Today was the last day on bikes. The forecast was for rain and our rule is that we will ride if it's not raining at the start of a ride but it's just too hard to get on a bike if you're already wet. While the weather has been great all week, it has not been warm, typically right around 15C (60F) so we've been starting with jackets but short-sleeved jerseys, regular gloves and no leggings, arm warmers or shoe covers and that was typically fine for the first 10 minutes and then we'd shed the jackets. But starting wet at that temperature would not be fun. All the bravado about getting in a short ride even if it started raining (we could always get in the van) dissipated when I opened the door and it felt like 40 mist.
Our morning activity was a cruise to the next port to see the shoreline. It was spectacular and it made you wonder why ancient mariners thought this might be a good place to try to go ashore. There are probably lots of boat pieces along this coastline.
The water was pretty rough with swells that were probably around 10 feet. Many of us were starting to turn green.
When we finally got to shore, the tour guides were waiting for us in the rain with our bike lined up and ready to go. About a half dozen of the group opted to ride, including Mike. Two chose to return to L'Escala on the boat. The rest of us piled into a cab and returned to the hotel. I tried to sleep off the seasickness.
When Mike got back, we walked into L'Escala for a bite to eat. I found that eating helped settle my stomach and the fresh air helped to clear my headache. But in Europe, people can smoke in open-air environments and at almost every meal, there were people nearby smoking. It was only after returning to the hotel for a nap that my head stopped hurting.
We had our farewell dinner that evening. It was nicely done in a private room overlooking the beach. Everyone typically cleans up and I was glad I had something set aside so I didn't have to wear smelly warm ups. We went over logistics for the travel day and since we would not be able to see the Dali museum because most museums are closed on Monday, our tour guides bought everyone copies of a very nice book on this and two other museums. Many of us asked them to "autograph" the books. Jaime and I stayed up a while to chat with them.
Here's a picture of us. They almost make us look good.
After a week, we had fun getting to know our fellow travelers.
Kelly and Jose were strong young riders from Virginia. Sadly, they had to leave a day early because of a death in the family. We enjoyed having company going to the beach on the day 5 extension.
Leslie, Paul, and Gerard were from Ottawa and they lead a group called the Slow Riders. We are thinking about a road trip to Ottawa this summer when Paul says they close some of the roads for cyclists.
Marylou and Jerry were from Chelmsford, Mass. Mike and I have probably ridden on roads near where they live (Concord, Bedford, Sudbury).
Lynne and Larry were from Oregon and we bonded over the boat ride that Larry wisely decided not to do. I wish I was as smart as he was.
Maddie and Irwin were from downstate and here's a picture of the lovebirds courtesy of Nick.
We have a deal with them (and I am putting it into writing!). When they get new road bikes this summer, we will make a road trip to christen them.
We might also visit Nick who is in the area since everyone knows downstate is where it's at.
Betsy and Matt were from Vermont and delightful to ride with. I seemed to always run into Matt at the food line and he was smiling. No surprises there!
Ellie came from South Africa. She traveled about 11 hours go Barcelona so she was wisely going to spend more time in Europe besides just the VBT trip. She had arranged a private lesson in mosaics in Barcelona after our trip was over and she was headed to Rome to watch some pro tennis.
Edie came from Houston. She reminded of my dad who claimed he could talk to anyone. I am betting that Edie would be comfortable with that. As a real estate agent, that might be a useful skill.
And of course there were our tour guides Itzy and Andrea. They were consummate professionals: efficient, hard-working and attentive. It was obvious they liked doing the work they do. It doesn't hurt that they are awesome individuals. We enjoyed our moments with them when we had a chance to chat with them and get to know them better as people.
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