Day 134: Solsona (Cycle)
I appreciate that the UK is enjoying some fine weather and has done so for much of this year to date, whilst Spain has been experiencing above average rainy days. My concern is that when I embark on my July cycling adventure from Ardnamurchan to Lowestoft the UK will have used up all of its quota of sunny days and, we will therefore, be cycling in the rain! Hopefully, my uncharacteristic pessimism will be proved wrong!
Meanwhile, today's UK weather in Spain had me altering my route mid ride due to the very high probability of being caught in the mountains in the rain. Indeed, a couple of kilometres before reaching the high point of the day, the Coll de Jou at an altitude of 1,480 metres, the roads went from being dry to wet, and it looked as though further rain could fall at any moment. As it was, spits and spots of rain started to fall on me approximately 500 metres from the Coll. Accordingly, I quickly took a photograph of the coll sign, put on my gilet, rain jacket and gloves (it was about 9°C, not including wind chill effect), made a u-turn and, started my descent. By the time I'd descended about two or three kilometres the spits and spots of rain ceased and did not return until I started the last climb of the day and, again, a little before arriving back at the van.
Originally, my route had my cycling up above 1000 metres for about 40 kilometres. I'm glad I changed it, I think I'd have definitely ended up cold and wet, which is never much fun!
What I did ride I enjoyed and, after all, that's what this cycling adventure in Spain is all about.
First I climbed to the Collado de Cará, having previously had a cheese toastie there:
Followed by a descent, returning to Solsona, for the start of the climb to the Coll de Jou:
Before returning once a again to Solsona for an alternative return route to the Collado de Cará:
And the a final descent to the van.
- Distance driven: 0
- Distance cycled: 74 kilometres
- Weather: Lots of Cumulus clouds, some white and fluffy, others dark and menacing and up at the Coll de Jou mostly a mass of dark grey cloud. About 9°C at 1,480 metres and about 16 - 18 at about 580 metres.
Today's (altered) route: