Ten miles out of Bujaraloz, we had our first flat tire. As Dennis was repairing the puncture caused by a metal scrap, I decided to pee in the tall grass and came out covered in ants. Apparently, I squatted over an anthill. Luckily I was wearing rain gear and the little buggers were unable to… Continue reading May 16 and 17: Zaragoza
May 15 Osera de Ebro
Today was a tough day. We started out in the cold and rain. After 10 km (6 mi) the rain stopped, but a 30 km head wind kept us from making any distance. At one point, I was in my lowest gear and pedaling downhill. Not fair! After working to ascend the steep hills, I… Continue reading May 15 Osera de Ebro
May 14, Bujaraloz
Arrived at the Espanol, a hotel in Bujaraloz, tired, wet, and hungry, after riding 75 km (45 miles) in hilly country. Nice morning ride to Fraga, then a long uphill climb. Pushed the bike on an 8% grade for 2 km to the top. After that is was a gentle downhill descent for about 10… Continue reading May 14, Bujaraloz
May 13, Lleida
We left Montserrat around 11 A.M., misty and overcast, via a route that went up the hill…my legs were not prepared for this and I struggled to the top in my lowest gears. Once at the top, we rollercoastered on a narrow two-way mountain road, with steep drop offs. The vistas were breathtaking. On our… Continue reading May 13, Lleida
May 9: Montserrat
Leaving Molins de Rei, Dennis spotted a cyclist and caught up to him to get directions. We had been unable to find how to get to the bike route we were looking for. Adolfo Jimenez was our trail angel. He asked directions at a local hotel, and then lead us as far as Pallejá. He… Continue reading May 9: Montserrat
Wednesday May 8 – St. Andreau
Dennis and I are leaving the bike store for Montserrat, a mountain-top crag about 35 miles north of Barcelona. I’m a little nervous about riding in the city on a new and fully loaded bike. Dennis has planned the route which means he will pay attention to street signs while I concentrate on avoiding people… Continue reading Wednesday May 8 – St. Andreau
Sunday, May 5 — Barcelona
Yesterday was low-key. Dennis was still not well and spent most of the day in bed. By evening he was starting to feel better and had the first restful sleep in five nights. The rest seems to have helped him. Its Mother’s Day in Spain, so I get to celebrate the holiday today and again… Continue reading Sunday, May 5 — Barcelona
Friday, May 3: Barcelona
After brunch at the hotel, we went back to the bike shop to retrieve a day back pack that I had left in the front rack pack. Nacho (nick name or Ignacio) kissed me on both checks. When I commented that store personnel in the US don’t have this custom, he replied “Its the latin… Continue reading Friday, May 3: Barcelona
Sunday April 28 (cont.) to May 1
Sunday April 28 (cont.) It was great to be able to Skype my mom for her 86th birthday. The internet connection on land was much clearer and faster than on the ship. Also managed to speak with our daughter, Aine, who just returned from a trip to St. Barts. We had lunch on the top… Continue reading Sunday April 28 (cont.) to May 1
April 25 to April 28 aboard NCL Epic
Thursday April 25 Last night they canceled the Cirque de Soleil show, moved it to the night we are in Funchal (Sunday). We are experiencing 30+ Ft. waves and 45 mph winds. Everyone looks drunk as they try to walk around the ship. Did manage to get to the gym and sit on the… Continue reading April 25 to April 28 aboard NCL Epic