Catja's place, Dénia, Spain 07-11-06
Missing the perfect riding conditions
Granada to Denia
(5 cycle days; 2 rest days; 542km; 4801m)
Granada to Parc Natural Sierra de Baza (95km; 1458m)
Parc Natural Sierra de Baza to Águilas (150km; 857m)
Águilas to Isla Plana (70km; 863m)
Isla Plana to Santa Pola (112km; 686m)
Santa Pola to Dénia (121km; 937m)
Cycling All Saints Day
It is the first of November and time to
move on again. We've seen the sights of Granada and done
all the shopping we needed to do. Even if we had of wanted to spend more time here, we would have had to find alternative accommodation: the campsite
is closing for the season as well. Off we head towards Cartagena near the coast. We think it will take us five cycling
days to get to Dénia, just north of Alicante,
to visit Sanne's mum - Catja - and pick up a parcel with some well needed equipment. As early as our bodies will allow us, we get up along
with most of the other campsite residents, pack all
our belongings and hit the streets of Granada...
Tip of the month: Bungy cords
of a different type
In England about 12 years
ago, we found the bungy cords - ocky straps to some Ozzies - that we are
still using to this day. They are made with a plastic mould
clip which is virtually indestructable.
The advantage over the commom stretch cord
with wirehooks is that it doesn't bend out
of shape, rust or make unwelcome holes in
your luggage. We made our own this time
round and the separate components can be
purchased from
Bike4Travel should you want to try them out.
Other uses include:
Winding two together and stretched between
posts to make a great washing line that
doesn't need pegs. Another bonus is they
don't damage trees. You can also use them to secure your bikes to railings on boats and trains.
Granada (Spain)
- La Roquette sur Siagne (France)
Kilometres: 1878 kilometers and 810 meters
Riding days: 19 days
Alti meters: 11987 meters
Weather: in general pleasent post-summer
weather, with stormy autumn winds every now
and again.
Best accommodation: Bella
Vista in Aguilas / International de Calonge
Bella Vista for it's pleasant 'sala convivio'
and the bottle of wine when leaving; Calonge
for their heated toilet blocks and 24 hour
reception.
Special thanks to:
Catja & Robert for the warm welcome and
allowing us to stay for a few days • Bente Lund at Helsport for replacing our tent
poles without a fuss and just their brilliant
customer service in general. Thanks,
it has been much appreciated • Again a big thanks to the Thermarest guys: this
time Richard Alvira at Prowind organised a replacement
in Barcelona in a flash • Also, thumbs up to Angel
at GR Zero on Travessera de Gràcia 132
in Barcelona who swapped it over and opened the
shop up during siesta hours • Gineke for the so very much appreciated correspondence,
enthusiasm and words of support throughout the
trip so far
Breakdowns:
11: back derailler cable broken (Ali)
12: replace back and front brake blocks (Son and
Ali)
12: bubble in Therm-a-rest mattress (replaced on
17th)
13: pick up cybershot camera from Sony repair
shop
18: new raincoat (Son) the old one just didn't
work anymore
18: back bike rack replaced (Son)
20: fixed loose ball bearings in front wheel axle
(Son)
24: around this date, leak in Ali's Therm-a-rest (NO, not again!?!?)
