Day 148: Sant Joan les Fonts (Drive)

The plan for the day was a lazy Sunday ride exploring some of the volcanic sites within the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa.

The first stop would be the Croscat volcano. It is both the youngest and highest volcano in the Iberian Peninsula, with the last eruption dating back to about 14,000 years ago. There is an interesting Wikipedia entry here as to how a 40 degree arc of the volcano is "missing" and how further "loss" was prevented.


But first there was a climb to Barat de la Serra (altitude 720 metres)

Did I say I was going for a lazy Sunday ride? Well, that came to an end when I encountered a gnarly section of singletrack, something like a "black run" for a seasoned mountain biker, which is certainly not me! Accordingly, there was 1.7 kilometres of hiker-biking for me, more hiking than biking with a bit of bike carrying thrown in! I was none too pleased about this turn of events: my understanding was this section of the route was supposed to be walking AND cycling friendly, like a via Verde, not a "black run" singletrack.

I'm amazed to see that this section was only 1.7 kilometres: it seemed to me that I was battling my way along it for ages. I thought I must have covered at least twice as much! Anyhow, as soon as I met tarmacadam, I bailed out of the "cycle track" and stuck to paved roads for the remainder of the ride, which included a visit to Volcá del Montsacopa.

This volcano is located on the outskirts of Olot and has a church at the volcanoe's crater. Apparently, there used to be three but, currently there is only one, which was built in 1815.

From here, you get a fine view of the town, including the main church and bullring (it seems strange to be reminded they bullfight, when in so many ways the Spanish are so civilised!).

From there, I returned to Sant Joan les Fonts, and went for a quick tour of the pueblo. Where you can find this church and the pont medieval (circa 1450), from which this photo was taken:

• Distance driven: 0
• Distance cycled: 40 kilometres
• Weather: 27°C at 10am! Blue skies, eventually giving was to some rain and thunder at about 6pm!

Today's ride: