macstrong: cycling & running vacations in girona

MACstrong Girona bike routes via bikemap.net

2008-06-03T16:39:00.004+02:00

Hola!

Yes, we are still alive, just migrating most of the sports tours into a new sports+business consultancy practice called Total Fitness for Business, and travelling loads to promo that. Having said that we are in the middle of some MACstrong Total Sports Experiences tours, both running and cycling, with some reports on those coming very soon.

Just found a great piece of software the other day, bikemap.net, which is basically a mash-up of Google Maps and probably the best out there for European based bikers. Check out the freely available MACstrong routes by clicking on the title of this post - and do please add some comments if you want to highlight any aspect of the ride. If you make it to Girona, take advantage of the routemaps to find out the local secrets - print out as much detail as you want - you can even export as a GPS file.

The route below (have fun with the interactive map and elevation profile!) is probably my favourite, especially during the summer, with a good honest climb to St. Grau waking you up from a sunny Tossa stop. Enjoy y hasta la proxima!

We're running up that hill, running up that mountain... eh??

2007-07-03T13:16:00.000+02:00

Can't beat a bit of Bush.

A 31-strong contingent from Jog Scotland Strathclyde Park took Girona by storm at the end of May, not to mention making a lot of noise and taking away quite a few trophies from the Tossa de Mar 12k. That Tossa race included a climb of 650 feet in 4 painful kilometres while the last day saw a 90minute run punctuated by a 900 foot climb to the Castell of St. Miguel.

Sadistic? slightly, but not intentional!

I learned quite a few things during that action-packed weekend:

1) That i run up more hills on a daily basis that i realised (although i am beginning to realise now having a few extra pounds to shed and almost no training in the past month).
2) That you can still have a great time socially, eat, drink, and be merry, yet still face new challenges, try things for the first time - and come out the other end happy (and tired!).
3) Whas like us? Gie few an thur aw deed!

Many thanks to Jim D and all the gang, and congratulations on that attitude to run up that hill, no matter how long and high it may be! All in, its probably the most 'Total' Sports Experience we've had. Cheers!

Tearing up the Terra

2007-07-03T12:47:00.000+02:00

I won't forget the start. Two and a half thousand cyclists packed into the small Catalan town of St. Esteve de'n Bas at 7am on a slightly misty and warm late Spring Sunday morning. The journey north from Girona was an experience in itself - a huge caravan of traffic slowly climbing towards the Pyrenees at 6am with a battalion of Police 'motos' weaving in and out of the traffic.

We started over a thousand back, taking around 40 seconds of walking the bike to pass the constant beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep of the electronic chip mat. And then we were off. The sun was still to break through, and there was absolute silence apart from the gentle whirring of a couple of thousand Shimano and Campag groupsets - but the place was absolutely drenched in atmosphere - and i was out of breath. The closed road to Olot was flat, smooth, and wide, and i found a cosy position behind a 6ft 13 stoner powering away on the 53-12. My new friend, oblivious to my draft, led me out of Olot towards the first climb of the day up Capsacosta. It was then i really took note of the scale of the event, seeing not just the 70 or so cyclists around me at any one time to the thousand-strong peleton still ahead, taking up the full width of the motorway. I knew that width wouldn't last long and i started moving up, and then the climbing began...

So that was the start - a tremendously successful MACstrong tour with the Terra de Remences the undoubted highlight. We took away the coveted 'furthest travelled team award' ;), improved tans, some free beer, and a thousand memories.

In other news, Ken 'the mighty atom' Craig smashed Andy Strathdee's Els Angels TT record, lowering the benchmark to a very respectable 25:12.

Triomf en Sant Joan

2007-05-04T16:24:00.000+02:00

Busy few weeks coming up for MACstrong, with some cycling and running groups out to do some events, including the Terra de Remences cycletour. Looking forward to getting a breather from lots of travelling recently and the 'day job.'

The fitness had dipped although I was delighted to grab my first Spanish Duathlon victory in Sant Joan last Saturday. After more than a dozen close tries in the last 4 years in the Basque Country and Catalonia it was good to finally get to the top of the podium. I enjoy racing at Sant Joan - a hilly area at the foothills of the Pyrenees. It is a good honest duathlon with a severe up and down hill run, and i had got 3rd there in my only previous visit in 2005.

The field may not have been as strong at the Catalan champs in Castellfollit 2 weeks ago (which i missed because of a wedding) but the manner of victory was pleasing, dictating the race although being very tired, with a silky first transition giving me a 50 metre gap at the start of the bike. The legs on the bike were good and i knew the group behind would be reluctant to work into the headwind on the out and bike 20k bike leg. I had 30 seconds advantage at the turn, but by then there was a group of 25 chasing me down, so i got the head down and averaged nearly 35mph on the 10k back to the transition. That gave me 20-25 seconds heading out on the last run leg, and i suffered, but still had enough in the tank to jog in and enjoy my first Spanish victory salute.

Like how the catalan press refuse to call me Steven and instead put Esteve! Duathlon season over for another year, and again work took over - although i'm hoping to be more settled next year to really focus on performance, have a bash at the Spanish Champs, and get my Scottish title back :)

Return of the ladyboys

2007-04-10T19:39:00.000+02:00

and lo, it came to pass, that on the 5th day of the camp,
the one who is known as 'big jock', in preparing for his
final assault of the angel, destroyed the signage that had
stood for a generation. that place will be known for evermore
as 'the valley of big jocks revenge.'

So that explains it then, the 'Els Angels 12 & Madremanya 19' signs that have adorned the start of the famous Els Angels climb for nearly, uff, i don't know, a thousand years, were unceremoniously destroyed by Alan Cardwell as he prepared for the first ever MACstrong confined Els Angels mountain time trial. Expect big George H. at your door soon Mr. Cardwell.

A great week had by all from the Lanark (plus ET and Glasgow Tri) version 2007. Fitter, leaner, stronger, and with bigger appetites and an almighty thirst i'd say we got 30 quality hours in over the 6 days - and i'm still knackered 10 days later.

Weather wasn't the greatest, and one wrong turn, but a fabulous weeks training and good memories from the Lanark boys, plus Ironman Andy and las chicas, Vicky and Karen.

Below are the results of that 1st Els Angels TT. How long will Andy's record last?

1st confined mountain time-trial, Els Angels, Girona
12k, 400m net climb, 28th March 2007

1st Andy Strathdee (Edinburgh Tri) 25:46 course record
2nd Alan Cardwell (Lanark Multisport) 28:44 handicap winner
3rd Paul Hill (Lanark Multisport) 29:25
4th Gerry McCrossan (Lanark Multisport) 29:32
5th Vicky Begg (Glasgow Tri Club) 29:46
6th Kevin Smith (Lanark Multisport) 30:12
7th Karen Glendinning (Glasgow Tri Club) 31:21
8th Davie Smith (Lanark Multisport) 31:27
9th Alan Kerr (Lanark Multisport) 33:04
10th Alan Garfanini (Lanark Multisport) 34:05

Next years edition is set for February 21st to 27th, and will include a sprint distance Duathlon. Get booked up now!

still alive!

2007-02-23T10:31:00.000+01:00

Well hello there, its certainly been a long time hasn't it? how are things? any more grey hairs? ;)

I've been almighty busy with work stuff, and since I published the new MACstrong website (a great job by Blair at Doepud design in Glasgow), I let that do the talking. Check it out, and sign up for the newsletter.

Training-wise I'm struggling to get moving. I had a decent Cross-Counntry season and was sitting 3rd in the Girona series behind Angel Mullera and Pere Arco until the last few races which I didn't do to prep. for the Catalan Duathlon season. That started on Sunday in Barcelona (check out video report at www.tvmanresa.tv) and i was never really in it, finishing in 11th spot. It was a decent field and a lot of boys very fit for this time of the season. Its a long season though, and i'll be back challenging in a couple of weeks...

There are some fantastic MACstrong tours coming up over the next few months, including some great events - Banyoles Duathlon, Girona 10k, Sant Esteve Cycletour. Get yer ass over to Girona!

and finally, Stuart has joined the all-conquering Velo Ecosse team, and has just finished dragging Jason McIntyre around the island of Lanzarote over the past 7 days (or was it the other way round? ;)

ciao!

MACstrong v2

2006-09-20T12:04:00.000+02:00

After almost 2 years of steady growth its time for a re-launch.

Keep an eye on the main page for the new, swanky website being designed by Blair at Doepud, Glasgow - a very talented web designer. Join the mailing list to be informed of 2007 deals, get the new running and cycling flyers delivered to your door, and enter into the prize draw for a copy of the Tour de France official history on DVD!

Those DVD's will be mailed out soon to all previous customers who completed the e-mail survey, with info. on buying the new cycling and triathlon range of MACstrong gear in association with Costa Brava Triathlon club.

The 2007 calendar is filling up fast with Alan Cardwell and his merry band of Lanark Ladyboys, and Strathclyde Park jogscotland group notable bookings.

hasta pronto!

Return to Vallter. . .

2006-07-20T11:38:00.000+02:00

Been working pretty hard recently so limited time for training - but the cycling i'm doing (still not running until August) is all quality and i'm climbing very well. Was back in Scotland for some work and caught the Scot Champs - was confident of giving the Nick a good bash but punctured after half-an-hour then terrible wheel change and brake block slipped out, so that was the end of that. Fared better for a 3rd place finish at the Tayside Summer Series on the following Tuesday.

Off to Benicassim music festival this weekend but will be keeping the quality going until the Vallter 2000 RR on the 26th August. I'm offering this as a MACstrong tour within a new focused programme of events over the next few months. Check the website for more details.

Hasta la proxima!

Vallter 2000: 8 hours in the Gironese wind

2006-06-04T16:17:00.000+02:00

My brother Stuart has been out for a solid weeks training before he tackles the Paris-Nice cycletour - he's managed a quality 27 hours this week, which has been very hot and windy, while I managed to squeeze in 18 between work. Thursday's was an epic ride from my door to the top of Vallter 2000, the Pyrenean ski-station that has seen Vuelta and Semana Catalana stages. 4 hours 15 to the top with a very windy final ascent from Setcases. A quick snack in Comprodón was followed by 3.5 hours via capsacosta and banyoles on the road back into a quite brutal headwind.

'El presidente' Brian Cookson is out for a weeks training this week before he heads to the Etape. We did the Tossa-St. Grau run today on Stuarts last day with Ollie Cookson also in attendance. I'll be glad of a rest day tomorrow before some more quality miles next week. Still felt sluggish today after Thursday but did St. Grau (from sign on coastal road to the absolute top 2k beyond the ermita) in a not too shabby 17:05.

The Steelmen of Stonehaven!

2006-05-25T14:04:00.000+02:00

A great bunch of cyclists over last week from Stonehaven. All successful professionals with demanding jobs, but to a man, strong as a turk on the bicicleta! I think we just squeezed over the 400 miles mark for the tour with an impressive bevvy session the last night after an 18-strong fuel stop at the best pizza joint in Girona - Amarcord.

Thanks guys, and see you next time :)

My season? I never really got going in Duathlon after my arm break. A couple of nasty bugs would invariably crop up just as I was approaching full fitness. The extent of my Catalan Du season, for which I had such high hopes, was a DNF at Banyoles (too soon after flu), 4th at Castellfollit (just a few seconds down but no sharpness) and a 4th at Vic, decent as up against Zamora and Pontano, yet subsequently disqualified for not wearing the electronic chip on my shoe. With that in the locker I didn't see the point in returning to Edinburgh for the Scots/Brit champs. which was originally the main aim of the season. Still not looked for that result as it has pissed me off not being able to do it.

Ho-hum, asi es la vida de una deportista. Now focussing on the bike and will return for the Scottish RR champs on 2nd July - mainly to help out my brother Stuart and form part of a strong C21 Multisport/Specialised team - but also to see what I can do on the bike if I stop running for a while. . .

hasta la proxima!

Duatlon de Oñati

2006-03-20T13:00:00.000+01:00

First off a fantastic trip to Euskadi for some teaching, consulting, training and racing. The weather was decent and I managed to fit in all the things I wanted before heading back to Catalonia, including the climb to Arantzazu for Sunday morning mass and some tasty pintxos in Xaramela in Mondragon!

The race itself was bitter-sweet. With a maximum of 30minutes high-intensity work in the past 5 weeks I was always going to struggle in the 2nd half of the race. I started strongly though and am very pleased with my running form. The field was decent and I formed a lead group of 3 going into the bike with Hektor Llanos and Laurent Galinier. The frenchman though was very aggressive right from the start of the bike and I got dropped on the climb to Deskarga. Facing that climb myself into the wind was bloody hard and I faded badly to 11th. In the end only a minute behind a podium spot and even 1 more week on the bike and I would have stuck with Llanos and Galinier.

Great to get back into it though and hopefully have got a bit of bike form back for the Olympic distance Banyoles duathlon this week, where I nabbed my first Catalan podium spot last year.

Oso ondo, eskerrik asko Euskadi eta agur bat!

The comeback Marxa - off to Euskadi. . .

2006-03-14T21:52:00.000+01:00

Back on the road to recovery and full fitness after my broken elbow, I competed in a local Girona 'marxa' on Sunday. Marxas are like fun-runs, but usually with a decent amount of interest and standard. I worked hard from the start, clocking 18:27 for the 6k, finishing around a minute and a half ahead of some decent 75min half-marathon runners. What I want to explain though is the level of organisation, and local commitment, in such races. This was a very small-scale event, and the first time it had been run. However, there was over a dozen police motorbikes in support and I ran side by side almost with one 'moto' through the centre of Girona, with all traffic being stopped. I passed hundreds of tourists, out for an early Sunday morning view of Girona, and with the police siren going, felt like it was the Olympic Marathon! All good fun (including Chariots of Fire and Queens' Champions belted out at the start and end!) though and some decent prep. ahead of my trip to Euskadi this Thursday.

Bike isn't too bad either - first time in over a month over the weekend and did a few timed efforts up the Montnegre climb earlier today - first timed climbs up here (around 8k, 380m net) but 18:52 and 19:02 are OK, and with good recovery. Still worried about that climb up Deskarga right enough!

The Lanark Ladyboys

2006-03-10T09:41:00.000+01:00

Well then, Lanark Multisport came and went, with their gaudy lycra, shitey patter, and voracious appetites! nice one guys, see you next time! Gracias also to Señores y Señoras Blom, McGurk, Begg, Glendinning, Gunson, McDonald and Coopland for coming over to say hello the past few months. These lads and lassies are flying! courtesy of some great Girona MACstrong training.

Me? I fell and broke my elbow, which has really messed up my season plans. Just started running again this week after 3 weeks, month off the bike - hope it won't take me too long to get back. Off to the Basque Country next week (planned and booked before fall) for my annual bash at the Oñati Duathlon and that tasty climb up to Deskarga. It is going to be sore!

Agur bat!

Booted into shape

2006-01-26T19:33:00.000+01:00

Antes de todo, ¡Feliz año!

well the MACstrong January Bootcamp for 2006 came and went with perfect weather, 22hrs of hard biking, around 5000m of race simulation climbing, and quite a bit of boozing! the 5 days flew in and the 6 hardy souls who eventually made it over are no doubt now safely ensconced back in Scotland with a CD full of photos, slightly sun tanned faces and some great early season MACstrong form!

Look out for messrs Hoey, Cusick, Reid, MacGregor, Allan etc. in those early season races. . .

. . . and don;t forget to keep and eye on the main website for tour updates that you can join - cycling, running, duathlon and triathlon. Next up a 5 day cat1-cat3 cycling camp from February 9th.

cheers

Steven

Back hame fir crimbo

2005-12-28T11:48:00.000+01:00

Glad to be home in Motherwell for a few weeks and mercifully, the weather has been pretty decent. Signed off from 2005 Catalan racing with a good 3rd place finish at the Olot XC behind 5 times World XC participant Pere Arco. Hoping to make more of a splash at the Banyoles XC on the 15th January when i get back to Girona.

Completed the Bangcock Challenge yesterday as in 2004. This year though was the first open race, under Triathlon Scotland license and the race was extended to a full duathlon - 1 mile run up, then down Tinto Hill (photo below end of first run), 21 mile bike and then a full ascent (2320 ft i think) and descent of Tinto. It was bloody hard and was i glad to be able to ease off a bit on the slippy descent. Won with a few minutes to spare while Angela Mudge again showed great cycling and multisport potential coming in 4th overall.

Many thanks to the organisers Lanark Multisport, marshalls and police who ensured a great day with perfect weather conditions. Sure to grow and grow this race is pure cult!

Some photos here on the Strathaven Striders website.

Results here.

back to bike

2005-12-03T00:32:00.000+01:00

Phew! almost 9 hours of running last week, including 2 hrs on the Friday before the Girona XC on the Sunday. But came through without any niggles and a 5th place in the cross. Off steady and lucky if i was in the top 20 after the first small loop, but then the miles told and i was passing people all the way, in the end not too far off the winner. SWitching to a bike block now but will continue to do the XC season, hoping for a top 3 at the Salt race this Sunday. . .

Winter training - half-marathon, Ripoll

2005-11-21T17:35:00.000+01:00

Hola a todos!

Its been a while - what you been up to? Getting in those winter miles i hope!

I'm currently on my running block and had good friend Jamie Reid over for a few days running. We found some cracking new trail routes surrounding Girona including some tasty climbs up to St. Miguel. Seems he got the benefit after coming through strongly on the last mile to take 2nd behind Glen Stewart at the Glasgow Uni 5 mile RR on Saturday. Meanwhile, I had a decent showing at the Ripoll Half-Marathon, running 74:49 for 8th place. Ripoll is in the far north of Catalunya and serves as a great base for exploring the Pyrenees. As you can imagine the scenery is incredible and the 300-odd field had a testing out and back course to deal with, from Ripoll to Sant Joan de Abedesses. There was some decent quality vying for the 500 Euro first price while the same fantastic support was in place. Road COMPLETELY CLOSED to all traffic, plenty of motorbikes in attendance and usual local TV coverage. I started off very steadily, coming through from 16th to 12th at half-way (36 mins first 10k) before picking a few off on the road back (34:30 2nd 10k, 17mins last 5k).

Here's a photo of me finishing. It was f****** freezing and i wore a LS tee, only rolling up my sleeves for that last 5k. All in, no' bad for 2 weeks at 50 miles steady running. I'm going to try and put it up another wee notch, around 65 miles, and have the Girona XC on Sunday.

Hasta la proxima!

Steven

PS: weather update: lovely sunny weather and a nice 15 average :)

Hasta la proxima Garscube!

2005-09-30T09:38:00.000+02:00

My thanks to the bunch from Garscube Harriers who were out for a weeks running training (not forgetting Fiona from the Wee County Harriers!). We had some great weather and good quality sessions, including a 2 and a half hour climb up and down Els Angels (400m net climb). Good prep. for me for the race up Els Angels in February!

Plenty of time recovering between sessions at the Costabella pool meant i had to be on my toes during the second sessions of the day!

See you next time guys.

Steven

Gran Classic de Olot

2005-09-07T09:23:00.000+02:00

Still recovering from a cracking cycling race on Sunday - the 134km Olot Grand Classic. This is one of the biggest events on the Catalan calendar, and it had everything - great organisation, support, crowds, a quality field and some really nippy climbs and fast descending.

The 100 strong field completed two small 'softener' loops around Olot before heading South through Angles to Girona and then North again through Banyoles before finishing on Olot main street. We had a rolling road closure for the full route and the attacks were incessant over a 42km/h average speed.

I was pretty competitive until the last hilly 15km where i dropped off the main bunch. Still happy with performance in such good company - i finished 43rd @ 6.39 on the winner (from FC Barcelona). My brother Stuart fared better. Although closely marked all day he finished a solid 18th @ 1.56.

All told, great preparation for the Scottish Champs on the 18th September where our team, C21 Multisport RT/Specialised is looking good.

The next generation

2005-08-29T08:15:00.000+02:00

Rode with the TIAA-CREF boys yesterday, including namesake and under-23 US Road Champion Ian MacGregor. After the past few weeks based in Girona they're off to contest the Tour de L'Avenir - the under 23 Tour de France. Good luck to Ian, Timmy and all the gang.

Catalan RR Championships report (bike)

2005-08-17T12:37:00.000+02:00

previously published on the Braveheart site.

3PM Saturday afternoon in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The sun was blazing and Olot main street was deserted. A large banner was draped half way down – ARRIBADA, signifying where the championship finishing line was. The typical Spanish-town afternoon emptiness was disturbed by the appearance of strange-looking men with brightly coloured tops and funny walks – cyclists! A few dozen more started to appear, seemingly from nowhere, and congregated at the sign-on. My companion, David Sanchez commented on the large range of cycling clubs hailing from all over Catalonia – seemingly the Championship had attracted a good turnout, and quality with it.

We queued at the sign-on, seasoned racers pausing momentarily at the route profile - some letting out a gasp at the jagged teeth profile. Compared to Division 1 Scottish races the distance of 83km was small potatoes but the two main climbs to 1000m and 1150m certainly weren’t. 6 Euros at registration, a quick cortado in the café next door and it was off to set up the bikes and get ready for the off.

I was pretty nervous at the start but ready to get stuck in. I had done very little mileage over the preceding 4 weeks but was confident in my climbing ability and knew I would be competitive for the first 90 minutes at least. The race commissionaire explained the main features of the route and answered questions – just a few regarding the distances of the two main climbs – 13km and 7km. He also urged caution over the last 15km of the route – a descent from 1150m to 400m.

A neutralised start for 2km and accompanied by about 6 cars and 12 motorbikes we rolled out of Olot. Attacks started as soon as the flag went down and I was stone last as the peloton snaked its way along a flat and slightly downhill first 10km at about 50km/h. We passed a dozen strong group waving huge Catalan flags – fitting for a Championship race. We then passed Castellfollit de la Roca – a beautiful little town perched on a huge rock – like a miniature Edinburgh castle. This was the scene of the Catalan Duathlon Championship earlier in the year and so I was more confident knowing the road ahead. Knowing some short, sharp climbs were coming up, I moved nearer the front. The next 20km included about 6 of these steep hills, on average 300m long and 8/9%. I was moving pretty strongly and eventually formed a break of about 10 riders as we looped back past Olot and towards the first of the big climbs. I heard a few FC Barcelona team-mates chatting – one answering the other that yes, we had still to negotiate the real climbs of the day.

We had a decent lead on the main bunch but no-one was willing to work, probably scared of what was ahead. I found myself at the front and just wheeled away as the road ahead started to get steeper and steeper. We took a right turn and started the climb proper. One small bunch split and I didn’t have the change of pace to go with a small group of 4 who jumped ahead. 10 minutes in and I really started to suffer. It was maintaining a baking 40°C and I had ran out of liquids. Plenty of support was available on the side of the roads but these heavenly looking cans of coke and bottles of water were destined only for team-mates and personal friends. 20 minutes in and I was losing a bit of clarity – partly through dehydration and partly through the effort to that point. Perhaps a dozen bikers had passed me and I found myself in another small group of 6 riders. At last we made it to the top. A sign noting the altitude and name – Capsacosta 1006m, providing a welcome sight.

We were now descending but it didn’t feel like it. My legs were dead and the rough road surface sapped what little energy I had left. Some real descending on smoother roads and passing the scene of a recent podium finish at Duathlon I began to get my legs back, and just in time as we started the second main climb of the day. Only 7km and smooth sweeping roads but my lack of water was really beginning to bite and I tailed off with another rider 1km shy of the summit. We now hit the second sign – Santigosa 1158m, and the small bunch was in sight. A hard working 12km descent then followed to try and catch those ahead. I got on near the bottom, just as we caught another 5 riders from the Prestige Hotels outfit. It was now a 3km flat run-in to the finish. In being only my second road race I put in a pathetic attempt at a sprint, getting my timing all wrong and finishing second last out of my bunch of 16.

I was absolutely shattered and slumped to a kerb drowning myself with water and drinking all the coca-cola that was going. I had finished 26th out of 40 finishers, 7 minutes down on the winner but happy with the effort. More than half the field crumbled on the first big climb. The standard was good and I was still confident of getting up there and being more competitive in the future.

A top 20 finish came in my next outing at the Girona county championships in St. Gregori. A 68km RR with an international flavour (a couple of Americans and Frenchmen in addition to myself) this was 6 laps of a much flatter, faster circuit than Olot. Nevertheless, there was 3 short, sharp hills which provided ample opportunity to make a breakaway. I finished 2 mins down on the winner on a 41km/hour average. Although an inexperienced roadman I was again struck by the polished nature of the race. Several team cars were present for the larger teams who also had radio communication. Oh, and an endless supply of coke – enough to make you sign a contract on a roasting-hot day!

There’s quite a bit coming up in August, September and October – a great mix of hilly races, criteriums, hill climbs and time trials. I’ve set up a few races for my brother Stuart as he prepares for the Tour of Britain. Just a BCF license required and letter granting permission to race in Spain.

My friend Sam Allison

2005-08-04T20:31:00.000+02:00

I was utterly shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sam on Wednesday morning. Sam was killed by a car while riding his bike from my home town of Motherwell to Hamilton on Tuesday evening.

I first met Sam at a small Duathlon near Edinburgh a few years back. We were both keen to try a race the next day and so we drove 3 hours to Dundee on a typically bleak Scottish Sunday morning - only to find the race had been cancelled due to poor conditions! so it was an immediate return journey. This was the first time i had met Sam but the long journey was not a chore. We chatted away, about Scotland, about his job as a policeman, triathlon etc.

Since my move to Spain i didn't see Sam so much but kept in periodic contact. I always heard of his exploits, particularly through my brother and the 'bundy' cycling bunch in Lanarkshire. Sam was a very competitive triathlete and cyclist, and improved greatly on the bike over the past 2 years. He greatly enjoyed cycling, triathlon, competing, and the companionship of the bundy cycling bunch and Royal Albert Cycling Club where he made many friends.

I last saw Sam in June when we were competing for Scotland at the British Duathlon Champs in Milton Keynes. We shared a room, and an early 6am breakfast of nutri-grain bars before the race. We had a good weekend and i bade farewell, saying we'd meet soon during my summer vacation in Scotland for some training.

He will be sorely missed by many people and my thoughts and prayers go to his wife and daughters.

Cyclists, please be safe and aware on the road. Drivers, please be patient, aware and respectful of cyclists.

MACstrong is 6

2005-06-27T14:26:00.000+02:00

6 months that is! seriously, its been an enjoyable time and great learning experience. ¡Muchas gracias a todos mis clientes!

I was delighted to welcome my first US customers last week for a great week of biking to put the icing on the cake for 6 months of steady growth for MACstrong.

Rod and Michelle and now off to Greece for a spell before heading back to the mountains of Colorado. Many thanks guys for your custom and company. There was some new routes for me within our 6 days of biking - including the undulating, less-green landscape of the Roses/Cadaqués area near the French border. The climb to St. Pere de Rodes provided some breathtaking views. Here's how the altimetrias guys rate the climb, starting from Vilajuiga and, in the opposite direction, starting from El port de la Selva.

Bookings and enquiries are coming in steadily for the remainder of the summer and early autumn, with planning also in course for the winter 2006 camps next February and March. A good mix is being maintained between running and cycling 'aficionados'. I'll post some more information soon for local races - running, cycling and triathlon, that clients could complete during the remainder of 2005. There's also the chance of heading out on training rides with local running an cycling groups, including FC Barcelona and Triathlon Club Costa Brava.

Hope to see you over here soon! My shout for tapas.

Ya verano

2005-06-20T09:49:00.000+02:00

its absoultely *roasting* now in Girona. mid to high 30s. sizzling.

had an absolute duffer at the British Duathlon Champs, my most important race of the year. a purely make-up-the-numbers, non-competitive 11th place. Looking to build on my 7th from last year and even allowing for the quality field, the form i've been in and sessions i've been knocking out here in Girona should have assured a top 5. have an idea what was up and will make sure it doesn't happen again.

so anyway, the bike stayed in the bag for a full 7 days after returning from Luton. big deadlines at work, then got drunk at the weekend, including a trip to the Barcelona sonar festival. now ready to get back into it.

Better form from MACstrong biking chief Stuart MacGregor. After a solid finish to the Irish RÁS, he's romping away with the Scottish Division 1 RR series. A tidy bronze medal in the Scottish Criterium Champs yesterday sets hime up for a crack at the savage British RR Champs next week in York.

On the MACstrong tours front, we have 2 bikers from Colorado here this week - our first US clients! ¡Bienvenido! Places are also filling up fast for the Tour of Spain/Sant Celoni climb week in early September.

Hope your summers going smashingly.

New York Times article on Girona

2005-06-13T09:52:00.000+02:00

June 12, 2005
Finding Nirvana on Two Wheels By BONNIE DeSIMONE

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/06/12/travel/12girona.html (requires free registration)

THE riders emerge at about 10 in the morning, wheeling their bikes out of centuries-old apartment buildings and coasting down the cobblestone streets of Girona, the accompanying ticka-ticka-ticka merging with the urban soundtrack. They gather on the steps of the post office or on the Pont de Pedra - the stone bridge that spans the Onyar River at the southern end of Girona's historic district - then spin away in a blur of spandex and spokes. Other cyclists take off solo with a support car driven by a coach or a willing spouse.

Among these riders are some prominent athletes, including the six- time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong. Yet even when they navigate populated downtown streets or pause for coffee on the pedestrian Rambla de la Llibertat, they are rarely hounded.

"We can pretty much move around town and not be disturbed," said Mr. Armstrong, who has made Girona, about an hour's drive northeast of Barcelona, his training base since 2001. Fifteen North American professional cyclists make up the colony this season, which runs from February to October, including Levi Leipheimer, twice a top-10 Tour de France finisher, and Freddie Rodriguez, the three-time United States champion.

Girona's residents are proud the pro cyclists have chosen their ancient, moody and beautiful Catalonian city as their migratory home, but they respect the riders' privacy. "The cyclists are appreciated, but they can live their everyday lives with complete normality," said a former mayor, Joaquim Nadal i Farreras, now an official in the Catalonian regional government.

Although Girona will lose its most famous part-time resident when Mr. Armstrong retires after next month's Tour de France, Mr. Nadal said, "We expect there will be new cyclists and the tradition will continue."

The city's live-and-let-ride reserve is one reason the cyclists have stayed. They began arriving 10 years ago on the advice of Johnny Weltz, a veteran Danish coach who lived near Girona and thought it would be a comfortable place for young American riders to spend the season.

Girona's lures are obvious. Nearly equidistant from Barcelona (52 miles) and the French border (48 miles), easily accessible by air or rail, the city has a gentrified, culturally rich historic district, upscale shopping and dining, a thriving university campus and peaceful, expansive parks. Just a few minutes' ride from the city center are tranquil roads and trails leading into the foothills of the Pyrenees to the west or the beaches of the Costa Brava to the east, with enough rolling terrain to keep the professional riders in shape between races.

The heart of the city's historic district is the Call, one of Europe's most well-preserved medieval Jewish neighborhoods. At its core is the narrow, cobblestone-paved Carrer de la Força, the hub of activity for the Jewish community that flourished here in the 12th and 13th centuries and now a charming streetscape of residences, cafes, museums and stores.

Window shoppers in both the old and new cities, divided by the Onyar, linger at bakeries and high-end boutiques selling linens, designer clothing and leather goods. On the west side of the river, in the modern covered market, butchers carve tissue-thin slices of burgundy- colored Iberian ham from legs that taper down to intact hooves. Back in the historic district, an extensive, eclectic wine cellar lurks in the back of the Colmado Moriscot specialty food store (at 4, Ciutadans), where the proprietor rings up purchases on a 100-year-old brass National cash register.

Girona's combination of city comforts, rider-friendly environs and bike-celebrity glamour makes it a natural destination for recreational cyclists. Several companies have launched Girona-based excursions.

Name recognition is a factor. "People who are into cycling know about Girona, because they're always hearing about some American training at their second home there," said Loren Siekman, general manager of Pure Adventures, an Arizona company that designs self-guided tours in the Girona area.

The retired American rider Marty Jemison was a resident pro in Girona from 1996 to 2000 and still lives there part of the year. He leads bike tours throughout Europe but calls the Girona trips his "core product."

Alan Pruder of Portland, Ore., a former competitive rider, and his wife took one of Mr. Jemison's Girona tours last year and said they intend to return on their own. "The roads are phenomenal," he said.

For beginning or occasional riders, there are plenty of itineraries that won't intimidate. These include the "green paths," dedicated bike trails that follow old railway routes, surfaced with hard-packed dirt.

One 35-mile path climbs gradually to Olot, northwest of Girona. Another wends its way 25 miles on largely flat ground southeast to the coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. They are ideal for mountain bikes.

Daniel Coyle, an Outside Magazine contributing editor who spent more than a year in Girona writing a book that chronicled Mr. Armstrong's 2004 season, recommends a day trip he took that started on the Sant Feliu green path. He cut over to "reliably deserted country roads" at the village of Cassa de la Selva and took a winding, mostly downhill route to La Bisbal d'Empordà, known regionally for its pottery. From there, he headed for the beach hamlets of Llafranc or Calella de Palafrugell, parked the bike, took a swim and ordered a restorative plate of calamari at a waterfront restaurant.

Cyclists who want to try a climb frequented by the pros can head for the village of Amer, about halfway between Girona and Olot, and make the twisty, steep five-mile ascent to Sant Marti Sacalm. Raspberries grow by the side of the road and there is a water spout about two- thirds of the way up.

Dede Demet Barry, the American silver medalist in the Olympic time trial last year, lives in Girona with her husband, the Canadian rider Michael Barry. She prepared for last year's Games in Athens by grinding out intervals on the climb, which she estimates averages a 7 percent uphill grade.

For racing fans, Girona is a convenient base to see the Volta a Catalunya, a Tour de France tune-up race, or the Pyrenees stages (July 16 and 17) of the Tour itself, a two- to three-hour drive.

The Vuelta a España (Tour of Spain, Aug. 27 to Sept. 18) route passes close to Girona before and after a Sept. 4 time trial in Barcelona. The Vuelta finishes in Madrid, where the men's and women's World Road Championships begin on Sept. 21.

On wheels or on foot, the compact nature of old Girona makes it easy to see a great deal in a short time. The walk along the top of the fortified wall that overlooks the city's dense stone heart offers spectacular perspectives of the Cathedral, the Call and the surrounding countryside.

At the Museum of the History of the Jews, ask to be directed to the second-floor window that looks out on the Carrer Hernandez. Steep and barely wider than a hallway, the street is sealed off at both ends. Ivy trails down its walls and moss softens its steps. It is a remnant of a treasure that Girona began unearthing in the late 1970's.

The city opened long-blocked passageways and pinpointed the locations of forgotten synagogues and family residences. Private owners restored abandoned, crumbling homes, including one eventually bought by Mr. Armstrong, who wrote in the second installment of his autobiography that he was "stunned by its wrecked beauty."

Now the dreamy labyrinth testifies to the time before Jews were evicted, killed or forced to convert in the late 15th century. Some homes are opened to the public on special summer tours of the neighborhood.

The Call is Girona's main tourist draw, but a patient traveler will find much more. Stones quarried by the Romans, identifiable by their bulk and uneven surface, are visible in several structures. Another, more idiosyncratic stone found throughout Girona is naturally inlaid with white marine fossils.

The watery surface of an octagonal well in the Arab Baths - a Romanesque structure with elements of Muslim design - reflects the same image it did 800 years ago. Scale models in the Cathedral's 75- foot-wide unsupported Gothic nave, the broadest of that style ever built, show the hilltop's evolution from Roman temple site to the present day. The graceful wrought-iron curves of a footbridge across the Onyar give away its designer, Gustave Eiffel.

Several restaurants and tapas bars in the Plaça de la Independencia, across the river from the historic district, overlook the Onyar. The facades of the row houses lining the river are painted brick red, ocher, pale yellow and soft blue to replicate the time when pigment came from natural dyes.

Yet they are not museum pieces, as evinced by laundry hung out to dry, firewood stacked on balconies and an occasional political banner. Girona prides itself on being "a living city, not a theme park," Mayor Anna Pagans i Gruartmoner said.

Re-use is a constant theme in Girona's history. The 12th-century Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants is now an archeological museum. A building at the foot of the Cathedral's wide Baroque stairs began life as a Jewish butcher shop and bakery, then became a Catholic shelter for the poor and now houses the regional architects' guild and the bohemian-chic Bau Bar.

Researchers studying the city's archival ledgers 15 years ago discovered parchments with Hebrew writing stuffed into the covers, literally used as filler. Much detail about everyday life in the Call has been reconstructed from these accidentally preserved documents, which continue to be restored and translated and can be viewed by special request.

The city's gentle juxtaposition of ancient and contemporary makes it easy to pick up shards of history and gently blow away the dust. It provokes a state of sensory vigilance. As Mr. Armstrong said recently, "I think it's always been an inspired place."

Visitor Information

Getting There Delta, (800) 221-1212, www.delta.com, has a daily nonstop flight from New York to Barcelona; a 21-day-advance-purchase ticket for late June was about $1,300. You can pay less on other airlines with stops in other cities. Girona is about an hour drive or train ride from Barcelona.

Ryanair, www.ryanair.com, the discount airline based in Dublin, offers flights from London, Paris and other European cities (though typically not from major airports, like Heathrow), to the compact Girona airport, 15 minutes from town.

Where to Stay Prices do not include 7 percent tax.

Hotel Carlemany, 1 Plaça Miquel Santaló, (34-972) 211-212, www.carlemany.es, is a 90-room, upscale hotel that is a 10- to 15- minute walk from the historic district. At $1.26 to the euro, double rooms range from $126 to $145, and breakfast is $12.60.

Hotel Ciutat de Girona, 2 Carrer Nord, (34-972) 483-038, www.hotel- ciutatdegirona.com. is across the river from the historic district. The 44 rooms have a sleek, contemporary design and amenities like hair dryers and high-speed Internet access. Doubles are $163, with breakfast.

Històric Hotel and Apartments, 4A Carrer Bellmirall, (34-972) 223-583, www.hotelhistoric.com, is down the street from the Cathedral. It was lovingly renovated by the husband-and-wife team of Casilda Cruz and Francisco Moreno. The six double rooms are $143; breakfast is $5 to $11. The seven apartments are good deals at $75 (single) to $150 (for four).

Where to Eat Lizarran, 14 Plaça de la Independencia, (34-972) 218-150, is part of a chain with 140 locations in Europe and Mexico, but it's anything but fast food, and the back room overlooking the Onyar is a place where time seems to slow down. Regular tapas are $1.20 and special tapas $1.50, distinguished on serving plates by differently-sized toothpicks. Leave them in a pile on your plate since your food tab is calculated by counting them.

Boira, 17 Plaça de la Independencia, (34-972) 219-605, offers tapas downstairs, tablecloth dining upstairs with river views. Dinner for two with appetizers, shared dessert and a half-bottle of wine: $70

The interior of Galligans, 4 Plaça Santa Llucia, (34-972) 209-654, is painted in vivid shades of raspberry, chartreuse and lemon. The food is artfully presented new-wave Catalan like tuna tartar crusted with puffed wild rice; cod tagine; pig's feet stuffed with potatoes and foie gras; and white chocolate and pistachio soup. Appetizer, entrée, shared dessert and a bottle of wine: $90 for two. Prix fixe menus $28 to $45.

What to See and Do A wealth of information is available online at the city's Web site, www.ajuntament.gi, and on-site at the Tourist Office, 1 Rambla de la Llibertat, (34-972) 226-575. Open weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday and holidays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Museum of the History of the Jews, 8 Carrer de la Força, (34-972) 216-761, www.ajuntament.gi/call, is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday and holidays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission: $2.50. Information on guided tours is on the Web site.

More information about the "green paths" starting at Girona is available at www.costabrava.org/ang/esports/e_vies.htm.

BONNIE DeSIMONE writes about travel and sports.

Man o' the RÁS

2005-05-24T09:17:00.000+02:00

A good start by Stuart MacGregor at the RAS - Tour of Ireland. Sitting 25th in the general classification after stages 1&2 in this high quality UCI 2.2 international race, Stuart finished at the front of the main peleton on Sunday's opening stage and was part of a 2nd main group who finished a minute ahead of the main bunch yesterday.

Today's 3rd stage sees the near 200 strong field go south-west from Tubbercurry to Lidoonvarna.

It's like buses

2005-05-09T09:42:00.000+02:00

3rd again on Saturday at the Sant Joan sprint - the final in the Catalan series in the picturesque north of Catalonia near the Pyrenees. Luis Buscail, the Catalan champion made it look easy in first with Manu Juarez in second (both club Reus Ploms).

The first 5.5k was basically an up and down hill run, climbing 100m altitude over 2.5k. I got dropped by a fast running group of 4 but dug in to keep the gap at 15 secs going into transition. I was shattered going into the bike and struggled with my shoe change, the initial climb on the bike didn't help but i was fortunate to catch Joan Capdevila (2nd @ Banyoles last week) who also had problems with his shoes. We then quickly caught and dropped his teammate Jimenez and worked together well on the bike to try and close the gap to Buscail and Juarez. It was the first time someone has worked with me on the bike over here and it was a pleasant change. It developed into a two-up time trial against the Reus Ploms pair and we closed the gap from 40 secs to around 10-15 secs on the out and back 20k loop - a great atmosphere created by the dozens of roadside cafe drinkers and local farmers ringing their cowbells.

We ran out of ks on the bike though, and perhaps then a bit wary of each other, started the final 2,75k up and down run around 20 secs down. Climbing that hill again was sore but i steadily dug out a 25 second advantage to nab the final podium spot. The gap came down slightly to 2nd placed Juarez but Buscail again showed his class by running 27 secs faster than my next fastest run split for his 2nd consecutive win and the overall series.

Full results for the Catalan series available here.

First Spanish podium at the scene of Redgraves Olympic triumph

2005-05-03T12:59:00.000+02:00

1992 and Steve Redgrave grabs his 3rd Olympic rowing Gold.

Fast forward 13 years and Steven MacGregor grabs 3rd at the Banyoles standard duathlon.

World apart? of course!! ;) but the place was the same - the lovely Banyoles lake north-west of Girona, and it makes for a snappy introduction.

Seriously though, happy with the race. I was getting like Glasgow Celtic and Champions League points away from home - so many times close to a podium finish in the Basque Country and then in Catalonia, so good to establish my name a bit over here, especially with so many good duathletes around.

So, it was my 3rd Duathlon in the Catalan series and the first without carrying a slight cold, although i was still very heavy after extertions from Powerman Holland. Allied to the fact that i did 5 hours biking and running Friday and Saturday meant i got dropped early in the first 10k run - but i still managed to squeeze out a 31:47 to go into the bike in 5th place. My brother Stuart was over training and his shout to wait on bikers in 6th and 7th 20 seconds back rather than pursuing a lone rider in 4th 30 seconds ahead was key. I caught my breath and the 3 of us then had the good fortune of drafting behind a bus, hitting nearly 40mph to catch duathletes in 3rd and 4th. The lazy biker attitude of Catalan duathlons was again to the fore (although not as bad as previous weeks) although it still meant that the lead duo sailed off into the sunset on the testing and undulating 44k bike loop.

So, in effect the race came down to my group of 5 fighting for 3rd place. I didn't waste my breath shouting at the hangers on and refused to do the lions share of the work - just as much as the next guy. We then hit a sharp climb 10k from the finish (around 7% and 3k) and i attacked - 2 were dropped and the remaining 3 of us wheeled around until transition. I lost 10 seconds to one of the Juarez brothers who didn't have to change shoes and exited in joint 4th place. However, the strength from Holland came through and i quickly moved into 3rd place, running low 16 mins for the final twisting 5k.

Happy with that - more so that the benefits of training starting to show that didn't seem evident in Holland. Shame the Catalan series is coming to a close just as i'm finding some form - last one in the series the Sant Joan sprint this Saturday.

Back from the land of the sexy people

2005-04-29T10:25:00.000+02:00

Had a great time in Holland - chilled place, hundreds and hundreds of bikes, and very nice people who are often unintentionally hilarious.

what? the race you say - err.

crap.

ran very well the first 15k (52 mins) but then struggled badly on the bike. It was 4 laps of a 15k out and back straight road, pancake flat and windy. I hated it, and am much more comfortable on hills. In the end i was 'horsed' by the specialist 'testers', fading from a solid 16th place in a high quality field to the 40 somethings. in the end, glad to finish, and although quite a few dropped out - i felt it was important to get to the end for the experience and to make the trip worthwhile - i was still threatening sub 3 hrs which aint too bad for my first powerman (although nowhere near good enough).

on to the next then, standard Banyoles (10k, 40k, 5k) this sunday as part of the Catalan series.

Racing season in swing for MACstrong team

2005-04-18T10:20:00.000+02:00

Been a few weeks now since the last post. been busy with a few clients over as well as getting in some quality training for my first crack at Powerman - this sunday in Holland.

Also been getting up to speed in racing terms. Travelled to the Basque Country to do the Oñati Duathlon - a fabulous brute of an event with a net 650m climb on the bike leg - disappointed in the end to finish 4th after leading most of the way. First race of the season and ran out of gas in the last few ks of the bike. First experiences also of the Catalan duathlon series. Very much a part of Powerman prep so far and carrying slight colds going into Castellfollit de la Roca (Catalan championships) and Girona for modest 12th and 6th places respectively. In general, running is a much higher quality than in the Basque Country (i've been squeezing out low-mid 15 mins on the first 5k runs and not making the first bike group) but the biking ability is much lower and attitude terrible. So far, chasing groups aren't interested in reeling in those ahead - only to conserve their positions and energy for the 2nd run - crazy and pointless.

MACstrong biking director Stuart MacGregor has also been racing, and with more success, for his new team C21 Multisport/Specialised. A solid show at the Girvan 3 day was followed by a 'border fox' routine, taking the victory in the Shillbottle road race in Newcastle.

In general though, sporting culture is a world apart. While i was receiving a free post-race massage in Girona yesterday (1 young Catalan female each leg ;) in 25 degrees C sun, after having raced in well marshalled, policed racing through the centre of Girona for 180 participants, reflecting on the 300 or so spectators and dozens of volunteers giving out loads of free goodies. . .

. . . Stuart's C21 teammate, Graham McGarrity was being hit in the face by a can from a passing motorist in a roadrace in Northumberland after Stuart abandoned 25miles into a 100 mile course since there was no road support for a puncture.

Lancespotting part 2

2005-03-23T17:14:00.000+01:00

Absolutely the last post on this theme, for obvious 'sad b******' accusations.

Anyway, as i thought would happen bumped into Lance earlier today on Els Angels. Well, i was decending to Madremanya and he was heading up, putting in a fair amount of effort and pedalling a very high cadence. He was actually on the wrong side of the road and so moved out the way as i was descending, and then gave me a wave! Great stuff that, you're lucky to get a nod of most punters these days, especially from 3rd division pros, and then the six-time TdF winner, in the middle of Tour prep and a hard hill effort, lifts his hand off the bar to give you a wave. I'll buy him a beer next time in town.

Looking back, its been a quick 2/3 years since the 'bundy' Lanarkshire chain-gang were laughing at me for having hairy legs.

Sunday lancespotting

2005-03-14T16:03:00.000+01:00

The man is back in town. Heading to church yesterday morning and Mr. Armstrong brushes past my mother (who's over visiting) on the bike, in the cobbled centre of town. Looked in decent shape. Would much prefer to bump into him 'on the road' right enough. Nevertheless, still inspiring stuff.

Angels for lunch

2005-03-09T14:50:00.000+01:00

lovely.

seems like the first day of spring today - good buzz at the university and on the streets. took advantage to head up Els Angels during my lunch break - first timed steady effort this year, to set the benchmark as I head towards peak fitness. From the roundabout to the Angel: 27.33.

Ramble on. . .

2005-03-03T18:04:00.000+01:00

Just finished the Led Zeppelin biog. Hammer of the Gods, hence the title, plus there's no main theme to this post - just a collection of thoughts.

First, the weather - again! if anyone has wondered what happened to the weather.com magnet on the main macstrong site i removed it due to some problems that visitors to the site were experiencing. Many of you it seems, have computers which don't like emergent pop-ups - so the magnet is gone, and soon to be replaced by a collection of links for you to check Girona weather. .

. . . which incidentally is the best in Spain! seriously thought, its been a bit cool over the past week or two but again, the rest of Spain has been hit hard with snow and generally crap weather. Again it amazed me - Girona seems to possess a sheltered character with very little precipitation (proximity to Pyrenees?) with even Barcelona getting some snow.

So took advantage of this with the Girona 'toughcamp' over the last week, getting in some serious quality. Passed some areas for the first time, including the loop to Olot, the town of Besalu and the simply breathtaking Castellfollet de Roca. Also found a great climb to Sant Marti Sacalm - 800m altitude and 693m net climbing, similar to many of the Basque 'puertas'.

Got a runner from Fife AC here at the moment and expecting a self-guided biking group from Aberdeen here on Saturday - self-guided means i'm just doing airport transfers, hotel bookings, and general Girona advice and route suggestions.

On the camp front, summer running camps have been announced for July and i'm very close to announcing details of a summer biking camp which will have a Catalan cycletour included.

stay tuned.

PS: i'm looking for some races for the running camps and, given the Catalans love for naturism, i found the naturists 10k!! anyone fancy it? maybe just to watch?

Sunday run

2005-02-22T15:16:00.000+01:00

Hadn't been out on the bike that much recently so was glad to get in nearly 4 hours on Sunday, heading south to Tossa de Mar before heading up the St. Grau climb. As the weeks go by in 2005 there's more and more out on the road. I passed another tour company a few times, Germans by the look of it, and some different teams - notably Barcelona (in association with Excelent Center). You may know that the big football teams here sponsor several sports - i've been aware of Barcelona and Real Madrid basketball etc. over the past year or two but it was still strange seeing the team in full kit and bike, all emblazoned with FCBarcelona. Imagine seeing the same thing in the UK with Celtic or ManU?!

Anyway, the barcelona boys crept up on me on the climb, but when they tried to pull away - since i'm really an Athletic Bilbao fan - i gave them a 'kicking' to get to the top first!

Cicloturismo/Continental racing

2005-02-14T12:03:00.000+01:00

Cicloturismos or cycletours events are very popular all over Spain with particularly big turnouts and high quality in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Thousands participate in these annual series' for quality prizes - a large range of quality is also evident, from hairy legged grannies to ex-pros and top amateurs.

I completed the Olano event in the Basque Country last year and intend to do a few this year as part of the Catalan series. It really is the best option for cyclists in the UK to get a first taste of Continental racing.

The Catalan series is one of the most competitive around, with some hard 6hr, multiple col rides. I'm going to offer these as part of MACstrong tours, so if you're interested in tackling 1 or even the full series, drop me a mail.

Also, here´s a link to the Basque and Catalan triathlon calendars for 2005. Given my experiences in the Basque Country las year i would particularly recommend the Ordizia long distance Duathlon (14th or 15th May) and the San Sebastian (Donosti) Triathlon (26th June). Let me know if you need some advice getting to these - i may pop back myself for a few this season and am already committed to the Oñati Duathlon on the 19th March.

El tiempo de enero

2005-02-02T11:53:00.000+01:00

. . . or january's weather.

it seems like the spanish cold snap is over. it was f***reezing the past week with the last day or two of the couriers v albert 'battletour' a chilly few degrees. however Girona was one of the very few places in all of Spain not to get hit with snow. Mallorca, Gran Canaria and Murcia were all hit hard with the white stuff - and it was never off the news.

strange that - south, east and west all with more severe weather - any geographers out there with an explanation?!

but back to a balmy 15 yesterday with Girona being the warmest spot on the peninsular. all in, it didn't rain once in january with an average monthly high of 16 degrees C.

keep an eye on the website's weather.com magnet for weather news.

The legend of Wilson Kane: 10 hours, 9 cols, and a mussel

2005-01-31T11:03:00.000+01:00

The road just kept coming and full dark was almost upon him.

Nothing made sense – only a deep dread somewhere in the back of his mind – an echo, faint but heavy – dreadful, “2k to the next col”. A rise in the road and he let out a short moan, but no, the cols were gone. He was in the city, but lost. Sense starting coming back – he was cycling, yes, but where? Not in Larkhall with Neil the Dobber, Spider and the Goony, but somewhere in Spain, Girona – that was it. A promised weekend in the sun with some gentle miles and a few beers had developed into carnage. The original group of 8 had scattered to the four winds. He was now alone. And had been for a long time. When had he started? He looked at his watch – 9:38 - and counting. . .

He remembered the start, the sun, rolling out of Girona, everyone in high spirits – all so long ago. And then the wine with the paella lunch – the sun fading, everyone laughing at the photo of Tony’s arse. But that was no good, that wouldn't do. Thinking back to those happier times eased the pain for sure, but wasn’t going to get him home. Yet there was something about that lunch, that Paella. . . that was it!

He stopped, scrambling around in his back pocket – it had to be there, it had to be. . . YES! His hand squelched around the object and, gently taking it from the pocket, he slowly unfurled his fingers to reveal a huge sweaty mussel. The mussel that had got him over the 9 cols – one lick, half way up, when the going got really tough had done the trick. But now the huge sweaty mussel had lost much of its previous lustre and just sat there, almost licked out and pathetic. He hoped there was 1 lick left – 1 to get him home. He put out his tongue slowly. . . shaking, hoping. . . and it was there! Power surged through his body – his mind cleared and buzzed – he could read the roadsigns. Jumping on the bike, he cycled like a demon and saw the hotel. YA BEAUTY!!!

This is the legend of Wilson Kane, 10 hours, 9 cols and a mussel.

MACstrong goes blog!

2005-01-31T10:48:00.000+01:00

In order to make the whole macstrong experience more interactive, i thought i'd join the ever-increasing worldwide blog community. Principally to offer more info. and feedback regarding Girona sportstours but also a space for run and cycling enthusiasts to chew the fat.

So, would be delighted to hear from the Scottish/UK/worldwide run/cycling/multisport community - that narrows it down then eh?!