Discovering Mecca

It isn't difficult to find good riding here. With only a few simple turns, the buttery strip of asphalt extending from the front door of our bed and breakfast twists up to a peak that is visible from our patio. It is called Rocacorba and seems to be popular with the local two-wheelers. Vehicular traffic is low and respectful and the views are excellent. The climb went on for 14 kilometres, with grades predominantly varying between 7 and 10 percent. Erik caught up to a rider from Girona and they battled it out up the hill, while I plugged along a little ways back. Turns out that the guy was in Calgary in 1998 to mountain bike in the World Police and Fire Games. Not a bad starting discussion point in an accidental meeting of two strangers meeting.

We still had energy to burn after conquering Rococorba, so we headed north through a national park. Every pedal stroke reinforced why cyclists from around the world make the pilgrimage to this is Road Cycling Mecca.

As we headed in to Girona for dinner, we stopped at a wine store at the side of the road. It sells wine from the barrel and people were walking in with empty gallon-sized water jugs, to be filled straight from the barrel. Oh man, I love this place. We picked up a few bottles (a gallon is a bit much, even for me) and some fresh almonds and dried figs (available from bulk bins). I love that its possible to actually taste when an almond is fresh.

Dinner was in old town Girona. There's a lot of shopping available down there and some fancy dining. It was worth the visit - but I'm glad to be staying just outside of town where the kick ass riding starts where the driveway ends.