Crazy how after only a month of living somewhere you can start to call a place home. It breaks my heart to be leaving Girona after what feels like such a short stay but packed with so so many good times. I feel like I've got so much to say, so I'll try and keep it short and sweet. But before I go any further… yes, the cafes, coffee is really as good as people say it is (definitely hit up La Fabrica, Espresso Mafia or Hors Categorie if you're ever in town!). I spent the month living in a shared house in Monjuic (just out of town centre) with some other Dutch cyclists, some of whom are now really good friends of mine. There were some mega views of G-town from the house but being up a phattt hill meant a lovely 200m extra climbing at the end of each ride, the climb never got easier but I learnt to tolerate it after a while (Portsdown Hill will be a breeze now…). With my training I focused on starting to build my base training up again after off-season, which was perfect to start with however a few setbacks including illness and constant, genuinely torrential, rain meant I haven't managed to complete my 'ideal' block of riding or hit the hours I wanted to. I understand nothing will be ever be perfect, I think I had set my expectations a bit high considering it was my first month back riding after a long rest. Saying this, I still managed to get a good block of riding in with a few full gas efforts thrown in here and there. I am looking forward to getting back to a structured plan with some gym training and more interval sessions. Check out my strava to see what I've been up to in more depth :) @amyperryman. So yeah, turns out Spain isn't as sunny as I first thought…just so happens that the one month I travel out to Spain, Girona hits a new record for the level of rain fallen in a month, not ideal. However, being a Brit, I had subconsciously packed wet weather kit and it ended up being the kit I wore most! It's safe to say I am yet to get the funky summer cyclist tan for this year. Being able to ride on new roads and with new friends definitely made up for the lack of sun and I have been genuinely so excited to get out to ride each day. Girona certainly has a vibe to it that attracts so many like minded people, a cyclists haven, whether you are professional and in training or just livin it up on the bike, everyone is there for the same reason and therefore every stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet. I've discovered a new confidence in myself, for instance I used to get nerves when meeting new people but since having to force myself to go and meet/ride with totally new people I've realised new people aren't scary and have genuinely enjoyed getting to know a bunch of new cyclists from across the whole world. It's super cool to now have connections with people from so many different countries. I feel so grateful and lucky to have met some incredible, funny and cool people whilst I've been here; people that bring out the best version of me. I really hope to come back, I feel like I've got a good idea of what to expect, people to connect with and a basic knowledge of the riding routes… I have already begun looking at dates to return this year :) Once again huge thanks to @PedalPotential for their support in my racing. Thanks for reading Amy :) x
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What a brave and fantastic thing to do. I have so many friends I have met when travelling that I still love to stay in touch with. Life moves on at such a great pace, but those experiences you've created will stay fresh in your memory for decades to come. Well done Amy, this is great to see :)
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December 2022
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