A View From Behind

Ola! Ola! sorry late with posting the anti-blog but out for 'Last supper' with Chris n Sue last night, to a tiny little restaurant up n up n up a track road here, to Ruinogues - 3 houses and the very good but very small restaurant. Even if you go extremely hungry you still can't complete the menu!

I've been told to say we had a good holiday - 'Rog n I had a very good holiday' and we did!, though parts seemed more trip like (Louise).

With Sal n Pete it was great fun. At least Sal n I had each other to cycle with as we found 'the boys' were usually just distant spots on the horizon....

A bit industrial after Zaragoza but once we started to climb into the hills of Catalonia cycling through the pine scented forests it was absolutely beautiful.

The last day's cycle was a two and a half hour climb followed by a three hour down hill ride (yes longer than the up hill!), but it also included a race against a thunderstorm - which we just beat!

The days passed without too much drama though panic did strike when my brakes failed n the chain came off my bike -all on the same day - but to my utter amazement Rog fixed both and all without the aid of a knife!

Yes Rog did look after me and I did enjoy our ''holiday'. Especially as someone who literally just slides off one set of wheels (office chair) to another my trusted bike, a cross somewhere between 'Proud Mary' and 'Old Delainy's Donkey'.

Why Sal and I do these trips are a mystery but there is a sense of achievement. At the start it's a mind boggling struggle to get up the hills. Sal was happy to wait for the next bus but i'm married to Rog and i don't have that luxury of choice!

All in all a good time with memories to share. Xx

Late la blog

Oh well - all done and dusted for another year . Great to do but bloody lovely to get home .Guess I'll be back on own next year ! Took us two and a half hours to get to the border and another three actually getting down to Ceret . And who do you think were the first people we saw ? Chris and Sue coming back from the beach - with shopping for a paella !
Unpacking is an event - 'bloody hell I new it was in there somewhere' - 'why on earth did I take THAT' - 'what's this' and so forth . We did take sleeping bags - more as a precaution than anything and came close to needing them when in Solonso . We never had a puncture and never used the tool kit . So much is taken for 'just in case'.
Great fun was had with Sally and Pete in the first part of the trip albeit a bit bizarre . Funniest moment for me was Pete ordering an Orangina and getting some very precise directions to some other village !
Favorite meal was the tapes in the hostel in Solona - best value was beef cheek ( or was it horse ?) with free wine for 10€ in S . Best stop was the hostel rural Bogagas outside Logrono - a swimming pool and their own vineyard helps .
Nicola is threatening to do an anti blog tomorrow which might just put a different slant on our trip . But put it to my avid reader - who would you believe ? CU
Ps Thankyou for reading - and all the comments x

The summit

La blog t'mor

Nic in a hurry - she's seen the sign to Ceret

Tonight we are staying in the border town of Camprodon - a favourite last stop of mine . Two rivers collide in a fantastic spectacle of sound and vision and the town has a very Catalan feel to it . The food shops are a bit 'lar de dar' but full of lovely stuff - perfect buy for our last picnic tomorrow high up on the border .
We were up at 6-30 this morning from Berger . We had 67km
to cycle and the afternoons get so hot - so an early start . Nicola was so enthusiastic there was no containing her . She
muttered something like ' let's get this thing over ' ( she's been saying that a lot recently - even in bed ) but I take it as keen ! Sometimes she has difficulty in sleeping for the excitement of the next days ride . But I digress . It was a stunning cycle ride from Berger to Ripol where we had lunch ( clammy cheese and an apple ) and we got to 2km outside Camprodon when the heavens opened up with a rather spectacular thunder storm . We took cover in a bus shelter - and were joined by a couple of camp Belgians ! A memorable hour ! Say no more .
So last climb tomorrow and freewheel ( Nic's downhill is slower than her up hill - she's worn out two sets of brake pads ) down to Ceret in the afternoon . Where we will be greeted by Chris and Sue ( who have been holidaying there ) with a bottle of cava and one of Sues very special paellas . I hope they are reading this ! CU

Easy goes it

Why is it - when you've had a hard day you can bet your bottom dollar things just get worse ! It was fourth hotel lucky last night - I think Solsona has only four hotels - but we got in at a family run hostel on the edge of town . But out of diversity came a real pearl of a stay . We intended to walk the km into town - have a drink and find a restaurant . Then the heavens opened up and as we were a bit knackered decided to stay in-house . And what a great evening .We were the first into the large dinning room at nine - by 9-30 every table had been taken - all locals and gave to great buzz . The menu was only tapas - but hey - what tapas . We had anchovies with a salad - a large plate of grilled calamaris - plate of succulent prawns and one of octupus . A bottle of wine and ice creams - a free lacquer at the bar - all for about 12€ each . Terrific .
We played it easy today . Breakfast at ten - and that was really good - and a 44km cycle rid to Berger - through wonderful pine forests and typical Catalonian countryside . Little did she know that I wanted to finish early so I could listen to all todays sport on my radio!
Tomorrow we start towards the border . We should be in Tues / Wed ish . So Nic has done pretty well . And she's threatening to write an epi-blog - or an anti-blog more like - when we get to Ceret ! Hmm - so longs I am supreme editor in chief ! CU
Ps - O - the photo . Its proof that she is still alive and bloody enjoying herself - and talk of cruises is strictly forbidden !

Took a wrong turn...

...and - in the words of Bruce - just kept goin'. It was a beautiful ride out from Pont - up the Segre River . This very very much a cadillacing area - Olympics and all that . My map was pretty straight forward on a very wiggling white road though small hamlets . However - my iPhone map wanted me to turn back - something us real men shudder at the thought of . So we kept going - roads went into gravely tracks -then into paths ....and so on . Cutting the bamboo as we went and fending off the leeches we then came across a monster ... dam ! Hydro and all that with a big resiviour . No way ithrough . So back we turned . And that was the morning taken care of ! Good thing about cycling - especially with the Mrs's - is that you can always cycle a bit quicker - and not have to listen ! I recon my map was out of date - but tell 'er that !
So onto the N11 at about midday . It was a road I was hoping to avoid . It goes up to Andorra but at least it was Saturday and the juggernauts were having a day off . It was still a bit unpleasant - what with cars quizzing past you - and we had to go through a tunnel where we should've had lights - but no real problems .
We got off the N11 towards Solonso . Unfortunately - although it's an absolutely stunning ride - it is uphill for 10km. The afternoon heat is always hell - but we got the job done and into Solonso about five . The hotel we wanted was fully booked - and the next - and ... Saturday and all that . But we got into a hostel and very nice it is . A nice stroll into the very lovely town was the agenda - but - a thunder storm - and here we are - on our balcony ( yes we have one - but overlooking the main road ) finishing off that bottle of Rioja I've been carrying for the last week - watching the storm . Strange day . CU

Double chocolate croissant

' After all this cycling you would think the weight would just drop off '. Yea luv - where do you go wrong ? Lighter breakfasts ? Bless 'er .
Stayed last night in Balaguer . Nice old town on The Segre River . We just went tapasting - plate of Iberico Ham with garlic and tomato bread and a plate of anchiose . All went downhill with the ice cream and brandies after !
They had a live group playing on the river bank - sort've Specials / Madness - lots of of brass - good old stomping stuff .' Nuestra casa en el medio de la calle ' ( our house ) didn't sound quite right in Espania but a good sound nevertheless .
We took a quiet road out this morning to Agramunt - then up to Ponts - where we are aboding tonight . All in all about 50km - so an easier day . We looked at the hotel prices - only 43€ . Or 68€ with air conditioning! What would you do?
CU

Donkey Dick

We started out this morning from Fraga having to take the very busy N11 towards Lleida . It didn't start too well . Somehow I ordered Nic a con leche tea - hot milk with a tea bag ! Though she drank it she didn't think it would catch on .
So heading along this lousy N11and I noticed a small sign saying Cameo de Llieda . It took us under the N11 - under two motorways and into some orange groves - hence today's photo .( Naf I know but she wanted it included )The trail took us all the way to Lleida - big bonus - but we couldn't pick the trail up after - which was a shame . Not sure how these pilgrims find there way - must have some good maps - or a very strong faith !
So lunch in Llieda - well a picnic really . I've been carrying two things around with me that's been weighting me down for a few days . One is a bottle of Rioja ( yes - that long ago ) and the other - which goes even further back is a chorizo sausage - which Pete Insisted on buying - only for me to carry ! Well - Sally was so impressed with it she named it 'donkey dick' and so thats what we had for lunch - donkey dick with a glass of Rioja - luverly .
Onwards - and quite literally - upwards . In Catalonia now - feels we're on the home stretch . Climbing the Pyrenees so gets tougher now - but don't tell 'er ! CU
Cheers Doug - being an anorak you would naturally be fluent in Espana - x

There for the picking

We stayed in Sarinena last night after a 75km ride from Zaragoza . No vines round here . It's all agriculture - particularly fruit trees - lots of different pears - peaches and nectarines . It's self service lunch en route !
Not a lot to say on Sarinena . Dusty sort of town with lots of dusty pilgrims hanging around . They are all very keen on exchanging stories and their routes . Didn't have the heart to say we were heading for the beach !
The little hotel was fine . Supper was salad & steak ( her ) ((think it was a horse steak myself - but didn't tell her that )) and braised beef or horse cheek ( him ) . 3 courses with wine 10€ . I think we're in the middle of no-where and prices reflect that .
As we cycled out this morning we heard shouts of 'eres va por el camino equivocado' - 'you are going the wrong way' . And we cheerily waved back . CU

Back on track

Zaragoza is one of our favourite cities - trouble is getting into the bloody place on bikes . No such problems yesterday as we trained it straight into the centre from Logrono . Well - I know it's a form of cheating but it does gets us back on track - and gave Nicola a rest day .
We found a 3 star hotel bang in the middle for 43€ - great value - and spent the evening tapissing . We found one of the oldest bars ( pictured ) serving 'Especialidad sardinas a la plancha' since 1925 - and a part from crusty bread and salad - only sardinas . A plate 12€ - delicious ! Ice cream ( her ) and a rather large brandy ( him ) on way home - bloody perfecto . O and another thunder storm .
Holiday over. Con leche ( him ) tea ( her ) with a fresh croissant - and peddled out of the city . We headed towards Sarinena - bang on The Compostela Trail - and that's where we're spending the night . CU
Ps Sally & Pete are holidaying in San Sebastian - they ferry home Weds . Pathetic !

Happy days

Girls love cycling ...

... down hill

La Blog extra

Me trying Pete's Brompton fold up bike. Very odd - bit like the owner .

Parting of the ways

Nice thing about this place - apart from the spacious rooms great food and their own wine - is that it has a swimming pool. A bit of a luxury when you've been cycling all day - albeit in slow motion ! Some Spanish kids were playing in the pool . They've never heard of Roger The Lockness Monster before - but do now . I think their moms were understanding.

New day and it's the parting of the ways . Pete and Sally only intended to do a week - enough time though to sabotage my trip - and they're heading back home via the hospital . Pete's still suffering with a sore eye so wants to get it checked out . Will keep you posted .

And its catch up for us - so we're heading towards Zaragoza (best tapis's in Spain ) by train . That will leave us about 500k to do in 10 days - so should be a doddle . Much as I have moaned about The Hodgson Twins Hijacking we did have wonderful time . CU

Another day - another storm

We've been following the Ebro river down from its source at the Sierra en Tobalina and down through the valle de Tobalina . Last night we stayed at Cuzcurrita Rio Tiron in a very acceptable hostel . This is the very heart of Rioja . For 1€ you can do wine sampling at one of the many caves - great fun !
We've headed today for Logrono and pitched up at Bodegas Senorio de las Vinos - a Casa Rurel where I stayed last year with Chris . Only difference is that this year it's taken two extra days ! En route we had a tapist lunch at the very old and atmospheric town of San Vicente . Anchovies - olives and piquant peppers - washed down with ice cold Rioja Tinto. How good was that !
Much as I love these cycling trips (Nicola insists I don't call them holidays ) I use to always hanker for all the sport stuff back at home . But not any more ! I now receive Tunein Radio on my i phone - fantastic . I've been following the Test match every evening writing 'la blog' - with of course the obligatory glass of Rioja in hand - and today when England won the 1st Test I was in a cafe - listening . Don't understand how the reception is clearer here - in middle Spain - than in Blighty ! All beyond me ! CU
Thanks Anton for the lovely comments - miss ya x

Slowly goes it

Our Casa Rural last night was quite delightful . Luckily we had decided to have supper there with señora because there was one hell of a storm . Nearest town for supper was Frais. I stayed in Frais with Chris last year and to our horror we found out ( a bit too late ) that we were staying in a gay town. It's lovely but gay - so I wasn't too keen on going back ! And just as well - the heavens opened up and - as always the case in these parts - spectacular . Very nice meal by the way.

Breakfast at 9 - on route by 10 - that's how it is ! Holiday mode ! However - we did do spectacular ( sorry using that word again ) ride into something called the Seirra de Pancorho . We only had a 1000m to climb - nothing compared to the first day - but it get steep ( 14% ). If I've got to get off and push then I call it steep ! Tonight's photo is of us trying to cycle through a load of ( Sally says wild - but I don't think so ) goats . CU
Footnote - thanks Doug for tha comment - saw Commend came 4th . O well - did u go ? By the way I didn't make it to Deauville this year - went to see Bruce in Geneva . Cheaper!

Plans go array

So much for MY trip down to Ceret which THEY wanted to come on . I've been hijacked ! Trouble is when sisters bloody get together they take over . Always tried to hold my own -and to some extent I've been moderately successful - but not this time .
They've done one days cycle - albeit quite a tough one - and they're knackered ! Can't go on and all that tosh ! I will list some of the ailments - skin rash / heat exhaustion / women problems / saddle sores / 'you never ever told us it would be like this' / 'you go on' .... and to beat the lot Pete's got an eye infection -'hardy see the road' - so not a lot of support there either ! Im on my own - which I should've been from the start.
So an easy day was had . Starting off from Villacayo we headed east to Medina de Pomar ( for Pete's bloody eye prescription ) and then south to Trespaderne - where we we bought a picnic of spicy chorizo sausage - local cheese and a bottle of Rioja wine ( needed it ) and then headed east along the Valle de Tobalina . The photo is of us having that picnic by a lovely stream ( not that you can see it) and was taken by a lad playing with his mates in the stream . Tonight we are staying at Montejo de San Miguel in a casa rural - much nicer than a hotel - and Señora is going to cook for us . I suppose there's a plus to most things . CU

Holiday over ...

and the trip begins . Wonderful cruise to Santander - but the fun is over ! At Santander we took the FEVE - local one track train serving - yes - local people . We stayed in Liegernas - a lovely little town just outside Santander from which I've started this journey a few times now . I think the landlady was rather disappointed that Chris - my traveling partner of last year - wasn't with me ! I shall say no more !
So out and on our way by 8-30 having downed a few coffees and croissants . Liegernas is a lovely town - surrounded by the Cantabrica Mountains and - as beautiful as they are - do need a good old hike to get up and over. We cycled up to a height of 1350m and for the girls that was no mean feat . There were a few amateur dramatics on the way but nothing that a couple of firm smacks couldn't sort ! One of the good things about cycling is that - for the most part anyway - you can stay out of ear contact !
We got to our destination at gone 7 this evening having done 75km and a lot of climbing - but nothing that a long shower and a few San Miguels couldn't put right . Pete says that as soon as they got to his room he was greeted by those immortal words - ' Don't touch me - don't come anywhere near me ' . So much for romance . CU
PS - Funniest moment for me was Pete - trying to order an Orangina in his very best Spanish accent - got some very precise directions to another village !

Olla !

I'm on the boat to Santander for my annual pilgrimage to Ceret . It's different every year - but this one might turn out to be the 'differentest' ! I'm going with 'my Nic' - 'er sister Sally and bruv in-law Pete . Should be fun - albeit slow ! I thought I might as well put the trip on 'la blog' and then if I hear anything on the horsey front I can put it in .

There's quite a bit to catch up on - so here goes . Went down to Kenane Stud to check up on our new filly - hence the photo . Have to say she has a wonderful temperament - comes bouncing along when she sees anyone and is not at all timid . Her mum - Fit to Drive - is in the background and Bruce's mum in the far background . A right family do ! The breeder - Bill Smith - was gutted when he heard of Brucies demise . Bill use to ride for Fuke Walwyn - top trainer to The Queen Mother - so he understands the perils of the sport . He recalled the day when Game Spirit - probably the best horse The Q M ever owned - broke a leg at Newbury . Newbury named a race after him and The Q M donated and inscribed a silver tray . Madison won that very race 20 years later and I use to have my breakfast on that very tray !

I was so sad to learn of the death of David Johnson - 6 times champion owner - due to cancer . DJ was an all round top guy . I always sent him a turkey for Christmas - really as a thank you for all the champaign I quaffed when his horses won . I once needed some tickets on a big race day somewhere . As he had a runner I phoned him . 'Yea Rog - no probs' he said in his east end cockney accent 'one or two?' ' Well eight actually DJ' . I won't repeated what he said but eight where there waiting for me !

Which brings me on to my mate Nick - fighting the great fight across the pond . He's more that halfway through his chemo and doing well. Thoughts with ya Nick - see it off .

The Brothers are also summering well . DP says that George has actually put on weight ! One can only dream of him coming back to his best . The brush hurdle at Haydock - a race he won a couple of years ago - may be his first port of call but The King George will be his main target .

Well - we're having a fantastic crossing - lovely weather and watching the cricket . Our cycle ride to Portsmouth was without incident - apart from Sally overheating coming up Portsdown Hill - but she was wearing a balaclava ! More on my eccentric sister later .

You wouldn't believe it ! Sat down to diner last night and who should be sitting at the next table was a golfing mate . Bobby and his wife Francis are driving down to Camporeal in Portugal for there summer hols . Small world - or as Bobby would say - not big enough ! CU