, and the participants are from around the globe.  Larry and I are probably the oldest, and maybe the slowest.  It has been very humbling.

At the start of the hill climb competition

What I love about being in a city in Europe, and maybe Spain in particular,  is the way people take the time to sit in a small cafe and have a coffee and talk with their friends.  It is so accessible here compared to in the US. Firstly, most cities have large pedestrian mall areas where only commercial vehicles can enter.  The other big factor is price.  To sit and have a coffee is about 3euro or less for 2 people.  And 2 beers about  4 euro. What else is remarkable is the fact there are no "to go" drinks or fountain sodas in large paper cups.  You SIT, have your coca or cafe con leche brought to you in the bottle with a glass and ice or in your cup on a saucer. Just so relaxed and civilized!

Despite hearing every language in the world spoken here, there is one common thread holding everyone together.

                                             GELATO


 There must be 30 gelato stores within the 1 square kilometer of our apartment. What keeps me riding during the day is the reward of my gelato at night as I walk Ziggy.   So many flavors, so little time.

Adios. Ciao. Au revoir. Cheers, mate. Aufweidersehen. Goodby for now.