tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61849185251349432082024-03-06T00:45:59.396-08:00Barcelona à pignon fixele cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-77789638018390070752015-05-18T09:25:00.000-07:002015-05-18T11:25:40.699-07:00Mission aborted! <br />
An early start at 06:03 am. Around eight I arrived at the junction between the C-35 and the local road leading to the small picturesque town of Santa Maria de Palautordera. Nearly stumbled into a Police patrol with lots of traffic cones and a cohort of civilians donning orange vests that identified them as Civil Defence members.<br />
Nobody showed any real interest in a lonely cyclist so, taking full advantage of their indifference, threaded my way through the wall of cones and started riding up the road. Shortly after, while passing by a fellow with the orange vest, heard a voice saying : "ride carefully, this road is closed because of an Iron Man event!" Thanks, I replied, while mentally pondering my chances of being able to attach to my planned route. Let's see.... by now it was shortly after eight and, as far as I know, Iron Man events start by swimming before jumping onto the bikes. There is no sea here (and it seemed to me a bit early for a bath) so... may be I'd be able to pass before they arrived. With those self-encouraging thoughts I inconspicuously rode by different members of the organization till a roundabout entering Santa Maria where I was stopped cold by Local Police. They politely but firmly informed me that the road was closed and that I wouldn't be able to reach the hamlet of Montseny since the Iron Man route ran through La Costa del Montseny (another most scenic ride) cutting off my way. After some delicate negotiations they seemed to take pity on me and showed me a route around town that lead to the nearby village of Sant Esteve de Palautordera. Arriving at Sant Esteve I found the next road block manned this time by Civil Defence members that allowed me to continue on the sidewalk while cautioning me about the incoming cyclists. By now my self confidence was growing, I had been able to overcome all the obstacles thrown in my pathway but... arriving in the last blockade a police woman stood firmly in the middle of the road. I displayed all my best persuading tricks to no avail, I was mercilessly driven back (staying there for a couple of hours till the road was reopened was obviously not an option).<br />
So now... what? Well, I had no option but aborting the mission and finding another target. Unfortunately I had no secondary targets in mind. While riding to Sant Celoni I decided to cycle again last Sunday's course and see if I could find any difference (for the better, of course!)<br />
Once in Sant Celoni, while trying to get to the C-35 I was stopped again: a bunch of slender guys in thighs zoomed past. Those were the culprits of my misfortune! (I would most likely avoided them should that police woman had let me through...)<br />
By now it was past nine, I had lost a lot of time wandering and negotiating with local "authorities" so I had to sketch a plan. I had no road map but I hoped to get to Anglès straightaway from Riudarenes avoiding my previous detour through local lanes. And the fact is that it worked! Once there I started the 24 km ascent to Sant Hilari. This time my water provision had been doubled and by no means was I going to repeat my hydration mistakes. The route to Mines d'Osor and from there to Osor is really easy (took a couple of pics from the hamlet of Osor).<br />
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Exiting Osor the grade increases and the real climb starts. After some ten kilometres of huffing and puffing the grade easies considerably till one reaches Sant Hilari.<br />
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The return leg was uneventful; the main difference being that I was not bonking this time.<br />
Got home in twelve and a half hours, same time as last week's but with two things to consider: a) I had lost nearly an hour in Sant Celoni and b) I was not feeling that bad. On the other hand I'm still in doubt about my ability to endure a full Diagonal.le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-65136011916445177602015-05-16T05:13:00.000-07:002015-05-16T05:13:55.391-07:00Next assignment, and this will be a tough one... Tomorrow I will give a try to a course already ridden with some fellow-randonneurs a few years ago while training for the <i><b>Barcelona-Perpinyà</b></i> (that's a 600+ brevet with lots of climbing regarded as the highlight of rando-season in Catalonia).<br />
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Weather forecast is not that hot as last Sunday (in fact, temperatures are coming back to normal). Let's try not to repeat the same mistakes...<br />
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The <i>parcourse</i> is scenic, really scenic (I'll show some pics from the lovely hamlet of Montseny ans its breathtaking balcony over the the Natural Park with the unmistakable silhouette of the <i>Turó de l'Home</i> in the background) . It's some 175 km long and includes three main passes: the mighty <i>Collformic</i> (25 km long with some 10% ramps, nearly never under 6%), the <i>Coll de la Pollosa </i>and the <i>Coll de Lligabosses</i> (some five km each).<br />
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It's a good test to assess my present form (... sighs)<br />
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<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-15526974966009408422015-05-15T04:46:00.001-07:002015-05-19T03:54:00.909-07:00I know I'm giving away the plot but... the unvarnished truth is that I failed again! It took me nearly twelve and a half hours to finish the "tour". A ride that started well and ended miserably...<br />
To be sincere it did not start that well; I slept poorly that night due to the inconsiderate social behaviour of my immature (and not fully educated) neighbours. So it was a quarter to six on Sunday when a slightly red-eyed randonneur (that's me) silently slipped into the town's deserted streets. It was pleasantly cool, just cool enough to don arm warmers; a heat wave was announced, something rather unusual for this time of the year so I dressed up as lightly as possible.<br />
Threaded my way to the (already familiar) road to La Roca through lonely streets taking full advantage of the situation while ignoring red traffic lights and one-direction lanes. I was the master of the world! In fact, it took nearly an hour to meet the first car.<br />
When day broke (see photo below) the sky was clear, alarmingly clear... <br />
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By now I was making good progress, found next to no cyclists, so I was on my own (unable to hang onto any other's wheel...). Arrived in Hostalrich (this time, I also made the climb in my granny's) and had a snack on the same spot than in the previous ride (that's the view from there) <br />
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... and after dodging some "expansive" youngsters playing football among the parked cars I resumed my way towards Les Mallorquines. By now I was riding just the same route with one minor difference... my arm warmers were already bothering me (so early into the ride? Mmmh...)<br />
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Turned left on the C-63 heading for Santa Coloma de Farners. Arriving in Riudarenes (a nice small town with picturesque coloured buildings) I made three unsuccessful attempts to find a tiny lane that parallels the main road. I know I lost some time there, but I'm a sort of a romantic ciclotourist...<br />
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Arrived at Santa Coloma and turned north towards Vilobí d'Onyar and, on even tinier lanes, to Sant Dalmai. By now I was already some eighty kilometers into the ride and to my left a dark silhouette was menacingly looming: Les Guilleries<br />
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By now it was hot and I was running short of water. I was carrying just one bottle (some 750cc) but was fully confident on finding refilling stations. Thinking back now, it was here, in mid-route, where things started to go wrong. So early in the season my body was not already used to high temperatures and, by now, I was not aware of my present state of dehydration. Leaving Anglès found the foreseen refilling spot (a gas station) closed. Don't worry -I thought- you are entering a forested area and the climb to Mines d'Osor is not that long. I knew a small restaurant there (the only one, in fact) from a brevet some years ago, so things were not going serious, or so I thought...<br />
Entering the Massís de les Guilleries is like riding into fairy land. Thick forests with lots of brooks and springs. The murmur of running water pervades the air through most of the twenty five kilometer long climb to Sant Hilari.<br />
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By now I was feeling strangely tired and was not enjoying the ride anymore. Arriving in Mines d'Osor I found the restaurant closed! What now? Ride on to Osor boy! My memories of this climb from the aforementioned brevet were fairly good but now it was boiling hot and I was clearly bogging down.<br />
By the time I arrived in Osor (see picture below) my brain was not working properly, I found no store open in the main street and instead of stopping and meandering the streets for water I foolishly pressed on (just the thing an experience randonneur is not expected to do!)<br />
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Climbed the remaining fifteen kilometres in agony, stopping here and there to rest (and to take the last pic). To make things worse I needed to face the dirty job of removing the rear wheel to fix a persistent and irritating noise (something was half-stuck between tire and fender)<br />
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Arriving in Sant Hilari I was clearly behind schedule but felt too tired and too frustrated to take the trouble of working out the exact amount of lost time.<br />
I was still obsessed with finding a gas station to refill my bottle (and body) so I stopped at a bar and asked some guys (that looked like regulars) if the gas station exiting the town was open. One of them approached me with a tipsy gait, stared at me and my bike and said pointing <i>ma petite reine</i> "It burns petrol?" I was not in the mood for a joke so I replied sternly "No. It's for me" "Do you drink petrol?" This was becoming too much and I was getting exasperated "No" I replied. "I want to get something to drink there!". "And why don't you have it here in the bar?" he reasoned. This time my brain picked up, yes... a bar, a place where people go to drink, yes...<br />
After refueling at the bar and eating a sandwich I started the descend towards Arbúcies and Hostalrich. Something was not going well, I was still feeling clumsy, not braking in time before the curves, my seat was aching, I was in a bad mood... I had all the unequivocal signs and symptoms of a bonk!<br />
Despite this I refused the easy ride all downhill to Hostalrich and arriving at Sant Feliu de Buixalleu turned right to climb the short Coll de N'orri just on the feet of Montsoriu castle. Why? Well, it's a personal homage to somebody (no comments, sorry)<br />
The return leg was... dull. I have no real memories of it. Managed to cycle home in zombie-mode. Stopped once more at a gas-station in La Roca to refill again and crawled home while seriously considering my ability to endure a "Diagonal" in a couple of months or so... Two hundred and nine kilometres, lots of climbing and even more lots of ... sweating in a boiling hot day to forget.le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-87104407137241187682015-05-07T12:15:00.001-07:002015-05-07T12:15:53.668-07:00Next MissionOn Saturday I intend to go for another 200 (metric, of course).<br />
This time the route will be much hillier. I want to ride through the most scenic massif "de les Guilleries", between thickly forested mountains brimming with springs and brooks that time ago gave shelter to some of the bloodiest and most notorious bandits the world has ever seen (at least according to local lore...)<br />
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"Transport stage" through the already familiar road to La Roca, then to Hostalric and Massanes and north towards Sta Coloma and Anglès. Fun starts there with a 20 kilometre climb to the thermal town of St Hilari (pk 100, see elevation profile)<br />
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The mission's goal: make it in less than eleven hours (mind the <i>parcours</i> is hillier and some ten kilometres longer)<br />
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<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-18830198573323343492015-05-01T05:52:00.000-07:002015-05-01T05:52:22.073-07:00Keeping up with my <strike>anarchic</strike> training schedule I cycled towards St Celoni to pay a visit to my parents (with Mother's Day looming and a thigh agenda I had to find some compromise,,,) Obviously I took the road to la Roca del Vallès and, in the return leg, stopped here and there to take some illustrative pics for those non familiar with the roads in this part of Europe.<br />
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Farmland near Vilanova del Vallès<br />
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Nearing La Roca<br />
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<span id="goog_882140342"></span><span id="goog_882140343"></span>Unknown guy on a bicycle. I passed him by shortly afterle cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-52352073823088834402015-04-27T16:02:00.000-07:002015-04-28T02:02:10.712-07:00Mission failed.Mission failed: it took me eleven long hours! (one hour behind schedule). On my discharge I can say that the return leg was a bit too "urban" to make steady progress (dozens of stops, roundabouts and traffic lights purposely intended to slow me down).<br />
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On the other hand the first half of the trip was much more interesting, I pedaled out into the dark at six o'clock sharp. When dawn came a grey overcast sky threatening with rain showed up while I stealthily slipped through slept towns across the deserted road to La Roca del Vallès. I particularly like this road that climbs gently following the contours of the Litoral Range. Arriving in Montornès I felt strange bowel movements that increased alarmingly till I had to find a makeshift toilet in a secluded spot. Feeling "alleviated" while mentally blessing the inventor of baby-wipeouts jumped onto the bike with a firm resolution to make up for the lost time.<br />
After a couple of hours of solo-riding I managed to drop into a line of cyclist from Granollers so the pace became remarkably high. The guy leading the group took a look at my bike and asked: "you go to Paris-Brest, don't you?" I understood he was just figuring out that I am a randonneur so I simply replied "yes". While group riding I made acquaintance with and old gentleman whose main concern was keeping his heart-rate into the limits since he had suffered a heart attack and had to be very careful not to overheat his "engine" ("see, I don't wear a speedometer but a heart-rate monitor"-he said) My medical reflexes instinctively kicked in and managed not to make any comment while displaying my best poker-face (one never knows what this health topics may end up with - most likely a second opinion after a most detailed and unsolicited exposition of his long and complex medical records-).<br />
I left them nearing Hostalric in quite an abrupt manner: instead of skirting the town they took the "old route" by the ancient city walls which starts as a steep climb; for no apparent reason all cyclist simultaneously clicked in their granny gears brazing themselves for a slow painful ascent, I, on my part, sensibly did my best to keep my momentum and surged ahead in the big ring followed by an unanimous roar of disapproval. I would have gladly apologized for my unpremeditated show of force but, the thing is that never caught a glimpse of them again (they most likely stopped for breakfast somewhere). Took a pic of the entrance to the walled town with the mighty fortress in the background.<br />
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Leaving Hostalric I took the tiny road to Massanes, a lovely though "undulating" route amidst timberland (see photo below) that lead me to the busy Highway leading North to the French border.<br />
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It had been recently reworked into a multi lane high speed road keeping the old pavement as a "service lane" suitable for bicycles and displaying next to no motorised traffic (God bless the progress!). Anyway, I felt a bit baffled since the old road ran parallel to the left side of the new and I knew I needed to turn right into another tiny local road in a couple of kilometres or so. Came across an oncoming cyclist that simply yelled "yes" to my passing inquire. The answer came in the form of a sunken lane crossing under the main road that took me to it's right side into another sort of service lane where I met another baffled cyclist who, in a broken Spanish, said something about being lost while complaining about the "Interrrnet maps being wrrrong". I would gladly had lent him a hand or something but he apologized abruptly and surged forward just to stop again some hundred meters ahead scraping his helmet. Me, on my part, spotted a roundabout that turned into an access to the local road I was seeking for and continued my route trying not to loose valuable time (had to meet my ten hour goal, remember?) After an uneventful stretch I arrived into Caldes de Malavella a typical and fancy spa resort full of imposing facilities dating from the XIX century intended to "take the waters" (for those wealthy enough to pay for the treatment, obviously). Took a picture of the main entrance to one of the most renowned spas and moved away.<br />
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From there cycled to Llagostera through peaceful lanes amidst dense "fields of green" occasionalky spotted in yellow or red, I was feeling a bit of an Irish man in his homeland when I had to turn east and head for the massif of "Les Cadiretes" (funny name, isn't it?) quite an easy and scenic pass to deal with but for its first gruelling opening kilometers (by now the sun was showing up for the first and nearly only time combined with a nasty head wind making things tougher than needed). Cresting was followed by a steep and "cooling" descent into the lovely village of Tossa with its fascinating old-quarters (crowded with multilingual visitors) After passing a couple of police controls billing imprudent motorcyclist i found a sign pointing to the return leg. By now I had already ridden the first one-hundred kilometres thus downing half of the ride. So far so good...<br />
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Getting out of Tossa to the south implies climbing the "corniche" a scenic cliff road to Lloret known either by locals and foreigners for its magnificent views of a broken pine-scattered sea shore over the shining Mediterranean sea. I would like to make two remarks: one, the first three kilometers or so are uphill, quite uphill in fact.., second: once atop I was rewarded with a fascinating view of... nothing but the fog (sighs...) By now I had already been humiliated by a young couple that passed me by effortlessly while chatting (more sighs...). From there onward the ride was totally uneventful, from Lloret to Blanes then to the main coastal highway, riding on the shoulder, sharing the space with heavy traffic till Mataró. No rain but occasional fine drizzle. From then on, and due to lunch time, the traffic thinned a lot. The sun shone again, no wind, familiar roads... Counting down kilometres while ansiously watching my watch. At last it was clear that I was not going to meet my time target. Got home at five o'clock in the afternoon, just eleven hours from departure and one hour too late...le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-74412028030217603232015-04-27T12:31:00.000-07:002015-04-27T12:31:25.486-07:00Resuming activity / "Tomorrow I ride"So things went like this: after a full one and a half year "in waiting" (in most patient blogger inactivity) longing to submit to my selected audience the rare sight of a fully restored (<em>and by now extensively though anonymously ridden</em>) Contini... It's time to retake this blog<br />
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"Tomorrow I ride", (note: just paying homage to Jean Bobet) means I will face a 200 km unofficial brevet purposely designed (by me) to pre-test my ability to endure the almost scheduled stages of my forthcoming "Iberian Diagonal"<br />
For those non-educated among my followers let me tell you that the Iberian Diagonals (official name <em>"Les Diagonals Ibèriques")</em> are modeled after "Les <em>Diagonales de France"</em> and officially maintained by the <strong><em>Randonneurs Catalunya</em></strong> organization (<a href="http://www.rancat.cat/">www.rancat.cat</a>) the governing body of brevets in Spain (the Basque Country excluded)<br />
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My Diagonal (in fact it looks more like an "horizontal") will take me from the Atlantic (A Coruña) to the Mediterranean (Barcelona) in a nearly 1200 km long route that must be ridden at a minimum speed of 12 km/hour. In fact it resembles a lot the Paris-Brest but for the fact that northern Spain orography makes it a bit more "hilly" , mainly in it`s opening and closing stretches.<br />
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This is my first 1000+ ride, never in my life have I intended such a thing . It's a daring enterprise hindered by some facts: unlike PBP it will be totally unsupported, also unlike PBP it will be a solo ride from the begining to the end and third... I'm not fully confident in my habilities (both mental and physical) to endure this test.<br />
Anyway I've been secretly and inefficiently training during the winter by night riding after work and inconsistently increasing ride distances in the weekends (while partially injuring a knee...)<br />
Tomorrow I will ride hoping to down the full parcourse in ten hours. That's is my (slightly optimistic) goal.<br />
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" />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-19515286847418702132013-09-10T11:44:00.002-07:002013-09-10T11:44:08.062-07:00Nearly finishedResuming activity after a month pause in my cycling interests (some "minor" health issues not worth a comment).<br />
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Well, it's nearly finished. Just some cosmetic touches pending before applying the decals (in fact I still don't have them). The most important change will be swapping the 622x25 by 622x23 tyres. The ride will not be as cushy but I have no option since clearance in the short rear triangle is not even marginal (mind that the originals were 622x20).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlez-xtldrhqv5F-jpG-c9ZqDoZOd5hU-TdsDEtT6LL2_448OF2ndFxlFe3ElaGqeHgEqBy8WhuDgvepVZASsyYiS-RYWKHIL5GfK0tI0nGI_XKqNMaT_5LV7ainYighmSFo7Tt_WfOCNJ/s1600/P9100876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlez-xtldrhqv5F-jpG-c9ZqDoZOd5hU-TdsDEtT6LL2_448OF2ndFxlFe3ElaGqeHgEqBy8WhuDgvepVZASsyYiS-RYWKHIL5GfK0tI0nGI_XKqNMaT_5LV7ainYighmSFo7Tt_WfOCNJ/s320/P9100876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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How does it ride? Great, no doubt it was designed as a pure racer. This morning I test rode it and my impressions were: fast accelerating, precise handling, good stopping (very remarkable for a machine donning single pivot side-pulls) and quite a comfortable position even for a "middle aged gentleman"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ0qevWVsZMqwAoaS0OqvuIqCpPq_M0PVzuFivTBGqQ9UjRDU61Q1qQ7Bi66s2VOongHUJXu7-xsn7sK28YTKyWJSWhVSBN1c_3Qbx80jLqKsaFqkf4y04bwRCSW2MpLaVIlwgVTwcREU/s1600/P9100877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ0qevWVsZMqwAoaS0OqvuIqCpPq_M0PVzuFivTBGqQ9UjRDU61Q1qQ7Bi66s2VOongHUJXu7-xsn7sK28YTKyWJSWhVSBN1c_3Qbx80jLqKsaFqkf4y04bwRCSW2MpLaVIlwgVTwcREU/s320/P9100877.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Maybe I shouldn't mention that I nearly crashed the first time I applied hard brakes (the stem screw was not fully tightened and the handlebars rotated "a bit too much").le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-69525487503579615682013-08-08T12:43:00.003-07:002013-08-08T12:43:51.229-07:00Suntour Sprint brake set (part two)Now the brake calipers. Breaking them down was not difficult though Suntour shows some peculiarities that ,to some extend, takes me back to those awesome Campagnolo of a "by gone era". <br />
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Here they are (if you wish to count them remember to add a missing part I forgot to include in the picture)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCurZFh653To3E4N2YZpV-rYIsJkmrqZXHyuxk0KUkXViKFtEG8BLE1CnVi-TU2v0DVr25bN2v3bTYj-TUxITgFe1m39KSa6sY2qRV5VLpEWh2GWhfIsGfZBPejLX3INkLMritRoEXDaq/s1600/P7100056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCurZFh653To3E4N2YZpV-rYIsJkmrqZXHyuxk0KUkXViKFtEG8BLE1CnVi-TU2v0DVr25bN2v3bTYj-TUxITgFe1m39KSa6sY2qRV5VLpEWh2GWhfIsGfZBPejLX3INkLMritRoEXDaq/s320/P7100056.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The only problem I experienced was trying to remember the right order to assemble all those tiny parts back into shape.<br />
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<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-15350194055316270202013-08-06T07:30:00.001-07:002013-08-06T12:42:07.942-07:00Taking shape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Painting the frame implied reaching "some" compromises between historical accuracy and feasibility.<br />
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Mixing the original colours was quite simple, merging them at the right spot posed some more trouble and avoiding drops was a bit of a nightmare but at last the frame started to fall back onto its original look (or what I guess it was when new).<br />
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The fork was another story and here some decisions were to be taken (though a bit reluctantly).<br />
Originally the whole fork was chromed but rust had eaten through it leaving huge gaps on the surface. One option was to have it rechromed but in an attempt to save time and money I opted to give it a more stylish finish. So after lots of polishing I painted it in the front blue colour leaving crown and tips uncoated. <br />
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The right chainstay -after painful considerations- was also left in its original condition (just water sanded it as much as I dared hoping not to take away too much chrome and gave a final coat of lacquer) .<br />
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The quill stem was in good condition but its original black paint was
obviously not matching the frame colours so it got a fresh layer of blue
paint (the logo was preserved)<br />
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Finally, the seat stem and the bottle cage underwent a similar process for the very same reason. In this case I opted for a slightly brighter blue to avoid a sharp contrast le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-16036298864218984542013-07-29T04:53:00.001-07:002013-07-29T04:55:37.312-07:00Suntour Sprint Brake set (part one)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A pair of fine brake levers that closely resemble the Shimano BL 600 I currently use on my randonneuse. In fact the hand rest is slightly wider and the lever is engraved to prevent finger slipping (it provides a nice feeling but I seriously doubt this is of any use). Hoods were obviously not original (gum hoods don't age well) but the current ones follow quite accurately the lever's body. The suntour logo is printed on the outer side so there's no question whether which is right and which is left.<br />
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Since I had no instruction sheet, breaking them down was a matter of trial and error (as usual). First thing is to locate a small and hidden screw artfully recessed that prevents the lever's pin from sliding out through use (a smart and thoughtful design). Once located in the inside of the lever's body you need a 2mm Allen to unscrew it off.<br />
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Now the pin comes out quite easily (just use some kind of rod to press it out from the inside) and the lever falls off.<br />
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Next step is to unscrew the tightening bolt so you can detach the body from the handlebar. In this picture the recessed bolt is shown partially screwed on the pin.<br />
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The tightening system is a bit more elaborate than current Shimano's we are used to but it works just the same.<br />
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Now it's time to clean, add some lube on the moving parts and reassemble it the reverse way.<br />
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Summing up: a clever design intended to last for ever. <br />
Just a minor drawback: there's no build-in quick release (though none contemporary models had them, as far as I know...)<br />
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<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-21054916248819357642013-07-17T14:38:00.002-07:002013-07-17T14:38:17.471-07:00The bare frameAfter an epic struggle against filth and rust, some cleaning, a touch of paint removing jelly, lots of sanding and soft-moderate swearing...<br />
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The bare frame: (well, in fact these pics were taken before the final water-sanding process so it's not yet silk-smooth...)<br />
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Striping paint of a frame reveals some of the builder's most hidden secrets. Thus, in this case, I can say that the brazing (bronze, not silver) was superb: no appreciable bulges, no bronze overflow, no gaps between lug and tube... a master's work.<br />
Obviously this was not a "normal" production frame. Moreover, the whole frame had been chromed! Chroming is an expensive practice (though it is usually more difficult trying to chrome just a part than the whole set). The chromed surface is damaged here and there by rust and... by paint removal (now look, how could I know!!). <br />
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Anyway, the frame is now ready for the paint job. I will try to reproduce the original colour pattern to make the restoration as precise as possible (this bike was ridden in real pro races!)<br />
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Just one problem arising: the chromed for was not painted, just chromed, and if one is to be true to the bike's original look, well... anyone knows where to apply for re-chroming? (lower price tag first, remember)le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-33097950800249685342013-07-14T10:46:00.000-07:002013-07-14T12:11:02.865-07:00A late 80's ContiniLast week I received an unexpected present: a Contini equipped with a full Suntour Sprint "gruppo".<br />
The bike had obviously lived a hard life stocked in the wrong place for years and was not roadworthy but... according to its last owner it had been ridden in the Tour de France before being passed onto his brother (a former amateur racer). The man had no real interest in the bike but it still held some sentimental value to him and did not wished to see it laying in the junk yard so it was offered to me on adoption ( At first I was a bit reluctant since my lovely wife had seriously warned me against further additions to my stable). <br />
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Contini, don't be mistaken by the italian reminiscence, was (and it still is as Goi-Contini) a Spanish maker with a long trajectory in the cycling history (some say they a had a close relationship/partnership(?) with Colnago). It seems they quit making racing frames in the early 90's but I've been unable to find any records of serial numbers to accurately date the bike.<br />
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The frame was in fairly good condition, no bends, no cracks, just some rust showing up here and there under a thick layer of filth. The seat was cracked, the chain was hopelessly rusted, the rear wheel out of true and the front one totally unusable since one of the hub flanges had been somehow thorn off. But, all in all, bringing this Tour-de-France-ancienne back to life seemed a promising prospect.<br />
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Dating the bike proved to be a bit more difficult. The paint scheme was original (same colours inside the steering tube and bottom bracket shell) and the aerographic merging between the two main colours could be easily traced back to the late 80's or early 90's. Even the bar tape (too worn out to be reused) displayed the word Contini.<br />
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The lugged frame design is remarkably square: 54cm seat tube (c-t)/54cm upper tube (c-c) the later squeezed into a rhomboidal section in the middle (maybe an attempt to add some stiffness)<br />
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The one-bolt anodized quill stem was unmistakeably from the late 80's and the shift levers (oh boy, I nearly fainted when I recognized them!!) were those legendary Suntour "power rachets" first introduced in 1986 as part of the Sprint and Superbe gruppos (Sun Tour top of the line models). Unfortunately they never made it into a market that was insanely throwing itself into an indexing frenzy. So, assuming, this Sprint gruppo was the original specification the current bike can be dated as a 1986-1988 model (this is consistent with the rest of the aforementioned details )<br />
The pedals are a pair of forlornly stuck Rossignol, the very same model overhauled in a previous post in this blog.<br />
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No cable braze-ons on the top tube, the rear brake casing run inside the tube (and rusted in, making its removal an ordeal!)<br />
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I found lots of moving details: carefully reinforcing bosses for bottle cages, an engraved (and painted) lugged fork (with the typical dog-leg bend of the 80's), chromed drop-outs, the maker's brand engraved here and there, a curved brake bridge, dust caps, brazed-on cable guides, an elegant seat cluster bolt... Judge by yourselves...<br />
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In summary, a carefully designed and artfully build machine. One of the last of a glorious era that deserves a full restoration.<br />
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<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-39900451524853574222013-04-21T10:30:00.000-07:002013-04-21T10:30:58.186-07:00Nigra sum...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXfopmrZduv6m7h05NYF_edMz7Q5aAEGpWgp-dnN5Q4NKRpMWhewrWcXOEpdD4xVAk7sS1j7Dq74E7BW37pntVaKdb9NempP5E7p5EYtSdarm0NPp-5oQKPeFDRyvgUrkBvnZzYzqHVJO/s1600/perfil+montserrat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXfopmrZduv6m7h05NYF_edMz7Q5aAEGpWgp-dnN5Q4NKRpMWhewrWcXOEpdD4xVAk7sS1j7Dq74E7BW37pntVaKdb9NempP5E7p5EYtSdarm0NPp-5oQKPeFDRyvgUrkBvnZzYzqHVJO/s1600/perfil+montserrat.gif" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eRXbct-fy-ECMWlk86ITfVvDkeIlNExEVVlu6mgILocXd2OwI4zWpFGzYGWBSECZAlFO33Qrx7ddbpsku2b0F_NHu8e62tzRxQoIU16-aSrR8S_sF67_0VUOyxHQ_d0DAwuGvaYbE2Ix/s1600/2013-04-13+09.47.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eRXbct-fy-ECMWlk86ITfVvDkeIlNExEVVlu6mgILocXd2OwI4zWpFGzYGWBSECZAlFO33Qrx7ddbpsku2b0F_NHu8e62tzRxQoIU16-aSrR8S_sF67_0VUOyxHQ_d0DAwuGvaYbE2Ix/s320/2013-04-13+09.47.00.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last Sunday I had no time for a long ride so made up for the lack of distance with elevation gains. Took a spin to Montserrat, the holy mountain; a nine km climb with quite a constant grade and an elevation gain a tad over 600 meters. It makes for an average 6.7%, not bad...<br />
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After a 50 km approach route (including getting hopelessly lost in Terrassa) and some 600 more meters gained I arrived into Monistrol de Montserrat, a small town whose main merit is holding the junction that leads up to the holy mountain. The ascent was basically uneventful but for some intimidating buses charging up the road with their full load of tourists.<br />
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Some two km to the finish passed St. Benet Abbey, actually a nunnery that is getting some unexpected renown mainly due to one of its residents: sister Teresa Forcades, a physician specialized in inner medicine and epidemiology and, of course, a theologian. <br />
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Shortly after that (and getting over a couple of merciless ramps) one stumbles onto a deceiving road sign welcoming you to Montserrat.<br />
Ignore it: there is still one more agonizing km to climb through the car park till one finally reaches the abbey .<br />
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After dodging hordes of tourist (Russians and Yanks mainly) I parked the bike by the small convenience store just opposite the main entrance and failed in my attempt to get a sizeable bottle of cola (the ones they were selling were just to big and I was not thirsty enough. Filling the bike's bottles with "carbonic waste overs" is not a good option...)</div>
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<br />So I frugally sticked to plain water and walked the bike to the main square leading to the Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBVOvpyK12fDSJkDJakgpHkRqs6hZkC3YvVE2iME_5nS2nfVJVxJOroHcPehZQMmC-BsjrZ5eJA2z_yA6aoaVD7phcAZ2hl62yfZDF9rtfnkCpqnaOYgbJ0U_gQy7NeVaOy_j_cHI19LJ/s1600/2013-04-13+11.09.36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBVOvpyK12fDSJkDJakgpHkRqs6hZkC3YvVE2iME_5nS2nfVJVxJOroHcPehZQMmC-BsjrZ5eJA2z_yA6aoaVD7phcAZ2hl62yfZDF9rtfnkCpqnaOYgbJ0U_gQy7NeVaOy_j_cHI19LJ/s320/2013-04-13+11.09.36.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Before returning home took a pic of the road.<br />
Quite a nice climb, isn't it?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaoH9z7kwtMUFgRWX-9AeeUuLB-oyEc3zd2Rs2Yn4fgg_7tIm7GMrff-l6U06MJIIYn-DwlK3BVoAshnnaKyxpqsG-DbZJM18_80j7uoJwLThCyeXIIJVV2PAJ54a8ZgYjnvmmthyphenhypheng4Yd/s1600/2013-04-13+11.24.34.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaoH9z7kwtMUFgRWX-9AeeUuLB-oyEc3zd2Rs2Yn4fgg_7tIm7GMrff-l6U06MJIIYn-DwlK3BVoAshnnaKyxpqsG-DbZJM18_80j7uoJwLThCyeXIIJVV2PAJ54a8ZgYjnvmmthyphenhypheng4Yd/s320/2013-04-13+11.24.34.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
By the way, got lost in Terrassa again. le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-90470115638863743822013-04-05T10:42:00.001-07:002013-04-05T10:56:35.999-07:00The Fòrum Area<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T2VylCGCn_xWNeCz4NVqSlOPTXfHq1PlIcg_zwFUB4OeYtwK5pshG-RmWqnHepSqBgAQgUDAiDFNVNMrbS8gq989eW-oKX2PMaBrJtRh7yCIH4R7I424CVONjgexzlTkDXMcL9csf19v/s1600/2013-04-05+12.09.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T2VylCGCn_xWNeCz4NVqSlOPTXfHq1PlIcg_zwFUB4OeYtwK5pshG-RmWqnHepSqBgAQgUDAiDFNVNMrbS8gq989eW-oKX2PMaBrJtRh7yCIH4R7I424CVONjgexzlTkDXMcL9csf19v/s320/2013-04-05+12.09.20.jpg" width="320" /></a>Today I took a spin into the furthermost area to the north of the city. It's known as the "Fòrum area" mainly composed of new land gained to the sea where " The Forum of the Cultures" was held in 2004.<br />
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The access from home is mainly through the "Parc del Besós" a long dedicated bikepath following the river.<br />
It starts at the bridge of Montcada (which takes you north into the road to "La Roca del Vallès", a popular route for roaddies). Turning towards the sea you take a pedestrian lane for a couple of km (the pic is taken there) that leads you to the bike path. Turning opposite you can easily reach a dirt trail pointing inland.<br />
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This bike path is to be avoided on weekends least you want to improve your dodging abilities (newborn cyclist, bike path warriors, skaters, children, hikers, whole families five-a-breast, or any combination you like...) <br />
Today "traffic was thin" and was able to ride uneventfully to the sea.<br />
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First thing one encounters is a well maintained park and a beach ( "platja del fòrum") today obviously deserted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXe5X49IQ7pTQXW2ltnAWmI3o6tstlv_eRl76QRpwcXUx10qFzw6h-mVJyAAFvN-waqYUvoPI-FDOSKz5wOh5_ZureXaR823nT1Bxz9eBX4AK-H35E0iwpmBDpLzAw8q4o5H2910f_-Uc/s1600/2013-04-05+11.39.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXe5X49IQ7pTQXW2ltnAWmI3o6tstlv_eRl76QRpwcXUx10qFzw6h-mVJyAAFvN-waqYUvoPI-FDOSKz5wOh5_ZureXaR823nT1Bxz9eBX4AK-H35E0iwpmBDpLzAw8q4o5H2910f_-Uc/s320/2013-04-05+11.39.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Following to the south one rides into a marina ("Port del Fòrum") displaying some interesting ships. Cars must pay an entrance fee (a parking fee I suppose) but bikes simply skirt the barrier .</div>
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Let me show you two of my favourites (refurbished fishing ships with lots of charm. The black one proudly displaying the Maltese cross of St John; the red hulk is from Gibraltar ).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xBnMAmWegkeqxJ3hw0k2p7CMCqb9Pk8COLTfRSCwqBeRM1IWULCDNGUWNNtfelXXRp-URI6c-6d13DUHMVwU09GZhDUnq-pBybzGJiqKhyphenhyphenJMmykODLCSN5SwXUupI764AoMPm00CmsXA/s1600/2013-04-05+11.02.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xBnMAmWegkeqxJ3hw0k2p7CMCqb9Pk8COLTfRSCwqBeRM1IWULCDNGUWNNtfelXXRp-URI6c-6d13DUHMVwU09GZhDUnq-pBybzGJiqKhyphenhyphenJMmykODLCSN5SwXUupI764AoMPm00CmsXA/s320/2013-04-05+11.02.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qHT7z5BFi_A3yE2H9VcAae1u4QNKp_IEkpp8wvji-6TSONV5_Hca3DkQ00qpL8XG3nSsXfU9W_CHqFv8uui63bIcSTXpnFHVxlxWppKVoaHhDDbJ7tQBWib6LeIXiaWuqYyHXuE5M-1K/s1600/2013-04-05+11.03.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qHT7z5BFi_A3yE2H9VcAae1u4QNKp_IEkpp8wvji-6TSONV5_Hca3DkQ00qpL8XG3nSsXfU9W_CHqFv8uui63bIcSTXpnFHVxlxWppKVoaHhDDbJ7tQBWib6LeIXiaWuqYyHXuE5M-1K/s320/2013-04-05+11.03.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVVJk9VOvLdcbKyTFszNeijB8sNuG4BpNaUSW9hhmr0GdyNMcwVGLYJPAoz0vxZJnEwt6xmmn08IJznQqu0sQgMuu-Xm-zLcboDcRAgMzsroztrhiQLodzzsXcl3cSfWgZqUe0WaRkJMb/s1600/2013-04-05+11.13.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVVJk9VOvLdcbKyTFszNeijB8sNuG4BpNaUSW9hhmr0GdyNMcwVGLYJPAoz0vxZJnEwt6xmmn08IJznQqu0sQgMuu-Xm-zLcboDcRAgMzsroztrhiQLodzzsXcl3cSfWgZqUe0WaRkJMb/s320/2013-04-05+11.13.31.jpg" width="320" /></a>At the end of the marina you can choose between hoping the bike up an endless tram of stairs or show your cornering skills while pedalling through a twisting ramp into the main explanade of the "Fòrum". On one end someone put up a gigantic solar cell panel (not the only one in this area) that provided a fine temporary shelter from the persistent drizzle that was slowly </div>
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As soon as the skies cleared a bit, me and my unfendered fixie rode past the amphitheatre ..... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG5JS2qDCuuBmuCMlqiONlytRS7lOfm-2sCk7LinVBL_k1tRMLzKR8d4c_y9D4A5AfsJP0ojw2DfLI7Th0mos2UFclk6HmEBrXfiMpurmCXly7_97UYyMIcBUmBPt18RWFOPX_Xcd9NoR/s1600/2013-04-05+11.18.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG5JS2qDCuuBmuCMlqiONlytRS7lOfm-2sCk7LinVBL_k1tRMLzKR8d4c_y9D4A5AfsJP0ojw2DfLI7Th0mos2UFclk6HmEBrXfiMpurmCXly7_97UYyMIcBUmBPt18RWFOPX_Xcd9NoR/s320/2013-04-05+11.18.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9uL4l-9iEeUKEhUPHJ4y76nCra1frBRIeM9xImTfRZ7YqqaUvnHD1xmu84AP0Ad29ScLj4DO1-UJl71WjIzSilV62Uo8EbenM3onQPE-Pq_PKb2LamWivVtr0X56EzI8vc_EAK3B9PRl/s1600/2013-04-05+11.32.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9uL4l-9iEeUKEhUPHJ4y76nCra1frBRIeM9xImTfRZ7YqqaUvnHD1xmu84AP0Ad29ScLj4DO1-UJl71WjIzSilV62Uo8EbenM3onQPE-Pq_PKb2LamWivVtr0X56EzI8vc_EAK3B9PRl/s320/2013-04-05+11.32.19.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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... and crossed over the marina through the bridge that leads straight into the aforementioned "Parc del Besos" (enjoyed a privilege bird's eye view on the decks below)<br />
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On my ride back I noticed -to my dismay- that it had rained quite heavily on the bike path... I was unfendered. le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-66717113134092573932013-04-02T12:12:00.003-07:002013-04-02T12:17:13.853-07:00Easter RidesShowing some pics from my Easter Rides.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvLsxzyMsInU5cUkEDwqQ97Q3HnSEvsVdHUo89IHF7nf38RBp-dp13doZ-LzAVQUhKkvBMrMi7gvj9niZJh1Drwu5TykiYp31kGUxio4oIOoftf_WofU0Ces9rI0kGiH-JEs9uT4WG72c/s1600/2013-03-30+12.14.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvLsxzyMsInU5cUkEDwqQ97Q3HnSEvsVdHUo89IHF7nf38RBp-dp13doZ-LzAVQUhKkvBMrMi7gvj9niZJh1Drwu5TykiYp31kGUxio4oIOoftf_WofU0Ces9rI0kGiH-JEs9uT4WG72c/s320/2013-03-30+12.14.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Santes Creus abbey at last! (after fighting strong head and side winds that sent me wobbling side to side).<br />
A nice ride though. Lonely roads and the sky holding. The wind, on the other hand, had dried up the tarmac from last days rains (which is a plus among "cautious" descenders like... me)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWKvlizdHmttGAQYJLMC7RfRE0K1rIU92wF3xZxa4zVfCi1ie5q3V6H-0gqg82OgvutQLOTViabF_lyb9E9Huu9bMCSHj26VcJH_sFuLAFJUev9JduVl_Yjr82iSVeKEgDeYOJTJLzx2F/s1600/2013-03-30+12.20.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWKvlizdHmttGAQYJLMC7RfRE0K1rIU92wF3xZxa4zVfCi1ie5q3V6H-0gqg82OgvutQLOTViabF_lyb9E9Huu9bMCSHj26VcJH_sFuLAFJUev9JduVl_Yjr82iSVeKEgDeYOJTJLzx2F/s320/2013-03-30+12.20.41.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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This time I was riding my "summer bike": a heavily modified mid-70's Olmo.<br />
No fenders as you can appreciate (I'd have "appreciated" them quite a lot in last season's rainy 300 brevet)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhFdQzxtr50KZOzrFyx8uUJpJQj8uKQnGKrFJHc8SdM0uqqqGMcuPOH83EfpK4GLdkCEzJ0KGeCxfowRcvxGxwozAZBy36Nk8iCNj-WeiASlMsNd41ks4KoH9l9k-6Kna-HZBsyIVcOBJ/s1600/2013-03-30+13.01.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhFdQzxtr50KZOzrFyx8uUJpJQj8uKQnGKrFJHc8SdM0uqqqGMcuPOH83EfpK4GLdkCEzJ0KGeCxfowRcvxGxwozAZBy36Nk8iCNj-WeiASlMsNd41ks4KoH9l9k-6Kna-HZBsyIVcOBJ/s320/2013-03-30+13.01.20.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Quiet and isolated hamlets scattered among endless vineyards and olive tree fields.<br />
I noticed that the bell towers display an identical design in this part of the country.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnTLaUmlr1JWayNLIGKtiwtNZXX9qTaI1u25ic1_yLSsqabgu5-lCG7_gpA4n74wKm_HD2o5w0pXNOU3lF35PBG77SjN0oAWJ9WyLsf6UONdl6137o6tbIVNvwfbGZloUK9IPw48tqodg/s1600/2013-03-30+13.00.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnTLaUmlr1JWayNLIGKtiwtNZXX9qTaI1u25ic1_yLSsqabgu5-lCG7_gpA4n74wKm_HD2o5w0pXNOU3lF35PBG77SjN0oAWJ9WyLsf6UONdl6137o6tbIVNvwfbGZloUK9IPw48tqodg/s320/2013-03-30+13.00.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Montserrat Chapel: an architectonic marvel worth a visit in the midst of... nowhere. (well, in fact its located in the outskirts of Montferri)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU1RnPyOrOlf5QlMidwSCYuSIzdnQyz1ii4LRbRYQlWrUOAtTYukaob8WZ85xOW6VK4nULfACsI7BNuHSWvRF-PAsowDpxY6nEbYoa1HIDcJY2Rs4XOxjamEH1gY5tvX0KOymUVnHqywD/s1600/2013-03-30+08.48.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU1RnPyOrOlf5QlMidwSCYuSIzdnQyz1ii4LRbRYQlWrUOAtTYukaob8WZ85xOW6VK4nULfACsI7BNuHSWvRF-PAsowDpxY6nEbYoa1HIDcJY2Rs4XOxjamEH1gY5tvX0KOymUVnHqywD/s320/2013-03-30+08.48.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Calafell Castle. A partially preserved fortress never taken by assault.<br />
It's build on a rock (difficult to mine) and the way to the main and only entrance is quite steep.<br />
A medieval fair is held there in September. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35XUWLDuR0WzVo9dqpWrpDa4c3IjZuKbSL3a3nk_RRMuW2V7uCbbDvC4A7P1GuKLD9uI9QQKPBB-1lJf7cca6VvdLT-sknqoKOwm-geTVOpeThfwIXga06lo7WbEcPhPDdtIT_A2qX1Us/s1600/2013-03-30+09.28.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35XUWLDuR0WzVo9dqpWrpDa4c3IjZuKbSL3a3nk_RRMuW2V7uCbbDvC4A7P1GuKLD9uI9QQKPBB-1lJf7cca6VvdLT-sknqoKOwm-geTVOpeThfwIXga06lo7WbEcPhPDdtIT_A2qX1Us/s320/2013-03-30+09.28.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Make no mistake; I didn't ride that far...<br />
It's just a XIXth century slightly scaled-down copy of Seville's famous Giralda.<br />
The place: l'Arbós<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruLBh7x5z7RUIUfL5De3pDaFykGA78j24nPtkbXcb1dKSi9d309IfE5w99EsLi7Nj8w0JKLSmKFiHzI3Awn_FXQTAIL-rMdjsD17rmVSDyErNVtgDswSPq2x5DWxSh-A2JrPa_1d5QaFw/s1600/2013-03-29+11.36.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruLBh7x5z7RUIUfL5De3pDaFykGA78j24nPtkbXcb1dKSi9d309IfE5w99EsLi7Nj8w0JKLSmKFiHzI3Awn_FXQTAIL-rMdjsD17rmVSDyErNVtgDswSPq2x5DWxSh-A2JrPa_1d5QaFw/s320/2013-03-29+11.36.43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another interesting church in the small hamlet of Clariana. It was build in the mid 70's in some sort of "Russian orthodox" style.<br />
Quite a remarkable building. (In fact, is the only remarkable feature in that place)<br />
I attended Easter Sunday's Mass there (donning a more "appropriate" garment, of course).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3prABCTkTuprrwR7Osw9U60LoLd6iXGxcHFiFYSjchYgrzkNha4gd2pL2oURIX426QyOiwfLtdXkSPPsfne9cgGs5XRqYxFVFvKCHsnItodFqRAa9tMqpsDC04B1zSdCsem7t4mQAQO4/s1600/2013-03-29+11.59.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3prABCTkTuprrwR7Osw9U60LoLd6iXGxcHFiFYSjchYgrzkNha4gd2pL2oURIX426QyOiwfLtdXkSPPsfne9cgGs5XRqYxFVFvKCHsnItodFqRAa9tMqpsDC04B1zSdCsem7t4mQAQO4/s320/2013-03-29+11.59.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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More on castles. This is Castellet (in catalan: little castle).<br />
A charmingly preserved medieval town by Foix damp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSHa1lYl20VIbAx0h3XFSUEl14FY8EamRo6U6GPNOU3iBHcrWI40t9ggWPS8YfhYylysXVDn-BXs0NBe5hVpEb1K9UO4Ow9Mg770vBipGp0UGAXdezhNjoHyuCEUV-Q3HmZNmXg36FfkT/s1600/2012-12-27+12.19.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSHa1lYl20VIbAx0h3XFSUEl14FY8EamRo6U6GPNOU3iBHcrWI40t9ggWPS8YfhYylysXVDn-BXs0NBe5hVpEb1K9UO4Ow9Mg770vBipGp0UGAXdezhNjoHyuCEUV-Q3HmZNmXg36FfkT/s320/2012-12-27+12.19.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-23593518185145426972012-11-18T10:54:00.000-08:002012-11-18T10:54:25.795-08:00Autumn CharmAn old -very old- farm house. It dates from the XVth Century and was probably build over an even older construction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8LEj_lyH44nm0Cy0mWO3KWMlhlRvjLhyphenhyphenCJgQ6BAElabEb2yap3_7lr0Km8CcCp12mnl7D830sR9XKfiC-kdXSv0nSpRBNL2nbYMBXXL9BUMfyTc8j-9LXijxf6YpYK-1F-MjtVuDA3lw/s1600/2012-11-18+10.22.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8LEj_lyH44nm0Cy0mWO3KWMlhlRvjLhyphenhyphenCJgQ6BAElabEb2yap3_7lr0Km8CcCp12mnl7D830sR9XKfiC-kdXSv0nSpRBNL2nbYMBXXL9BUMfyTc8j-9LXijxf6YpYK-1F-MjtVuDA3lw/s320/2012-11-18+10.22.25.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The owner, a retired architect, made some ironic remarks regarding the futility of the discharge arches above the windows. I'd dare to say he's right, they don't look like being able to spread any force coming from the upper floor. It seems to me that the mason had heard something about discharge arches but didn't grasp the idea well enough. Well, it was an attempt...<br />
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The environment could not be more charming; walked on a soft (and slippery) carpet of fallen leaves while admiring the range of colours from the ones still on their branches.<br />
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A quaint secluded spot worth a visit. <br />
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<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-68539576667798148532012-11-17T10:18:00.001-08:002012-11-17T10:27:45.521-08:00Fall is in the airA pic taken during a damp reconnaissance patrol. Since I'm giving a thought to ride an Iberian Diagonal on Easter I was searching for a route I'd sketched on a map but was unable to find my way through a maze of unnamed lanes in a desert industrial area (in fact I was just trying to avoid the highway).<br />
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Rode home in frustation .To add insult to injury I was nearly driven out of the road by a passing car making an illegal overtake.<br />
Limped home wrapped in righteous indignation... to fight another day.<br />
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<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-90461088790766657662012-11-17T09:56:00.001-08:002012-11-17T09:56:04.969-08:00A city of contrasts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two contrasting pics taken during an early Autumn ride: a colourful old London Bus converted into a terrace and a dull stone grey street near the basilica of La Mercè.<br />
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Old and new, tradition and innovation just a few pedal strokes away...le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-48557677884162071202012-08-08T12:05:00.002-07:002012-08-08T12:13:12.952-07:00La Barceloneta"La Barceloneta" ie "little Barcelona" is a district of the old city displaying a roughly triangular shape located between the quarter of "la Ribera", the old harbour and the sea. It was a sandy spot where inhabitants from "la Ribera" that had lost their homes during the construction of the Citadel ("la Ciutadella") where relocated after the fall of Barcelona to the Borbonic Army in 1714.<br />
It's been traditionally the fishermen district of Barcelona and it still displays a peculiar flavour.<br />
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The Old Harbour ("el Port Vell") is flanked by a promenade actually known as "Passeig de Joan de Borbó" (after the King's father who held the title of Count of Barcelona" ) spotted with typical fish restaurants. A true paradise for skaters and cycle-tourist.<br />
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On its eastern side one can still see the old light house dating from the XVIIth century and later converted into a clock tower.<br />
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On the opposite side, at the start of the promenade, it still stands
one of the old warehouses , now the site of Catalonia's History Museum.<br />
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The triangle is closed by the beach ("la platja de la Barceloneta") one of the most popular either for locals and tourists.<br />
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<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-1201007680340335042012-08-02T12:03:00.001-07:002012-08-08T12:18:40.098-07:00Touring in Barcelona (La Ribera)Started my Barcelona tour in "la Ribera" quarter. This was an important part of the old city mainly inhabited by fishermen, artisans and porters. Later, a thriving new class of merchants moved away from the old city walls and started to build quite remarkable palaces in Gothic style. The jewel of the crown is, of course, the imposing church of Our Lady of the Sea whose bell tower was a reference point for sailors but whose real purpose was to show off the military and commercial pre-eminence of the Catalans in the Mediterranean during the late Middle Ages (In fact the church was commissioned by King Alfons III after the conquest of Sardinia)<br />
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Building the church took just 54 years (from 1329 to 1383) quite a feat for such a huge building. This short construction time explains the purity of the style thus regarded as the paradigm of religious Catalan Gothic. The church ( a basilica, in fact) was known among the lower and merchant classes as the "Cathedral of la Ribera" and probably meant some kind of counterbalance to the official Cathedral located half a mile away and attended by the noble upper classes.<br />
Visiting the inside is a real must; I could only describe it as the "church of space and light". The wide central nave is not only spacious but harmonious, the cross-vaulted ceiling is supported by a surprisingly scarce number of slender columns and the soft light filtered through the coloured stained glass windows pervades all the interior with a feeling of calmness. If anyone has ever visited "la Chiesa di San Leo" in Venice probably understands what I'm saying.<br />
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My short ride took me through narrow medieval streets -mostly pedestrian areas nowadays- which strongly reminded me of strolling through Venice (no canals though...)<br />
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After dodging hoards of tourist for a couple of hours cycled home uneventfully<br />
<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-35684555659273080372012-04-09T09:30:00.000-07:002012-04-09T09:30:02.432-07:00BRM 300_ El Pla de Santa Maria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An epic 300 "in thunder, in lightning and in rain". Coming soon...<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-24498296806599228222012-03-19T02:57:00.000-07:002012-03-19T11:50:15.898-07:00BRM 200 GranollersAfter last Sunday's partial success I felt somehow compelled to give it a second try. Granollers CC was holding its first brevet ever offering a scenic <i>parcours </i>with some 400 m less of elevation gain. So I finally dropped by just to find some 150 liked minded guys queuing up to collect their cards along with a rough draft of the route.<br />
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Start at 7 am sharp. Most of the field stampeded out leaving "true-randonneurs" at the back wondering what kind of race those guys were in...<br />
The course lived up to its expectations: quiet backroads, scenics sights, light traffic,... and the entertainig tales of the "old days" from an old cyclist I teamed up with.<br />
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It took us just 11 hours to complete the route, had we not ridden it in such a relaxed manner we'd finished it much earlier.<br />
<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-35644141698379518042012-03-13T12:47:00.000-07:002012-03-13T12:49:45.828-07:00BRM 200 Manresa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A tad over 200 Km with an elevation gain of 2.640 metres (a bit more I'd dare to say). A cycling test for which I was perfectly... unfit. It took me nearly 12 hours of hard work mostly on quiet and scenic back roads. Strangely enough, I found myself on "fixed wheel mode" speeding up and tackling ramps on the big ring while making efforts to keep speed above the stall point ... and I succeeded most of the time! </div>
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I intend to ride a second 200 next Sunday (the estimated elevation gain is only 2.200. Dead easy, isn't it?)</div>
<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184918525134943208.post-80555913992009495092012-01-29T11:11:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:11:00.373-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A mere test ride (I was testing my legs...) Spinned gently to the start of the Coll de Parpers (a gentle climb amidst dense vegetation on fine tarmac). Went over the top and plummeted down to the sea. Conclusions: I'm really behind schedule. <br />
<br />le cyclomuletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01539370993313919371noreply@blogger.com0