Girona Diaries Day 2: With the forecast showing heavy rain for the next 48 hours, it was no surprise to be woken by rain bouncing against the bedroom window. What was a (pleasant) surprise is that by mid morning there was a glimpse of blue sky above, signaling it was time to hit the road. Not knowing which way it was going to go, and not wanting to be caught out like yesterday, we mapped out a 60 mile route featuring two main climbs. Something with not too much elevation meaning if it did go bad it shouldn’t (in theory) be too cold.

Departing Girona, and within less than 10 minutes, we were on the GIV-6703 and ready for the second surprise of the day. Traffic extinct, narrow flowing roads and the climb to Els Angles (in the dry) really was a welcome bonus. It’s amazing that you can be in the centre of the hustle and bustle in town and yet after a few turns you’re alone with just the road ahead and your thoughts to occupy the day. The gradient is kind all the way to the 450m look out followed by a carving descent to Madremanya. Quaint cobbled streets with narrow roads passing through small villages and orchards help sooth the mind as the miles slip by. The mid part of the route tracks its way along some slightly larger roads before picking up the GI-664 for the 4 mile ascent of Santa Pellaia, another winding road that can be rolled over in a big gear without too much concern. With dark clouds on the horizon the sweepstake was on as to whether we’d make it back to Girona without getting rinsed, the incentive to make it back in the dry was there for the taking so it was head down and time-trial mode for the last few miles back to base. Oh, and if you were wondering, we made it!

For Day 2 GPS info click here