First cafe stop after a spin in the Aquaducto, Segovia
It has taken me a little while to distress after a crazy few weeks leading into the departure for Segovia. However, I had my de-stress/excitement moment in the lift when heading out to training yesterday; I caught sight of an Aussie female Para cyclist rocking some awesome Aussie cycling kit. It finally hit home that I am actually on the Aussie team and going to represent my country again on the international stage. You beauty!!!
First ride as an Aussie team!
Literally in the middle of no where with Grant, Nigel, Paul, and Stu
The crossing across to Segovia was a long haul – we flew via Singapore into Barcelona (20hours of flying time) then we convoyed in vans/cars from Barcelona to Segovia, which took a total of 8hrs+ driving time with the additional time of stops. Definitely arrived fresh as a daisy. However, our hotel (Hotel Candido) is ridiculously amazing – it is like a castle and the staff are lovely. We even have a gentleman called George who spend a year in Marochydore practicing his English, which needless to say, is much better than my Spanish (currently limited to Hola, Adios, Mucho Gracias, and I don’t speak Spanish, do you speak English?).
CC and Han outside Castle
We have been for a few rides so far, mostly lower intensity to make sure the lingering effects of flying/travel do not linger too long. Forgot how much I love travelling and Europe – so much history, the cars are ridiculously polite to cyclists, and the sun. Apologies, the sun may be a recurring theme. Stunning blue skies, not much wind. Complete heaven to be warm again and be able to feel my hands all the time. Alleluia!
Travelling light…
We have a small team – four females and eight males, with three coaches, a physio, and two bike mechanics. Very different compared to travelling with swimming – on the way over we had a 50kg luggage limit that needed to include two bikes, all your bike gear (think tools, pumps, cycling kit etc), then a few t –shirts plus my legs. Yikes. However, the freedom we have had cycling around the Segovian country side, the reception we get through towns (almost similar to the Tour de France), has been worth the hassle of the luggage.
Mass group unpacking of our precious babies
Tonight we are heading into town for dinner – the local delicacy is suckling pig (don’t think it is quite the same style as Filipino Adrian & Chris!). Will let you know how that goes!
My favourite place to ride in Segovia so far
Until next time,
Ride with a smile, ride with a purpose, ride in the moment, adios,
Han
Hi Hannah, Great to hear from you. Melbourne is still cold and Wet. I decided I needed to do a long ride as I haven’t done much of late, so I rode out to Casey Fields with 3 others and raced in a criterium for SMCC and rode home 126kms in total, so I’m pretty happy with my effort. Just had a massage with Jillian from VIS and she is heading off OS with the Maylayisan team. Hope you continue to enjoy yourself as you are an inspiration to me and I’LL look forward to hearing more from you and good luck. Take care, Margie xx
Hi Margie,
Wow, nice work on the ride – smashing it!!! It is rather amazing to escape the winter. Glad you saw Gilly – she is wonderful. Wonderful to hear from you xx