Helen Shelly’s (Aus) stay & Haute Route Pyrenees

Girona August 2019;
I spent a week recently staying at Equipe Guesthouse on her way from Australia to race in the Haute Route Pyrenees. Girona is renowned among Aussie cyclists as a mecca for riding and training. With the mixture and choice of hills or flats, coast or hinterland, gravel or bitumen. I realized I could combine them into daily mecca rides!! Aside from the diverse riding, I found the drivers considerate towards cyclists ,Safe + relaxed = great riding.  Plus the choice of bicycle friendly cafes with great coffee and delicious pastries enhancing the experience even more!.
I have over 35 years experience of bicycle racing and touring, with the last 20 years spent mainly on the mountain bike. In preparation for the move back to road racing from gravel,  Mick from Equipe was able to assist with road descending and long hill climbing technique. Mick’s advise was perfect  to focus on during the HR Pyrenees event, building confidence and performance level.  Mick also sorted out a couple of mechanical issues with my bike. Wilma from Equipe prepared nutritional tasty food and drinks to ensure I felt strong, well and rested.The Haute Route Pyrenees course featured a total of 719km and 18320m of climbing over 7 days. I won my age category and finished 6th Female Overall.

Helen climbing one of the big Pyrenees mountains

 

Liked best?

  • Gravel bike riding through the corn, sunflower and olive tree plantations.
  • Great Tapas bars and authentic Catalan food
  • Good coffee
  • My Equipe musette bag
  • Warm Summer Weather
  • Friendly cycling community

Helen starting her time trail in her endless kit