From our perch on the mountain the sky to the east, over the Mediterranean looked clear of the clouds hovering over the Alberes, so I headed towards the sea for a two hour base-building ride. Soon after passing through Laroque, the rain started, first with a few drops and then in 
earnest. I moved out into the lane to avoid fragments of glass, normally not an issue, but lubricated with water, almost a guaranteed stop on the side of the road. I checked the temp, 42 degrees. At least I was able to warm my legs up a bit before it started.
In Argeles, I turned right on a little road that passed underneath the busy street headed for the centre ville, a great discovery Janet made last week, and headed north to St. Cyprien. The rain fell harder and the wind picked up out of the north. Quick check of the temp: still 42 degrees. I was getting wet and cold and starting to wonder why I needed to be on the road a full two hours.
In the west the sun came out over the Canigou and in that transendent moment I turned away from the sea and headed towards the sun shining on the Vallespir. By St. Andre the rain had stopped and by Brouilla I was cycling in the sun and started to dry out. On the north side of Ortaffa, I found a little road and, ignoring the 'Route Barree' sign, cycled through vineyards and up a long hill overlooking the valley. Sun splashed the Alberes and Villelongue dels Monts in the distance and the blue, blue sky was spreading towards the sea.
earnest. I moved out into the lane to avoid fragments of glass, normally not an issue, but lubricated with water, almost a guaranteed stop on the side of the road. I checked the temp, 42 degrees. At least I was able to warm my legs up a bit before it started.In Argeles, I turned right on a little road that passed underneath the busy street headed for the centre ville, a great discovery Janet made last week, and headed north to St. Cyprien. The rain fell harder and the wind picked up out of the north. Quick check of the temp: still 42 degrees. I was getting wet and cold and starting to wonder why I needed to be on the road a full two hours.
In the west the sun came out over the Canigou and in that transendent moment I turned away from the sea and headed towards the sun shining on the Vallespir. By St. Andre the rain had stopped and by Brouilla I was cycling in the sun and started to dry out. On the north side of Ortaffa, I found a little road and, ignoring the 'Route Barree' sign, cycled through vineyards and up a long hill overlooking the valley. Sun splashed the Alberes and Villelongue dels Monts in the distance and the blue, blue sky was spreading towards the sea.
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