2025 Day 1 - Building in Barcelona

We are back on our bikes!

Huge thank you to our son-in-law David for providing the transportation and acting as photographer.

After many considerations, including the need for a non stop flight, and preferring to avoid the Paris airport (Charles de Gaulle), and wanting something a little warmer than Brittany, we decided to fly direct Toronto to Barcelona. Our plan is to then cycle and train up into France and explore a new region. And as warmer days approach we will head to Normandy to cycle the beaches and take in all the history. 

We sailed through Pearson airport with short lines and helpful security.

And the overnight flight was quite calm and quiet and we both got some sleep. 

After a very long wait at Barcelona customs, we got to the luggage carousels to not only find our bags but our bikes too. Just like that, no issues, no damage, no waiting, no problem.  Wow

So we got to work building them. We found a perfect spot, quiet and out of the way and comfortable. 

And since we were near the oversized luggage carousel, we made some biking friends who just arrived from Boston. Sam and Chik. We shared stories, and we shared our key learnings about cycling in France. They have a similar route so we may well meet them again. 

Cycling out of an airport is never easy. And today was no different. Some busy roads and of course, some construction obstacles.

Our first "point of interest" was Decathlon, of course. We needed camping fuel and we love Decathlon ❤️

The ride through Barcelona was quite challenging. They have lovely bike lanes and lots of bikes using them, but there is also lots of traffic and a challenging system of lights. There seem to be only two lights for cyclists: RED meaning stop, and FLASHING AMBER meaning, I think "well go ahead but be very very very careful". It was a bit unnerving and went on for many kilometers. But finally we found the coast. 

Above is the parking lot at ALDI. 

We are back in our routine. Stopping at ALDI for groceries and then heading to our campground to set up the tent, shower and eat. Back to our favourite routine. 

We have a view of the Mediterranean and a lot of birds singing joyfully (and also pooping on our tent 😳).

First day of our 2025 adventure has been safely completed and captured by Strava. 

It was quite flat, quite warm, and the drivers were all quite kind. 

Good night