The photo at left is from yesterday's ride to Moraira, a really nice little coastal town with some fantastic outdoor cafes (one of which served as our lunch spot). Yesterday was a mild intro to this region's riding, as we basically hugged the coast and stayed on the flatlands. We rode from Albir, to Altea, to Calpe, to Moraira, up one serious (9%) climb to Teulada, then back down to Moraira (for lunch), then back down the coast to Albir. Fifty or so relatively easy miles, with one "lump," (about two River Roads back-to-back, with another 2% of grade thrown in for good measure). Peta was, as expected, a rock star. Four of us guys (we thought) were playing cat-and-mouse near the end of the ride, attacking each other while basking in the feeling of still-fresh legs. Then out of nowhere . . . WHOOSH . . . Peta flies by, making us look positively stupid. She's become quite popular here with the cycling nerds.
Today, we ventured inland and hit some pretty serious climbs. Did the same 9% lump as yesterday, then crossed two more ridges (one gave us a 10%, 1.5-mile toughie) before a brief rest stop in Denia. On the way back we did the type of climb that's hard to find in NY Metro area. It wasn't TOO intense (less than 6% on average), but it lasted for a good 35 minutes. All told, we did about 70 miles in a little over four hours. Not bad considering the terrain. Thankfully, I remembered to eat today, so I didn't bonk. Went through four 1-liter bottles of sports drink, a package of Cliff Shots, a package of GU, and a package of some weird European cookies. Whatever . . . they did the job.
Anyway, time for rest. Tomorrow is another big day. Slightly fewer miles, but bigger climbs. I'll keep showing off the OrganicAthlete kit with pride!
--DvB
5 comments:
Doug,
What do the percentages actually mean?
They represent the grades of the climb. Represents the amount of vertical rise per distance traveled. On a 10% grade, you'll rise about 53 feet for every 10th of a mile clocked on your odometer -- that's a lot.
Great to read more of your travels
Pleased you are enjoying your cycling etc
Safe journey from us in NZ/AUST
Glad you're keeping up with this blog. It's awesome to know what you're doing on a daily basis. Wait...
Off to Albir tomorrow will be doing the same ride on Sunday, did the same route last year. The ride back through the tunnels become one fast burn up with 30mph+ down the last bit into Altia fun!!!!
Post a Comment