BikeBoltanaTwo

Ps. I am frowning at the end of the canyon...because I AM frowning!!


Our tour company is making sure that we see all aspects of the Pyrenees!

Lovely morning to exit our quiet accomm in the country...although the waft of cow was definitely evident from the numerous barns housing the said animal. Immediately back into the high hills. Smooth-as surface and no traffic. Occasional church bells or ruined castle turret to be seen amongst the hills. Into a wide valley with intensive agriculture before enclosed valley along a river bed. Tony spotted the cutest setting for our morning coffee. We past one town that was a centre for all things bicycle and also for paragliding off those myriad of outcrops that we have seen.  Next town was a centre for rafting and canoeing, although we think little of that is happening at the moment as the rivers are very low. Our hostess last night said that in the past 3 months they have had one day of rain. We need need need rain, she said. It sounded familiar.
We have past through a valley that was so green it was nearly Tyrolean. Seemed odd when you consider the previous comment. Tony said...maybe they do not get a lot of drying wind.
After lunch it was a dramatic canyon road. Well surfaced and with good barriers. Just before our accomm for the night, we took a recommended “alternative route.” It was to explore a popular picturesque canyon. Indeed, it was narrow, very deep and the vegetation was lush...but the road was terrible. I was so concerned about the state of the road, how narrow it was and the depth of the plunge beside us that I was watching the road more than the dramatic views. Tony took it as a dirt bike experience. Authorities have made the “road” a one way affair. Very sensible. The return 2-way road was well used but still a horrible surface. Can’t say that I enjoyed that “alternative” very much.
Upon reaching our day’s end, we rode into a grand former convent.  Not a cute 3 star family-run concern.
There are many motorcyclists touring these wonderful roads. Not many with pillions. We spoke to a group from Wales at the canyon. Tony spoke with a Spanish group here in the hotel. Our friendly waiter at the bar is Romanian!
The Spanish Pyrenees are dramatic. More than I expected.
Ps. Photos not great. Either going too fast or I was not concentrating!!