I am back and refreshed after a good lunch and a siesta.

Today's ride in Girona was fantastic. The technology of the Garmin was not.

Let's turn the clock back a week first. When we were in Barcelona I rented a bike and also a GPS that was loaded with a few routes chosen by the bike rental place. It was not a Garmin, it was some other brand I never heard of and I suspect is not widely used in the USA. The guy showed me the buttons to pick a route and get directions, and it seemed straightforward. But when I tried to use it I was complete fail. Luckily I did 3 meetup group rides in Barcelona so I was only mildly annoyed that I pissed away 60 Euros for something I could not use. But it's vacation so I let it go.

For Girona, they gave me a Garmin (I am guessing a 510 level but not positive) loaded with a route we agreed upon. They told me NOT to have it navigate me to the starting point (which is a bad sign to begin with), but after a few wrong moves solved by Google maps, I got to the start point and it was actually working, displayed a map and chirped when turns were approaching, little arrows etc., all good. As I was about 1/3 into the ride I noticed the display froze. I kept riding for several Km before I figured this out. I had to stop and nothing would unfreeze it so I had to reset (holding power button for several seconds). Once I restarted the device and got back on the route, it would no longer navigate me. Yes I know to push the timer button. I got home by following the route on the map, with a few more misses.

Anyway, I know n of 2 is hard to draw conclusions, but my experience with these devices is not good at all. Contrast these with the Apple maps and Google maps apps I have used, there is no comparison.

/end GPS rant

Only 41 miles, unfortunately - rectangular-ish route where the wind wasn't a huge factor for the north/south legs.

What's with this broadcast? A chaser caught up with the leader while they where just showing an interview in the booth. Facepalm.

Yep. Amateur (broadcasting) mistake.

Note the porta potty halfway up the climb? That's in case the riders need a poupin break.

[MENTION=107711]datlas[/MENTION] We've done quite a bit of tandem touring with pre-loaded routes and the organizers always say NEVER let the unit navigate to start of route.

One time in Croatia, I accidentally said yes and it took us to the start and wanted to navigate the route backwards. We kept circling and the leader came by and said, "See? Told you not to let the unit navigate to the start."

So yesterday we left Tarragona and took a train to Girona. The view of the Mediterranean was amazing and pictures don't do it justice.
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...psc3yteonk.jpg

We arrived in Girona and wandered around the old part of the city. It's quite scenic and beautiful.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...psdckfj7nl.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...ps19s5fvdy.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...psbiyvkp8r.jpg

I rented an Orbea Orca.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...psmcwmhb98.jpg

And headed out of town.
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...psvkpsoxeq.jpg

I found some nice climbs and a gorgeous mountain lake.
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...psrtfmhuct.jpg


I believe these are mountain goats.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...pscddp6faq.jpg

The Orbea seemed to feel right at home.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...pscqs4bngw.jpg

Mrs datlas seems pleased with Girona, as does Heidi.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7j0sudbl.jpg


Tomorrow we hope to go to the Dalí museum which is a 45 minute train ride away.

We do play a few fast marches.

Too far away for them to hear, though.

Also, they didn't show the 2nd/3rd finish. :lol:

Kudos.

Looks awesome [MENTION=107711]datlas[/MENTION]! Love the pic of wife and daughter in the window.

As far as navigation is concerned, the Wahoo method of nav in conjunction with your smartphone seems intriguing. When I can justify replacing my Garmin, and when I have a phone that's compatible with Wahoo, I'll probably get a Bolt.

Those look like sheep to me.

My wife is P.O'd that they didn't interview the third place finisher. They interviewed 2nd and 1st, in that order, but not 3rd. My wife says "WTH, she poured her heart out enough to medal and didn't get an interview." :)

That's enough racing talk; I'm going for a short ride and get back before the end of the men's race.

Great pics of España!

Ouch.



Oh no he didn't, Trendsetter, oh no he didn't! :eek:

:lol:

Nice pics, Doug. Thanks for sharing.

How come everyone's ocean looks clear and colorful and inviting except the northeast Atlantic ocean? One has to travel south to about North Carolina before starting to see some improvement in the water color and clarity in the Atlantic. :(

What kind of art fair doesn't have someone selling mini donuts? #fail

Because New York? :innocent:

I would identify more with the person who finishes last.

Now looking at 'em on the big screen their heads look a little goatish...

I rarely check the "leaders board" for Strava, but for kicks I looked at today's ride. It's cool to see pro's names on the leader board. Obviously I am way below them.

Watching the men's pro cycling championships and the female commentator points out that the racing saddles are very uncomfortable.

Shouldn't a pro cycling color commentator be just a hair familiar with cycling?

Or at least not play into the myth that we all need sheepskin covered granny saddles.

Tail down= Sheep
Tail up =. Goat

I can't see it on my phone.