Day 43 – SE of Macastre – camped on the top of a mountain.

& Day 44 – camped in the Rocky Olive groves (north of Balsa De Ves).

So the story goes like this.

Cycling Days 43, 44 of Ride to the Rock Sponsored by Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS)

Raising money for Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

Im going to combine both cycling days. These last couple of days have been very challenging.

With wild camping and mostly mountainous routes – we have been tested both physically and mentally.

I have had no mobile signal but we have been surrounded by beauty and clean air.

The views have been spectacular on both days and nights. With mountains layered on top of each other . Breathtaking views. There has been no light pollution. The stars look so much bigger than they usually are. The peace , the remoteness and on one evening just the sound of rain was heard.

This was our world. On our way up.

The olive grove was littered with grass hoppers jumping and harpooning themselves onto the tent or onto the inner netting to avoid the rain. Andy tickled their tummy’s and they hopped off after a minute or so ( maybe they didn’t mind?!).

The first evening we pitched the tent behind an abandoned house -South West of Valencia near Macastre. This particular day we left the city as early as we could because we expected the temperature to rise significantly. It did just that!

We knew there would be climbs and plenty of them and this was what we got.

On both days.

Hill after hill, followed by another and several more hills. Andy was struggling.

We had considered the coastal route through Alicante as guided by EV8 – this would be car heavy and we didn’t fancy this and possibly too dangerous for cycling. So we opted for the mountains and the inland route.

With the temperature soaring mixed together with steep hill climbing – we were shattered. Unbelievably I had the stamina to climb the first day but struggled the next. I couldn’t bare the heat.

I / we sweated bucketfuls. This made me feel uncomfortable . I struggled to undress and redress in the same clothes. We were damp all day and all night, and I woke up damp.

As we cycled through a couple of small towns. Some people gave us a thumbs up, or stood and gazed or said things like “Que tengas un buen viaje ” or similar – wishing us good luck. This makes us smile!!

The first night. Cycle day 43. just the netting was enough. It was a hot evening.

On these hot nights we usually put the tent up without the fly sheet. This acts as a mosquito net but if it rains the outer covering goes on as well. The netting allows the air to move through the tent and provides a little breeze, and keeps the pests out.

The views often make up for the lows. This is our view on the first night. Cycle day 43.

The second evening. Cycle day 44. SW of Macastre to Wild Camp in an Olive Grove North of Balsa de Ves – it rained and thundered, and the tent nearly blew away – as we struggled to peg it down. We were desperate not to let the inside get wet. Such a comedy sketch but not as it was happening.

The olive grove ground was rocky and full of spikes from the cactus plants. I didn’t want the air beds to get a puncture and am pleased to say they didn’t. Bless Andy I pointed them out and he pulled them out. The rocks didn’t matter too much as long as you didn’t roll onto them.

I usually fall asleep as soon as my head hits my bundle of clothes (pillow). I’m so exhausted by this time. The thing I have struggled with these 2 nights are my knees. They have throbbed.

I wouldn’t have said either cycling day was suitable for cycle touring. Maybe if I wasn’t carrying a heavy load and on my road bike – then yes I wouldn’t have struggled – as much as we did!

Both days 43 and 44. These routes have been monumentally challenging. Early rising at 0630 to beat the sun has helped though. As the day progresses our cold drinking water becomes warm and this tastes dreadful , and I struggle to drink it – but I do drink it.

Both Andy and I understand what a challenge is – we’ve cycled across the USA from San Fran to New York though deserts and over the Rocky Mountains. However, we both agree these last 2 days are harder than the Jura, the Alps and the Pyrenees no question.

On day 42. I remember Andy saying ” 4 hours climbing and then it’ll plato and then repeat but just for an hour or so’. He wasn’t wrong. The climbs have been intimidating and I have to say we didn’t see another cyclist. Roughly 4 miles per hour. Slow and steady.

Day 44. We met some absolutely lovely people after a long down – who have a family run cafe in Venta Gaeta. The young lady helped with translation and Christina is 5th year medical student in Valencia and Andy chatted to her about MSF after she said wanted to support vulnerable people as a doctor. Christinas mum Dolores gave me some homemade cake and we chatted, and she offered us to shower in her home. I laughed saying “Do we smell’ – Dolores and Christina said no but I still thought it was funny.

The evening of day 44. This happened. I look frightened but I could see fish swimming and I was watching them.

Following this. You guessed – A BIG CLIMB. I mostly pushed the bike uphill and I had nothing left to give after a couple of miles and called it a night. This night it rained and we got drenched.

Too shattered to notice – I fell fast asleep.

Cycling Day 41 of Ride to the Rock sponsored by Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS)

Supporting Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Grey Day.

It was a bit of a grey day today. The sun definitely hid behind the clouds but we really didn’t mind. Usually the sun is constantly in our face for several hours and a grey sky has its blessings.

So it was a welcomed break from the usual.

Not at all cold though! 27 C. I still felt sticky.

The route wasn’t the prettiest we’ve been on but I felt safe – with the good cycle lanes for most of the journey.

Here you can see below the cycle lanes were wide. Occasionally we cycled side by side.

Our Dawes cycling tourers with schwalbe tyres and hand built wheels have done us proud. We’ve rattled over pot holes and large stones, slid down shale on steep downs, haven’t had any punctures and the bikes keep going strong.

We cycled over a caged bridge. This took us over a busy motorway.

We cycled through orange groves. The oranges have been collected from these trees and sent to shops around the world.

Tasty oranges!!

We are heading to Valencia tomorrow and stopping for a rest day. It will be nice to see the coast again and if possible go for a swim in the Mediterranean sea, and going for a look around the city.

Time to sleep and rest my sore legs.

Goodnight from me and all the lovely people we’ve met so far on our journey. I will treasure every meeting.

Cycling Day 40. Of Ride to the Rock. Sponsored by Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS).

This morning we had a small breakfast around 0800 in the town square. Last night the square was bustling and this morning just a couple locals went to but bread. The town appears to be a friendly place with a couple of them greeting us with “Hola buenos Dias’.

The town was still sleeping and we enjoyed the peace. Swallows flew overhead and landed for the crumbs we had broken up for them. This was a tasty treat of olive oil based crackers we bought yesterday in Amposta. A couple of the locals visited the bakery for fresh bread for breakfast or lunch and smiled as they past.

St Mateu is a historic town bursting with history. If you are interested http://www.catalonia-valencia.com/sant-mateu-travel-guide.html

Cycling today was straightforward compared to other days. The climbs were slow and steady, and trucks gave us plenty of room – as they passed. In fact one truck hung on Andys shoulder for a good couple of minutes and the road was clear. Maybe the driver was interested in our flags or the logos on my top?! But we couldn’t get our heads around this at the time??!

We passed olive and apricot trees.

On route we cycled through a lovely town called Les Covesde Vinroma and took the opportunity to call into a cafe. Here we enjoyed a coke, a fresh coffee and an ice lolly. The young lady server felt a little overwhelmed with us being British but after a couple of smiles this changed.

I took these pictures whilst sitting outside the cafe in Les Covesde Vinroma. In my opinion these old historic towns are elegant and understated.

Around half an hour rest – we moved on. The roads continued to be reasonable and not too challenging or maybe I’m getting use to “spinning the peddles’?!

Eventually we arrived into Cabanes. The cycle ride today was fairly short because we had shortened the day by cycling further – yesterday. The weather also treated us well – it had been mild and a little overcast until later in the day and by this time we had already arrived into Cabanes.

Following some housekeeping ( washing clothes is pretty much a daily job – especially if it’s hot ) we bought some food and had a little rest.

This evening we enjoyed an evening night walk around the town. It was cooler and quiet with people sitting mostly indoors – though some sat outside their front doors with friends chatting. 3 elderly ladies sat on chairs – as we passed. This was lovely to see.

I looked up at the sky and took this video of the swallows playing together and catching their supper ( flies and bugs). Not so yum!?

Walking around the streets taking videos to remember Cabanes. This sun was going down around 21:30. The air was cool and the birds were singing or padding gossip onto each other?!

I’m a little muscle sore and tired. I’m falling asleep as I write this. Sleep well swallows, bugs and my lovely mum. She’s just text me this.

Hope you have had a good day sleep well sweet dreams love you lots and lots my beautiful daughter good luck with your ride together tomorrow.

I am safe and I guess she worries.

Cycling Day 39.

Yesterday was a rest day. Here we ate, slept, visited the launderette and I managed to get a knock on the head by a scaffolding pole.

So, I’ve got “an egg sized bump’ on the top of my head. This happened as the market was closing down and I was in the wrong place – at the wrong time. I wanted to buy some fruit. Because the man didn’t automatically apologise and just told me to watch what I was doing – I automatically said ” lo sientes “. He was sorry but only because I told him to say this. I cried a little and bought some fruit with a very sad face.

Before leaving Amposta we visited a supermarket called Ameteller Origen intending to buy coffee and something for breakfast. Here if you are interested. https://www.ametllerorigen.com/es/e . We got so much more than food and coffee, and even though opening time wasn’t for another 15 mins or so after we arrived. Waiting for them to open – they ushered us inside and the manager helped me find some vegan food. I had a nice chat with the young checkout lady and another staff treated us to a piece of cake (for free).

Cycling out of Amposta we headed towards a town called Ulldecona. We needed to cool down and bought a cold drink. Our view was of a beautiful church and swifts flew overhead. Next to our table a lady called Anita. Anita turned and we chatted for around 20 minutes. She is an interesting Belgium lady who’s travelled extensively since she was a young child – Europe, India, Australia ( these are the places I remember ). I agree with her and think people are the same all over the world but life experiences and beliefs have an impact on the decisions we make. I love people analysis documentaries – I’m curious about what makes an individual “tick’.

Today we are starting to travel more inland and the rural areas are beautifully green, and rich with farmers growing oranges, olives and lime trees. Me encantan las naranjas and I will buy one most days – given the opportunity.

After leaving Ulldecona we passed through towns called Traiguera and La Jana. We stopped briefly for another cold drink and an ice lolly – in La Jana.

We pushed on towards Sant Mateu. All along the route today the roads have been maintained well – with only one or two brief unpaved gravelled areas.

We arrived safely into Sant Mateu and slept for two hours ( I set the alarm ), The heat is very tiring. My first impression of Sant Mateu was about the people and how they are a close community. The centre area seated families chatting together – from the youngest to the oldest at the same table and groups of older men enjoying the company of each other. If you are interested. http://www.catalonia-valencia.com/sant-mateu-travel-guide.html

I managed to eat half of my Pizza. My appetite is definitely changing.

Before leaving the centre of Mateu we bought a kilo of grapes, 1 orange and some fresh pineapple juice for just under €3 from a small grocery shop. The fruit was locally sourced – delicious.

Sleep well my new and old friends.

Cycling Day 39.

Yesterday we arrived safely but very wet and very tired. I didn’t blog because of two reasons. 1. Andy started to feel really unwell with a heavy cold and 2. We got drenched in the heavy downpour of rain and arrived into Amposta feeling really cold.

Today. Andys a little run down. Daily cycling can have an impact on your body’s physiology – sweating lots in the heat, as we all know also has its issues and Andy sweats bucketfuls.

Our remedy for feeling under par was a warm shower, an early night in a guest house, paracetamols and fortunately a well thought through rest day to follow. This was already arranged.

The day started cycling beside the coast with a view of the beach front. Very pleasant. This changed fairly soon into a dual carriageway.

The day was a tough cycling day.

Here are a couple of videos to demonstrate this.

Our route as guided by Kamoot said part of the journey would be unpaved. However, this is always a gamble because the route planner doesn’t grade how unpaved the road is. However, the alternate route was unauthorised for cyclists – as this was a motorway. Basically kamoot likely did it’s best and the pathed route turned into an abandoned access road – running alongside the motorway. Unbelievably this was a road cycling route.

Kamoot told us to turn urn left. At this point it was unclear how to turn left!? Here’s a video.

Following this. We found a tunnel taking us left.

We cycled through a tunnel. I went through first. Why? Because Andy wanted to take a film. Please understand – I was a little concerned – I’ve got a sensitive imagination and there was also a drop of a few feet before I scrambled out the other side.

This led onto – guiding us towards the sea. We understood the route was coastal but plopping us into the sea!!? Andy investigated the route – on foot with little intention of taking the bikes. He saw a narrow access but we would have had to push the bikes up the side of the cliff edge – up some rugged steps.

This was a negative and far from safe!!

So we turned back towards the tunnel.

Round 2 of the tunnel was not appealing.

On the other side – the access road didn’t improve and if anything it became more difficult to cycle on. The wheels struggled to keep traction due to the sliding stones and the gradient of the hill.

We managed by putting the breaks on and pushing steadily – making sure the bikes didn’t fall.

I would not recommend taking this route.

Eventually we pulled away from the access route and onto a road cycling surface road. This was shared with cars and suitably paved. The route took us along a coastal road with a couple of climbs and into a seaside town with people sitting inside cafes. At this point it started to rain and people were scarce.

We continued to pass through small towns. Similar to other towns – there wasn’t a sole to be seen.

Olive and orange trees sat close to the roadside , and the rice fields sat just a couple hundred foot away.

It was starting to rain heavily. Really heavily! This is kind of nice because we’ve been trapped inside what seemed “a sauna’ – for more than a week – the air was humid!

The cool rain was refreshing and the thunder a good change from the fireworks being let off – celebrating the San Juan Festivities (day and night).

The journey towards Amposta was rugged, and at points not suitable for cycle touring. Though it was an interesting journey and gave me another angle on cycle touring.

Cycling Day 38 of Ride to the Rock. Sponsored by Toyota Gibraltar (TGS).

We are on our third stage of Ride to the Rock. The bikes are desperate for a clean-up. Though the road dust we’ve picked up along our journey makes me want to keep it. We’ve cycled a fair way!

The dusty tracks cycled earlier today.

We’ve cycled up the Jura and Pyrenees mountains and reached the Mediterranean sea, passed through various towns and countries in Europe – Netherlands, Belgium , Switzerland, France and now Spain. I sometimes reminisce. We are looking forward – towards Gibraltar!

I can do this. We can do this!

Gibraltar is in our sights.

I’ve added the distance and moving time of todays ride below. We don’t cycle fast due to our load and the route was hilly today.

We are carrying everything we need to sleep outside under the stars and this is fairly weighted.

Our load is 40kg and then there’s me 65kg!

• 1 three man Tent
• 2 sets clothing ( plus 1 dress and 1 pair of sandals )
• Toiletries
• Mechanical equipment
• Some food ( for 1 day )
• Cooking pans (2)
• A Fork/spoon and knife – all in one
• Battery charger attached to our dynamo
• Mobile
• Sleeping bag
• Towel
• Bike locks
• 4 panniers
• 1 top box
• 1 steel framed touring bike

Here’s a video I took earlier of the harbour – along the coast between Cunit and Terragona.

On route. We met a fellow tourer called Bertie. He’s from France. Such a ray of sunshine. He told us ” I love you already ” before we said “Safe journey’ and off we went. Berries journey had taken him from France to Portugal and he’s heading back to France. Bertie, Andy and I wish you love with whatever you find yourself doing – once you decide this is.

Here’s hoping we meet again.

We cycled past olive groves and smelt the perfume from blossoming flowers,

We eventually arrived into Cambrils.

A busy harbour town with boats of all shapes and sizes and people on holiday.

Goodnight and sleep well friends at home and my new friends. I love you.

Cycling Day 37 of Ride to the Rock. Sponsored by Toyota Gibraltar (TGS).

“Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS) is proud to sponsor Andy Dennis and Tracey Hill on their next fundraising adventure, Ride to the Rock for MSF. TGS is the official supplier of Toyota vehicles to aid and charity organisations worldwide, including MSF. For over 25 years, TGS has been providing mobility solutions that change lives – being the Land Cruiser 4×4’s range, being off-road ambulance conversions and now, self-charging Hybrid SUV’s.’

Information on Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS) and its products can be found at www.toyota-gib.com

Feeling rested after having a couple of rest days in Barcelona.

We are now back on the road heading to Gibraltar.

It’s been really hot today!! It was one of those days with a breeze and you don’t realise just how hot it is!!

I have paid a high price because my shoulders are on fire!!!! I’ll be more conscious of this tomorrow.

Cycle moving time was around 5 hours – with just over 41 miles covered. This included slow climbing and steady downs – following the coastline with some sharp bends ( hence the steady downs) and at times the cars wanted us off the road.

Back to this morning.

Barcelona was hectic!

With people meeting for coffee – chatting and laughing, dropping by the shop for fresh bread and generally milling about. Those on the road whizzed by us on scooters and bikes. We participated by weaving through the maze of Barcelona.

The roads are generally marked out with cycle, taxi and bus lanes. We had to stay sharp, otherwise – Its very easily to miss traffic lights changing colour. Taxis take no prisoners and would toot anyone in their way and this morning – they did just that! To us.

As you can see below Barcelona is a busy city. With a population of 1.6 million.

Here are a couple of pictures of our view of the coastline – as we cycled away from Barcelona.

Eventually we arrived at the campground around 1900 hours. Tired and dusty from the roads and ready for some food. I collected this from a supermarket close to the campsite.

Camping La Rueda is situated approximately 500 meters from the beach. We paid 25 euros to pitch the tent for 2 people for – 1 night.

It’s almost 11 in the evening and the campsite is still alive with children screaming and adults shouting – playing games with torches and running around.

I was hoping for an early night. I have taken the video in the dark but you can hear their excitement.

Here’s the view from inside our tent.

Goodnight and I hope the campsite settles down soon – as we are up early (around 6) and need a good rest.

Cycling Day 36.

We left Cardedeu around 08:30.

The hotel was simple, clean and the staff were helpful – though I got woken up at 04:30 by a guest leaving. Their room door closed with a loud bang, then I heard them dragging a bag down the steps. I wanted to investigate – so I took a look down the corridor and they’d left the hotel door wide open!

I went back to sleep and woke up tired.

Life is simple on the road. It really makes you notice people. People walking around, sitting with friends outside cafes, people cycle touring or road cycling. They notice you too. They turn their heads to say something but mostly they nod because neither of us can speak the others language. The flags on the bike tell everyone we are British.

Occasionally we get smiles, claps, and waves from people – when they realise what we are doing.

This happened a lot today and it made me feel special and proud. To share the excitement of doing something a little different with other people feels good!

You also notice nature – more than usual. The different sounds and the different smells.

The roads were busy on the route into Barcelona.

Cars usually allow enough room – as long as you respect them and abide by the road rules of etiquette. Though there’s always an exception or someone who doesn’t feel the road is for sharing! I’ll say no more – though it nearly didn’t end well!

We arrived in Barcelona and met up with Stefan later in the day. I’ve mentioned before about how we met Stefan on the road – he’s from Germany and a great guy. Nice to see him again and we’ll share stories when we meet up again – in Germany.

I’m feeling a little achy and looking forward to a rest tomorrow and the following day. We will call by the MSF office and let them know we’ve arrived safely.

Goodnight from Barcelona and me.

Cycling Day 34.

On paper the route looked easy. It was. Though normally I am well. Today I wasn’t feeling good!

The roads offered good space for cyclists with good proportioned cycle lanes. Cars, vans etc were considerate towards us. I didn’t feel nervous. Even though I drank my water – I this didn’t make me feel hydrated.

Maybe the cycle ride yesterday had an big impact on me. We got up early around 0700. Today physiology was suffering. Around 10 miles into the ride and in the baking sun – I started to feel dizzy and really unwell. I was shaking and sweating LOTS!

The first chance we had to get out of the heat – we did. A petrol station was our only option. After speaking with the petroleum assistant he said it was 44 C – 2 days ago. Today I’m unsure of the temperature. As you can see I was quickly back to my normal self.

My medicine : Salted peanuts, a couple of cans of coke and a magnum ice – cream and a good cool down because the air – conditioning was on. Highly recommended.

Following this – we kept going towards Girona. The ride into Girona was easy apart from realising some locals aren’t keen on our Spanish flags. We didn’t appreciate the politics – so whilst we are in Catalonia we have changed the flags out of respect.

Here we are staying in B & B 10. This isn’t a fancy hotel. Though it offers a nice , clean room with all we need to rest. I’ve also visited the pharmacy and have bought some oral rehydration sachets.

This evening we went into Girona and enjoyed a Mexican meal at 1810. Yum!!

We also met Rex who has a wonderful life with his papa. A Spanish guy. Rex was wondering the streets last December and now lives his best life! He has his own doggy pool – I saw video of him enjoying himself playing inside it.

Girona this evening.

Here are the new flags.

A good nights sleep with any mosquitos insight – perfecto!!

Cycling Day 33.

Ride to the Rock. Raising money for Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) : (UNSPONSORED)

We’ve crossed the Spanish boarder and what a tough day it’s been!! Changing of the flags.

The climbs, the head winds, the road surface was very unsuitable for touring at times and the temperature!!!

I’m not complaining – this is a challenge after all. I’m just tired and sore. I’ll show you how difficult and beautiful today was in pictures.

The climbing started straight away with a couple of climbs heading out of Collioure. This took us around a couple of bays before heading inland, and this was when the real climbs started!

We passed grape and olive crops.

The fields are full of grapes – the bunches are in abundance – though the grapes are still young and not ready to eat. I couldn’t actually see any olives growing but the trees are large and green.

Inland cycling was tough. The climbs didn’t stop coming! I had to get off and push a couple of times. The Pyrenees mountains are not for the faint hearted.

Eventually we made it to the top! This is actually the French / Spanish boarder.

There’s always a down after a climb. This helped to cool me down and allow for some rest – mentally and physically. And it did.

Until the cycleway became deep with pebbles, stones and sand. I was determined to push through and after falling off 3 times!!!

Pebbles , stones and sand.

Though the fields of sunflowers and cactus flowers made up for the several miles of my bike shaking and jerking about on the pebbles.

Tonight we are Figueres and treated ourselves to the Salvador Darli Museum. Bonkers but equally fascinating and brilliant!!!

Here see what you think. http://www.salvadordali.com/

Goodnight from me and Salvador Dali.