If you follow this blog, you know I like to challenge myself. Before COVID, I would train for 3-4 century rides spread over the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Since all of the cycling events were cancelled this year, I have adopted other challenges, mostly chasing personal STRAVA PR’s on the local hills. This month, I’m trying something new.
Again, if you follow this blog, you know I invested in a smart trainer a few months ago. Thanks to FulGaz, and other apps, I have cycled all over the world including Canada, US, Japan, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Slovakia, Norway, and Sweden, places I don’t expect to visit anytime soon. I have enjoyed all of these virtual rides, but some more than others. Some were flat, boring, and lonely. Others, more challenging, scenic, fun, and populated with other cyclists. My favourite rides, without exception, are those in Spain. The scenery is spectacular, often with ocean views under summer skies. They always include climbs, some short, but mostly longer around 8-10 km at a 6-8% incline. Some are just climbs, Others also include fast, snake-like descents. And, at least so far, they have included other cyclists on the road. It seems Spain is a cycling mecca.
What is my new challenge you ask?
Well, FulGaz has over 40 rides in Spain. My plan between now and the end of February, is to complete them all. February is a cold, wet month in these parts. I don’t expect to ride outside at all. Instead, I’m imagining I have rented a cottage in rural Spain for the month with the intention of cycling every day in my hot weather kits.
What do you do to stay motivated?
PedalWORKS 
Which smart trainer did you get? I’m still using my dumb trainer and I’m considering an upgrade. I’ve been doing lots of reading and can’t decide what to do. Also, it seems like British cyclists have bought most of the stock so so much is currently unavailable. So I need to decide whether to just buy what’s available or wait for the brands that seem to be really good (and expensive).
Hi Nadia. I got the Wahoo KickR, and have been very pleased. It’s quiet, easy to setup and use, and accurate. It really does feel realistic. I am a Wahoo fan using their Bolt computer which I can also use with the KickR instead of an app if necessary. Good luck and let me know what you end up getting. You won’t be disappointed.
Yep. That’s one of the turbos that is completely sold out in the UK. I think I’m going to have to wait till all the Brexit issues have been ironed out and we start to get new stock in.
That’s unfortunate. I got mine in the fall, and even then there were few available. Trainers and dumbbells are hard to come by these days. Hope you are well.