To Teruel Day 1&2
I’m gonna visit my sister in Teruel, a perfect occasion to do some cycling 🙂
The Pyrénées are always nice, so I decided to start from the south of Toulouse to have some new experiences.
With the TER at 6h20 from Lyon brings me to Avignon, then Nîmes were I catch an old-school intercites all the way to Toulouse. Just a small hop on another local train to cazeres and of we go.
My goal is Cierp Gaud where I plan to camp at a camping municipal. As the mairie is already closed at 17h45 the mayor comes after a short phone call to let me in. Thanks a lot 🙏
All in all some pretty paths and low hills to prepare for the bigger climbing tomorrow.
Day 2 to Graus
The main challenge today was the long tunnel of 5,2km. I read on the internet that cyclistes can pass but you never know. The access was quite steep so a enjoyable strong effort, luckily not too much traffic, I imagine in summer this is less fun. When I arrive there are big screens that cyclistes should stop at the sos telephone. After a short call and some lovely Google translate of the Spanish traffic woman they block a whole lane for me and give the go.
I thought this would be easy but there is quite some gradient in the tunnel so ot took me a while, also should have dressed warmer before entering but certainly an experience I won’t forget.
On the other side a bit different landscape but always beautiful, Pyrénées in automn with the golden stretches of trees is something to behold. I planned to take a room for the night because there is a rain and thunderstorms warning for the night. Doing good time and suddenly the road is blocked, which gives me some extra 27kms but also a beautiful canyon to see.
At the hotel I’m very hungry but the kitchen only opens at 20h. I have to get used to the local culture 😅
Time to wash the bibs and relax in a nice comfy bed. The local pork sausage of Gaus is rather good 👍
