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wie darf man sich das vorstellen ?
Aus dem Leben eines EVO-R
- Ersteller Dynamik
- Erstellt am
wie darf man sich das vorstellen ?
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- 891
Ja das ist eine Geschichte für sich. Als Ingenieur denkt man sich allerhand raffinierte, aerodynamisch optimierte Lösungen aus. Hat aber vor der Reise keine Zeit für die Realisierung. Auf der Reise ärgert man sich dann, über sich und über die Hitze. Während einer Trinkpause zwischen Barcelona und Saragossa kommt dann die Lösung. Am Strassenrand liegt ein grüner Gummistropp von genau der richtigen Länge. Nun noch ein T-Shirt zur Polsterung und die Befestigung ist perfekt. Schon mein Schwiegervater seelig pflehte zu sagen: Wenn's nicht einfach ist, ist es wohl falsch.
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Heute ist mein Besitzer ein bisschen an seine Grenzen gestossen. Er wird im Tagebuch natürlich nichts derartiges vermerken. Kommt doch am späteren Nachmittag so ein Rennradler mit einem ultraleichten Carbonrenner. Will alles über Velomobile wissen und das bei Tempo 30 und erst noch auf Spanisch. Dann kommen die ersten Steigungen. Der Rennradler ist sehr freundlich und begleitet uns ganze 30 km. Wenns mehrheitlich bergauf geht ist das natürlich ein bisschen unfair. Ich glaub wir waren noch nie so sportlich unterwegs am Berg.
Cervera, 17.5.2017
Today I have reached Cervera. It's not a particularly interesting town, it was just halve past six and time to look out for a hotel room. And I did find one with a wonderful ambiance. With the evening meal I had more difficulties. They use here a very strange sort of spanish. As I didn't have any idea what all that meant, I just pointed on the first one, which were "caragoles". The waiteress looked at me a little bit bewildered. Then she started a nice drawing which showed a snail. No, that was definitely not what I wanted. Finally I settled for a pizza and russian salad. That looks the same in all languages.
Ascent to Cervera
Cervera is buildt on a huge rock. They do that in order to make it more difficult for tired cyclists. Cervera has also a famous university. After the succession wars at the begining of the18. century they installed a huge university after they have closed down four others. They have also a whitch gate but it was not operating.
Cervera, just in case you don't know
The road from Sabadell to Cervera was quite demanding. It crosses several mountain ranges and therefore there were many ups and downs, physically and mentally. In one town I even got Police escort. They were afraid, I would get involved in an accident and escorted me - with blue light - out of town. On an other occasion I got Police escort on a large overland road. It seems that I haven't seen the sign for "autopista". Never mind.
Now it's only 900 km to Lugo. If my Lamburgine SM (sin motor) behaves as good as it has done so far, I should make it.
Cervera, 17.5.2017
Today I have reached Cervera. It's not a particularly interesting town, it was just halve past six and time to look out for a hotel room. And I did find one with a wonderful ambiance. With the evening meal I had more difficulties. They use here a very strange sort of spanish. As I didn't have any idea what all that meant, I just pointed on the first one, which were "caragoles". The waiteress looked at me a little bit bewildered. Then she started a nice drawing which showed a snail. No, that was definitely not what I wanted. Finally I settled for a pizza and russian salad. That looks the same in all languages.
Ascent to Cervera
Cervera is buildt on a huge rock. They do that in order to make it more difficult for tired cyclists. Cervera has also a famous university. After the succession wars at the begining of the18. century they installed a huge university after they have closed down four others. They have also a whitch gate but it was not operating.
Cervera, just in case you don't know
The road from Sabadell to Cervera was quite demanding. It crosses several mountain ranges and therefore there were many ups and downs, physically and mentally. In one town I even got Police escort. They were afraid, I would get involved in an accident and escorted me - with blue light - out of town. On an other occasion I got Police escort on a large overland road. It seems that I haven't seen the sign for "autopista". Never mind.
Now it's only 900 km to Lugo. If my Lamburgine SM (sin motor) behaves as good as it has done so far, I should make it.
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- 891
So eine Frechheit! Da fahren wir gemütlich an allen Lastwagen vorbei, die wohl schon seit Stunden im Stau von Barcelona stecken. Ruft doch einer aus seiner LKW-Kanzel runter: No tienes coche? War wohl neidisch. Wenn man so schön schlank ist wie ich, kommt man halt schneller vorwärts. Nun zur nächsten Tagebuchseite:
Tardienta, 18.5.17
To day I have reached the end of the world. I landed in Tardienta. I am sitting in the railway restaurant and had quite a nice meal. It is a station, where the trains don't stop anymore. The city has a "tanateum" and a big deserted factory. Doesn't look very inviting. But I got a room in the guest house. For 20 euros. Don't know how they can do that.
But the day was great. Mostly flat. The morning was quite sunny but at twelve a clock it started to rain. Time for a stop in a bakery. They had the real "chokolata caliente" where the spoon stands in the chokolate, it's so thick. The couple at the neighbouring table were engaged in crossword puzzles. In came a neighbour with baggy trousers that covered most of his shoes. "No son un po pequenos?" said the man with the crossword puzzle. The rest of the conversation I could not fully understand but it sounded like a big apology.
As the rain had stopped I continued on the road. The ride through the plain at the foot of the Pyrenees was very enjoyable. I covered a good distance but at four it started to poor down again. I could just save myself in a welders shop. The owner saw me comming, opened the big door and closed it behind me. How glad I was to be in the dry, while outside a hail storm was pouring down. There was a lot of interest for my "coche piranha" as they call it here. Among heaps of metal I suddenly discovered two cats. They obviously enjoyed this athmosphere and had also taken up the colour of dusty metal.
Seeking shelter in a welders shop
Tardienta, 18.5.17
To day I have reached the end of the world. I landed in Tardienta. I am sitting in the railway restaurant and had quite a nice meal. It is a station, where the trains don't stop anymore. The city has a "tanateum" and a big deserted factory. Doesn't look very inviting. But I got a room in the guest house. For 20 euros. Don't know how they can do that.
But the day was great. Mostly flat. The morning was quite sunny but at twelve a clock it started to rain. Time for a stop in a bakery. They had the real "chokolata caliente" where the spoon stands in the chokolate, it's so thick. The couple at the neighbouring table were engaged in crossword puzzles. In came a neighbour with baggy trousers that covered most of his shoes. "No son un po pequenos?" said the man with the crossword puzzle. The rest of the conversation I could not fully understand but it sounded like a big apology.
As the rain had stopped I continued on the road. The ride through the plain at the foot of the Pyrenees was very enjoyable. I covered a good distance but at four it started to poor down again. I could just save myself in a welders shop. The owner saw me comming, opened the big door and closed it behind me. How glad I was to be in the dry, while outside a hail storm was pouring down. There was a lot of interest for my "coche piranha" as they call it here. Among heaps of metal I suddenly discovered two cats. They obviously enjoyed this athmosphere and had also taken up the colour of dusty metal.
Seeking shelter in a welders shop
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- 891
Gestern war nicht so mein Tag. Bei Regen verlier ich oft den Durchblick (wie man ja im Bildchen oben gut sieht). Schönheiten sind halt nicht für Regenwetter gemacht. Aber welches vernünftige Wesen geht bei Regenwetter hinaus. Aber lassen wir dieses Thema. Gucken wir uns lieber die nächste Tagebuchseite an.
Logrono, 19.5.2017
Today I started quite early as there was no chance of getting any breakfast in my hostal. I truly enjoyed the ride over this flat land with the sun slowly rising on the eastern horizon. It's not that they have no mountains at all, they have mesas. Flat land on different levels. Sometimes you have to climb one of these steps but then you can let it run.
Somewhere between Tardiente and Logrono: a dream for a velomobile
The villages and towns I passed trough were not tremendously attractive, so I didn't stay long. Only for some hot chokolate and cake.
Towards 6 o cklock I reached Logrono. Logrono is a huge town with lots of industry. But the historic center is really lovely and full of live. Street performances and poeple singing and shouting. I found a good hotel in the historic center and a restaurant with white table cloth. And the meal was excelent.
Cathedral of Logrono
Logrono, 19.5.2017
Today I started quite early as there was no chance of getting any breakfast in my hostal. I truly enjoyed the ride over this flat land with the sun slowly rising on the eastern horizon. It's not that they have no mountains at all, they have mesas. Flat land on different levels. Sometimes you have to climb one of these steps but then you can let it run.
Somewhere between Tardiente and Logrono: a dream for a velomobile
The villages and towns I passed trough were not tremendously attractive, so I didn't stay long. Only for some hot chokolate and cake.
Towards 6 o cklock I reached Logrono. Logrono is a huge town with lots of industry. But the historic center is really lovely and full of live. Street performances and poeple singing and shouting. I found a good hotel in the historic center and a restaurant with white table cloth. And the meal was excelent.
Cathedral of Logrono
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Für den Pilgerweg bin ich eindeutig zu zart gebaut. Und wohl auch zu schön. Das hat Dynamik zum Glück sehr bald eingesehen. Auf dem Abschnitt mit Schotter ist er sogar ausgestiegen und hat mich geschoben. Soviel Fürsorge! Dafür hatten wir einen triumpfalen Empfang in Burgos. Pilger bekommen das sicher nicht. Nun zur nächsten Tagebuchseite.
Burgos, 20.5.2017
Today I was among pilgrims. I started in Logrono, and as the police doesn't like me on the autivia or autopista, I opted for the real camino. It looked quit good in the beginning.
"El camino" the pilgrims road to Santiago de Compostela, shortly after Logrono
The pilgrims where ever so friendly, but when the paved road turned to ripio, I felt sorry for my lamburgini sm. I took therefore smaller roads from village to village. But these villages have usually been built on top of a hill, which meant a lot of climbing.
From Najera to Belorado I had a good road and I could make good progress. After Montes de Oca however the road climbs quite heavily and I had to resort to the lowest gear for about an hour. Time for birdwatching or singing. As it was getting late, I started to doubt, wether I would ever reach Burgos.
The nice thing with a velomobile is that you get most of the energy you put in in the way up back on the way down. The 20 km from the summit down to Burgos I didn't have to pedal at all.
Looking for a hotel in Burgos with a velomobile is quite a challenge. But Spanish poeple are so helpful. And they were so enthusiastic about my vehicle that I started to really enjoy my expedition through the historic center of Burgos. Sometimes a whole group of poeple in a cafe started to shout and wave. And everybody wanted to make a photo. Finally I found a decent hotel not far from the cathedral.
Burgos, 20.5.2017
Today I was among pilgrims. I started in Logrono, and as the police doesn't like me on the autivia or autopista, I opted for the real camino. It looked quit good in the beginning.
"El camino" the pilgrims road to Santiago de Compostela, shortly after Logrono
The pilgrims where ever so friendly, but when the paved road turned to ripio, I felt sorry for my lamburgini sm. I took therefore smaller roads from village to village. But these villages have usually been built on top of a hill, which meant a lot of climbing.
From Najera to Belorado I had a good road and I could make good progress. After Montes de Oca however the road climbs quite heavily and I had to resort to the lowest gear for about an hour. Time for birdwatching or singing. As it was getting late, I started to doubt, wether I would ever reach Burgos.
The nice thing with a velomobile is that you get most of the energy you put in in the way up back on the way down. The 20 km from the summit down to Burgos I didn't have to pedal at all.
Looking for a hotel in Burgos with a velomobile is quite a challenge. But Spanish poeple are so helpful. And they were so enthusiastic about my vehicle that I started to really enjoy my expedition through the historic center of Burgos. Sometimes a whole group of poeple in a cafe started to shout and wave. And everybody wanted to make a photo. Finally I found a decent hotel not far from the cathedral.
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Ein fantastischer Tag. Ueberall werden wir bewundert. Ueberdies haben wir heute wieder einmal 200 km geschafft. Kein Wunder, es hatte ja auch keine Berge. Und zum Schluss haben wir noch alte Bekannte von meinem geistigen Vater und Erbauer getroffen. Ich denke, das steht auch im Tagebuch von Dynamik.
Leon, 21.5.2017
Today it was flat as flat can be. But ideal for my velomobile. As the temperature was rather low I had the top on. This way my Lamburgini SM is sort of a "Coupe de ville". With the top off it's a Cabriolet. As "Coupe de ville" it is really fast. But also very sensitive to crosswinds. And actually it is no wonder. The shape of the EVO-R is almost that of a perfect wing. And if the wind doesn't flow parallel to the main axis, you are bound to have heavy forces across. It's simply Bernoullis law. But it's also very dangerous. In the afternoon the cross winds vere so heavy, that I doubted that I would reach Leon savely. Then I had the "brilliant" idea to take the top off, strap it on the tail and ride as Cabriolet. The effect was astounding. At the same speed the crosswind sensitivity was much lower. But of course I had to pedal a bit more in order to reach the same speed.
Betwmeen Burgos and Leon
In Sahagun I made a short stop for hot chocalate and cake. There I met also a history student group from Florida with their Professor. I'm sure if these students show the same enthusiasme for history as for my contraption on three wheels, their professor can be very proud.
Sahagun
At 6.30 pm I reached the center of Leon. Time to look for a decent hotel. Usually I steer right to the point of highest attraction, a cathedral or so, and then I drive circles of increasing diameter to see where they have affordable hotels. This worked fine also in Leon. When I had safely stored my Lamburgini in the hotel wardrobe, I was introduced to an elderly gentlemen with the words "Siehste, das ist der junge Mann mit dem Velomobil". The elderly gentlemen (about my age) was a friend of Mr. Beyss, the father of the Beyss sons, who developped and produced the EVO-R velomobile I own. We had a long chat over a cold beer and he certainly will tell his friend Beyss, that the stuff his sons are producing is pretty reliable.
Leon's historic center is a dream. It's one of the things you must have seen before you die. Especially the "barrio humedo". I coudn't find out wether it got this name because the houses were wet or the throats of the inhabitants.
Cathedral of Leon
Leon, 21.5.2017
Today it was flat as flat can be. But ideal for my velomobile. As the temperature was rather low I had the top on. This way my Lamburgini SM is sort of a "Coupe de ville". With the top off it's a Cabriolet. As "Coupe de ville" it is really fast. But also very sensitive to crosswinds. And actually it is no wonder. The shape of the EVO-R is almost that of a perfect wing. And if the wind doesn't flow parallel to the main axis, you are bound to have heavy forces across. It's simply Bernoullis law. But it's also very dangerous. In the afternoon the cross winds vere so heavy, that I doubted that I would reach Leon savely. Then I had the "brilliant" idea to take the top off, strap it on the tail and ride as Cabriolet. The effect was astounding. At the same speed the crosswind sensitivity was much lower. But of course I had to pedal a bit more in order to reach the same speed.
Betwmeen Burgos and Leon
In Sahagun I made a short stop for hot chocalate and cake. There I met also a history student group from Florida with their Professor. I'm sure if these students show the same enthusiasme for history as for my contraption on three wheels, their professor can be very proud.
Sahagun
At 6.30 pm I reached the center of Leon. Time to look for a decent hotel. Usually I steer right to the point of highest attraction, a cathedral or so, and then I drive circles of increasing diameter to see where they have affordable hotels. This worked fine also in Leon. When I had safely stored my Lamburgini in the hotel wardrobe, I was introduced to an elderly gentlemen with the words "Siehste, das ist der junge Mann mit dem Velomobil". The elderly gentlemen (about my age) was a friend of Mr. Beyss, the father of the Beyss sons, who developped and produced the EVO-R velomobile I own. We had a long chat over a cold beer and he certainly will tell his friend Beyss, that the stuff his sons are producing is pretty reliable.
Leon's historic center is a dream. It's one of the things you must have seen before you die. Especially the "barrio humedo". I coudn't find out wether it got this name because the houses were wet or the throats of the inhabitants.
Cathedral of Leon
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Ich bin immer noch stolz auf mich wegen gestern abend. Da fährt man quer durch Spanien und wird sofort erkannt. Hoffentlich hat der Kollege von Beyss den Gruss auch ausgerichtet. Wie dem auch sei, gucken wir und die nächste Tagebuchseite an.
Ponferrada, 22.5.2017
Now I am sitting comfortably in front of the hostal "Virgen de la encina" in Ponferrada where I got the last and the best room. In front of me a glas of white wine and some tapitas. Freshly washed pilgrims are passing by on their way from the pilgrims hostal to a decent place to eat. The backdrop is formed by the Templers castle. Isn't that happiness at it's best.
Ponferrada with its Templers Castle
The Templers castle dates back to the 12. century. One of it's main task was to protect the pilgrims. After many fightings und restructurations it fell into decay. The walls have been sold as building material and on the lawns they played football. Beginning of the 20. century it's value has been rediscovered and restoration began. And the pilgrims come again.
This morning I left Leon, this wonderful town, and headed westwards. I wanted to be very smart and chose the most northerly route, where the mountains are not so high. Small winding roads led me trough remote villages and barren landscape. It was utterly interesting but I didn't make any progress. Untill a cyclist told me that I should not take these roads. "No quiero que un ciclista muere en mi pueblo" he argued and sent me to the "ruta antigua" over the Manzanal. And this was a tough climb.
We've made it
On the way down to Ponferrada I passed a group of young racing cyclists. One of them tried to keep up my speed. But to no avail. I am glad that I didn't meet them on the way up.
Ponferrada, 22.5.2017
Now I am sitting comfortably in front of the hostal "Virgen de la encina" in Ponferrada where I got the last and the best room. In front of me a glas of white wine and some tapitas. Freshly washed pilgrims are passing by on their way from the pilgrims hostal to a decent place to eat. The backdrop is formed by the Templers castle. Isn't that happiness at it's best.
Ponferrada with its Templers Castle
The Templers castle dates back to the 12. century. One of it's main task was to protect the pilgrims. After many fightings und restructurations it fell into decay. The walls have been sold as building material and on the lawns they played football. Beginning of the 20. century it's value has been rediscovered and restoration began. And the pilgrims come again.
This morning I left Leon, this wonderful town, and headed westwards. I wanted to be very smart and chose the most northerly route, where the mountains are not so high. Small winding roads led me trough remote villages and barren landscape. It was utterly interesting but I didn't make any progress. Untill a cyclist told me that I should not take these roads. "No quiero que un ciclista muere en mi pueblo" he argued and sent me to the "ruta antigua" over the Manzanal. And this was a tough climb.
We've made it
On the way down to Ponferrada I passed a group of young racing cyclists. One of them tried to keep up my speed. But to no avail. I am glad that I didn't meet them on the way up.
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- 891
Seit heute gehöre ich zur "Prominenz". War ja auch langsam Zeit, bei meiner Schönheit. Eine ganze Schar von Fotografen haben mich umringt und geblitzt. Und dann ist ein Artikel in der Zeitung von Ponferrada erschienen. Diesen Artikel hat dann Elmar ins Velomobilforum gestellt. Dies hat dann schliesslich Dynamik dazu bewegt, mich bei diesem Forum anzumelden und so ist diese Geschichte entstanden.
Lugo, 23.5.17
This morning I had a delayed start in Ponferrada. First I got involved in a pleasent discussion with a pilgrim couple from Aachen. They were truly interested in my contraption on three wheels. They even offered me their breakfast cake, which I certainly would need during the day. Then a young women from the local press asked for an interview and suddenly a whole group of fotographers was standing around me and my exotic vehicle. Finally I left Ponferrada under a storm of flashlights.
The tmplers castle in Ponferrada
The day was sunny and the road was flat. What more do you want. In Villafranca the landscape changed dramatically. Here you enter the valley of "Val Carce".
Villafranca del Bierzo
It's a wild scenery and the road is slowly climbing to the famous El Cebreiro. Here I felt that the two weeks training were quite a benefit. Sure it took some time but steadily I gained altitude until I reached the 1200 m pass to Galicia. Instead of making a stop on this famous spot I rushed down and postponed the lunch break. I really wanted to reach my final destination, the home of my eldest daughter in Lugo.
Just 50 km before I reached Lugo I had my first puncture. In spite of the self healing ability of tubeless tires the left front wheel kept loosing air. So I replaced the tubless tire with a traditional tire with tube and off I went. Probably they didn't put in sufficient "self healing" milk.
At 8 o clock I had reached Lugo. Just in time for a wonderful evening meal in the house of my daughter and my son in law.
Lugo, 23.5.17
This morning I had a delayed start in Ponferrada. First I got involved in a pleasent discussion with a pilgrim couple from Aachen. They were truly interested in my contraption on three wheels. They even offered me their breakfast cake, which I certainly would need during the day. Then a young women from the local press asked for an interview and suddenly a whole group of fotographers was standing around me and my exotic vehicle. Finally I left Ponferrada under a storm of flashlights.
The tmplers castle in Ponferrada
The day was sunny and the road was flat. What more do you want. In Villafranca the landscape changed dramatically. Here you enter the valley of "Val Carce".
Villafranca del Bierzo
It's a wild scenery and the road is slowly climbing to the famous El Cebreiro. Here I felt that the two weeks training were quite a benefit. Sure it took some time but steadily I gained altitude until I reached the 1200 m pass to Galicia. Instead of making a stop on this famous spot I rushed down and postponed the lunch break. I really wanted to reach my final destination, the home of my eldest daughter in Lugo.
Just 50 km before I reached Lugo I had my first puncture. In spite of the self healing ability of tubeless tires the left front wheel kept loosing air. So I replaced the tubless tire with a traditional tire with tube and off I went. Probably they didn't put in sufficient "self healing" milk.
At 8 o clock I had reached Lugo. Just in time for a wonderful evening meal in the house of my daughter and my son in law.
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Ich denke das bremst nicht stark. Allein das offene Cockpit bremst schon genug. Mich stört vielmehr die verdorbene Aesthetik. Da fährt man das schönste Velomobil, das je kreiert wurde, und schnallt so ein blödes Ding hinten drauf. Da muss ich noch ne bessere Lösung finden. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil hat die Anti-Aerodynamik mit dem offenen Cockpit und dem aufgeschnallten Dach, denn so ist das EVO-R weniger Seitenwind-emfindlich.
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So jetzt haben wir nach 2000 km das Ziel erreicht. Ohne jegliche Panne. Auch ohne jeglichen Kurvenschaden. Es scheint, dass Dynamik doch etwas gelernt hat.
Auch in Lugo wurde ich von der Presse empfangen. Einen ganz hübschen Zeitungsartikel hat die Reporterin über mich geschrieben.
Im August soll es dann Richtung Süden weitergehen, hab ich gehört. Aber zuerst werd ich mich mal ein bisschen erholen.
Lugo, 24.5.2017
Today I woke up in a familiar room, the guest room of Daniela and Chema. No preparations for another day on the road. Just relaxing and looking back at the last 14 days. It was a wonderful time. I wasn't always sure that I would make it to Lugo. 2000 km, in the beginning it seemed rather weird.
A journey of this sort brings innoumerous nice and interesting encounters. With a vehicle as I have used, you get so much attention, so many encouraging smiles and so many funny remarks. Like the lorry driver near Barcelona who shouted angrily "No tienes coche?". I am sure he has been waiting already for hours in the traffic jam while I could pass all these lorries on the hard shoulder. Or the youngster who explained his brother that this is a "coche pirhana". Most poeple along the road smiled and made "thumbs up" signs. Some stared as if they hade just seen an alien flying by.
After all it wasn't as hard as I have expected. Except on a few uphill sections in the beginning of the journey I always enjoyed this trip. Now I am leaving my Lamburgini sin motor in Lugo. This way I have a good excuse to repeat the jouney in the reverse direction.
Auch in Lugo wurde ich von der Presse empfangen. Einen ganz hübschen Zeitungsartikel hat die Reporterin über mich geschrieben.
Im August soll es dann Richtung Süden weitergehen, hab ich gehört. Aber zuerst werd ich mich mal ein bisschen erholen.
Lugo, 24.5.2017
Today I woke up in a familiar room, the guest room of Daniela and Chema. No preparations for another day on the road. Just relaxing and looking back at the last 14 days. It was a wonderful time. I wasn't always sure that I would make it to Lugo. 2000 km, in the beginning it seemed rather weird.
A journey of this sort brings innoumerous nice and interesting encounters. With a vehicle as I have used, you get so much attention, so many encouraging smiles and so many funny remarks. Like the lorry driver near Barcelona who shouted angrily "No tienes coche?". I am sure he has been waiting already for hours in the traffic jam while I could pass all these lorries on the hard shoulder. Or the youngster who explained his brother that this is a "coche pirhana". Most poeple along the road smiled and made "thumbs up" signs. Some stared as if they hade just seen an alien flying by.
After all it wasn't as hard as I have expected. Except on a few uphill sections in the beginning of the journey I always enjoyed this trip. Now I am leaving my Lamburgini sin motor in Lugo. This way I have a good excuse to repeat the jouney in the reverse direction.
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- 891
Mein Dornröschenschlaf im äussersten Winkel von Nordspanien hat nun endlich ein Ende. Ich werde zwar nicht wachgeküsst, doch werde ich schön poliert und bekomme als Dreingabe noch neue Bremsklötze fürs Hinterrad. Original Shimano, kosten ein Vermögen. Die Reifen (Tubeless, Pro One) bleiben drauf. Die werden schon nochmals 2000 km halten, meint Dynamik. Die Tochter von Dynamik macht noch einen kurzen Ausflug mit mir und meint ganz begeistert: "Da muss man ja gar nichts tun, das läuft ja von selbst." Dann gings los, nordwärts an die Küste. Das Weitere kann man ja im Tagebuch von Dynamik nachlesen.
Tapia de Casariego, 13. 8. 17
The first comunion celebration of my grandson gave the good excuse to drive with my velomobile from Switzerland to Spain and of course two month later also the excuse to drive it back. Thus, today I set off in Lugo in a North-Easterly direction. That's where Switzerland is located, when you are in Lugo. I have chosen the road along the North coast of Spain because there it shouldn't be too hot. The disadvantage however is that this road is a bit like a roller coaster, always up and down.
Starting in Lugo I followed the Miño river to Meira, where the Miño is supposed to have his sources. Then, after climbing a pass of just 650 m (luckily they are not as high as in Switzerland), I rushed through the wild gorge of the Rio Torto towards Vigadeo. In Vigadeo they had a big festival with Galician music (bagpipes) and I had a lovely lunch (bocadillo de pollo).
The road along the Rio Torto
Because everybod had warned me, that hotel rooms are difficult to get at this time of the year, I didn't stay too long and headed towards Tapia de Casariego a little village with a nice port. The first Hotel already had a free room and I even got the pilgrims discount. Did I look that tired?
The port of Tapia de Casariego
No, it was my bike. Halve of the staff came out to have a look. The owner asked, how much weight it can take. Not knowing what he was getting at, I said 120 kg. "Oh, then I can try it out and you can make a picture", he exclaimed. I felt so bad but I had to dissapoint him. He might have gotten into the velomobile but for shure he would never have gotten out again.
Tapia de Casariego, 13. 8. 17
The first comunion celebration of my grandson gave the good excuse to drive with my velomobile from Switzerland to Spain and of course two month later also the excuse to drive it back. Thus, today I set off in Lugo in a North-Easterly direction. That's where Switzerland is located, when you are in Lugo. I have chosen the road along the North coast of Spain because there it shouldn't be too hot. The disadvantage however is that this road is a bit like a roller coaster, always up and down.
Starting in Lugo I followed the Miño river to Meira, where the Miño is supposed to have his sources. Then, after climbing a pass of just 650 m (luckily they are not as high as in Switzerland), I rushed through the wild gorge of the Rio Torto towards Vigadeo. In Vigadeo they had a big festival with Galician music (bagpipes) and I had a lovely lunch (bocadillo de pollo).
The road along the Rio Torto
Because everybod had warned me, that hotel rooms are difficult to get at this time of the year, I didn't stay too long and headed towards Tapia de Casariego a little village with a nice port. The first Hotel already had a free room and I even got the pilgrims discount. Did I look that tired?
The port of Tapia de Casariego
No, it was my bike. Halve of the staff came out to have a look. The owner asked, how much weight it can take. Not knowing what he was getting at, I said 120 kg. "Oh, then I can try it out and you can make a picture", he exclaimed. I felt so bad but I had to dissapoint him. He might have gotten into the velomobile but for shure he would never have gotten out again.
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Hätte Dynamik heute einen Wunsch offen gehabt, er hätte sicher alle Berge von Nordspanien ins Pfefferland geschickt. Ist ja auch halbegs verständlich. Zehnmal von Meereshöhe auf 200 m hochkraxeln und dann beim Runterfahren noch bremsen bis die Trommeln heiss werden. Das ist ja nicht gerade das, was man sich für eine Velomobiltour wünscht. Die Tagesleistung war auch entsptechend mager. Distanz: 95 km, Mittlere Fahrgeschwindigkeit: 15 kmh. Im Tagebuch spricht er natürlich nicht darüber.
Soto di Barca, 14.8.17
Roller coaster on three wheels
May be I should have listened to the suggestions of Google maps. If you enter Lugo to Neuchâtel Google maps suggest the road over El Cebreiro, Mansanal, Burgos and Biaritz. As if El Cebreiro and Mansanal on its own were not high enough. But the road along tbe coast is a different category. It's always steep up or steep down. A velomobile is definitely not the ideal bike for this road. Never mind, I have lot's of time and I get many encouraging thumbs up.
A downhill section through rain forest of Northern Spain near Luarca
The weather is fine and the scent in the forests I am passing through is fantastic. I had a small lunch (chocolate caliente y arroz con leche) in Luarca, where my velomobile was the main attraction for the kids.
Future velonautes in Luarca
The afternoon was again steep up and steep down. In Soto di Barca after only 100 km I decided to call it a day and found a wonderful palace. Just the right thing for my tired legs. They have a spa with sauna and all other accessories. What else could you wish for.
A decent hotel for tired legs in Soto di Barca
Soto di Barca, 14.8.17
Roller coaster on three wheels
May be I should have listened to the suggestions of Google maps. If you enter Lugo to Neuchâtel Google maps suggest the road over El Cebreiro, Mansanal, Burgos and Biaritz. As if El Cebreiro and Mansanal on its own were not high enough. But the road along tbe coast is a different category. It's always steep up or steep down. A velomobile is definitely not the ideal bike for this road. Never mind, I have lot's of time and I get many encouraging thumbs up.
A downhill section through rain forest of Northern Spain near Luarca
The weather is fine and the scent in the forests I am passing through is fantastic. I had a small lunch (chocolate caliente y arroz con leche) in Luarca, where my velomobile was the main attraction for the kids.
Future velonautes in Luarca
The afternoon was again steep up and steep down. In Soto di Barca after only 100 km I decided to call it a day and found a wonderful palace. Just the right thing for my tired legs. They have a spa with sauna and all other accessories. What else could you wish for.
A decent hotel for tired legs in Soto di Barca
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Heute war die Stimmung doch schon viel besser. Gemächliche Anstiege und dann am Schluss eine einzige lange Abfahrt, auf der meine Fähigkeiten voll zur Geltung kamen. Dynamik muss halt nur die richtige Route wählen. 120 km Tagesleistung und bereits um 4 Uhr ein warmer Platz neben dem Billardtisch ist ja nicht zu verachten.
Ribadasella, 15.8.17
Taking the low road
Sometimes the longer road is the easier one. Instead of taking the coastal road I took the inland road that leads from Soto di Barco over Lugonese to Ribadesella. This road has a smooth ascent, follows several valleys and - this is the nice part of it - has a smooth descent through the gorge of the river Sella. There the scenery is quite impressive. The river Sella seems to be an Eldorado for canoe people. Hundreds of canoes and kayaks were floating through this gorge while I was rushing down on the road with my three wheeler.
Canoeing on the river Sella
At four a'clock I was already checked-in in a nice hotel in Ribsdesella. My first task was to find a bicycle shop, as one of my tubeless tires kept loosing air. Not dramatically but steadily. Somehow this selfhealing liquid seams to have evaporated. I had self healing liquid with me but no tools to unscrew the walve. With the help of the friendly lady in the bicycle shop, who gave me access to all the tools the chief bicycle mechanic (who didn't show up on this particular day) had in store, we got everything right.
The beach of Ribadesella
Ribadesella has the nicest harbor you can imagine. An unspoiled old town and a beautiful waterfront. In the twenties (of the last century) quite a few Spanish poeple, who hade made their fortune in Cuba, have buildt their "holiday chalets" here.
A "Holiday Chalet" at the waterfront of Ribadesella
Ribadasella, 15.8.17
Taking the low road
Sometimes the longer road is the easier one. Instead of taking the coastal road I took the inland road that leads from Soto di Barco over Lugonese to Ribadesella. This road has a smooth ascent, follows several valleys and - this is the nice part of it - has a smooth descent through the gorge of the river Sella. There the scenery is quite impressive. The river Sella seems to be an Eldorado for canoe people. Hundreds of canoes and kayaks were floating through this gorge while I was rushing down on the road with my three wheeler.
Canoeing on the river Sella
At four a'clock I was already checked-in in a nice hotel in Ribsdesella. My first task was to find a bicycle shop, as one of my tubeless tires kept loosing air. Not dramatically but steadily. Somehow this selfhealing liquid seams to have evaporated. I had self healing liquid with me but no tools to unscrew the walve. With the help of the friendly lady in the bicycle shop, who gave me access to all the tools the chief bicycle mechanic (who didn't show up on this particular day) had in store, we got everything right.
The beach of Ribadesella
Ribadesella has the nicest harbor you can imagine. An unspoiled old town and a beautiful waterfront. In the twenties (of the last century) quite a few Spanish poeple, who hade made their fortune in Cuba, have buildt their "holiday chalets" here.
A "Holiday Chalet" at the waterfront of Ribadesella
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Heute stand offensichtlich "Tubeless Tire Testing" auf dem Programm, wobei der Test nicht ganz fair abgelaufen ist. Erstens wars der Reifen, der schon bei der Hinfahrt Luft verloren hatte und wohl schon eine gewisse Beschädigung aufwies und zweitens hatte der Reifen auch schon 3000 km auf dem Profil. Ich bin nicht so sicher, ob Dynamik dem Tubeless-System treu bleiben wird.
Santander, 16.8.17
Costa verde at it's best
Today was again a roller coaster day. But it was nevertheless a wonderful day. The sun was shining and the blue sea and the green forests were a real treat. This "camino norte" is really something special.
Playa de San Antolín
In the afternoon I had a minor problem with my tubeless tire. The one I had filled with selfhealing milk. The pressure had dropped from 8 bar to 4 bar and that was the reason I was so slow, I guess. So I took off the wheel and pumped and pumped. Wizzzzz and halv of the bus shelter was painted white. But then it stopped to spray, which means that the self healing milk was working. But 4
bar is not enough. I pumped again up to 8 bars, with the result that it wizzzzzed again but this time halve of the forest was filled with a milky spray. It seems that the life time of this tire has expired. So I changed it to a traditional tire and tube system and now it's working fine.
On the last summit before Santander a whole bunch of poeple were cheering when I had reached the top. So I took it as an invitation for a refreshing beer. I got my beer and a free spanish lesson.
Last summit before Santander
Now I am in Santander, a big and lifely city with a big port. Unfortunately they have accidently burnt the old town center in the forties of the last century, so there is not a real old town, as one would expect.
Art Museum Santander
Santander, 16.8.17
Costa verde at it's best
Today was again a roller coaster day. But it was nevertheless a wonderful day. The sun was shining and the blue sea and the green forests were a real treat. This "camino norte" is really something special.
Playa de San Antolín
In the afternoon I had a minor problem with my tubeless tire. The one I had filled with selfhealing milk. The pressure had dropped from 8 bar to 4 bar and that was the reason I was so slow, I guess. So I took off the wheel and pumped and pumped. Wizzzzz and halv of the bus shelter was painted white. But then it stopped to spray, which means that the self healing milk was working. But 4
bar is not enough. I pumped again up to 8 bars, with the result that it wizzzzzed again but this time halve of the forest was filled with a milky spray. It seems that the life time of this tire has expired. So I changed it to a traditional tire and tube system and now it's working fine.
On the last summit before Santander a whole bunch of poeple were cheering when I had reached the top. So I took it as an invitation for a refreshing beer. I got my beer and a free spanish lesson.
Last summit before Santander
Now I am in Santander, a big and lifely city with a big port. Unfortunately they have accidently burnt the old town center in the forties of the last century, so there is not a real old town, as one would expect.
Art Museum Santander
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Entweder sind die Berge zu steil oder die Städtchen Nordspaniens zu hübsch oder beides zusammen. Mit 80 km Tagesleistung bei einer Durchschnittsgeschwindigkeit von 15 kmh schaffen wir's nie zurück in die Heimat.
Castro Urdiales, 17.8.17
A shortcut to paradise
Today was the tour of the medieval towns of northern Spain. I started in Santander and reached Laredo right at lunchtime. It was a good idea to stop here. Laredo is a real marvel with a most beautiful old town center, built on a rock. Of course Laredo is better known for it's wonderful beaches. After an extensive lunch break with a visit to the fortifications and to the peluqueria I carried on towards Castro Urdiale
Laredo
But before I reached this second marvel I got stopped by the police. Not for any infliction of speed limits - it was going uphill. The policeman was just interested in my vehicle. While we talked about my contraption and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela he explained to me, that there is a church not too far from San Vicente de la Barquera, somehow southwards in the mountains, where they keep a splinter of the cross. And this church opens it's doors only in the año santo. And as in Santtiago all your sins will be forgiven. It's too bad that I have forgotten the name of this church. Because that seems to be a shortcut to paradise.
Between Liendo and El Pontarrón
At five o'clock I reached Castro Urdiales, the second marvel of a medieval town. Time to find a hotel. As usual, they kept telling me that everything is booked out and that I would not find a single room in this town. All rubish. After the third trial I got a small oblong room in the third floor of an old house close to the port. It's too bad that the window opens to a light shaft and not to the port. Never mind. You can have everything in life, but not all at the same time.
Lighthouse of Castro Urdiales
Castro Urdiales, 17.8.17
A shortcut to paradise
Today was the tour of the medieval towns of northern Spain. I started in Santander and reached Laredo right at lunchtime. It was a good idea to stop here. Laredo is a real marvel with a most beautiful old town center, built on a rock. Of course Laredo is better known for it's wonderful beaches. After an extensive lunch break with a visit to the fortifications and to the peluqueria I carried on towards Castro Urdiale
Laredo
But before I reached this second marvel I got stopped by the police. Not for any infliction of speed limits - it was going uphill. The policeman was just interested in my vehicle. While we talked about my contraption and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela he explained to me, that there is a church not too far from San Vicente de la Barquera, somehow southwards in the mountains, where they keep a splinter of the cross. And this church opens it's doors only in the año santo. And as in Santtiago all your sins will be forgiven. It's too bad that I have forgotten the name of this church. Because that seems to be a shortcut to paradise.
Between Liendo and El Pontarrón
At five o'clock I reached Castro Urdiales, the second marvel of a medieval town. Time to find a hotel. As usual, they kept telling me that everything is booked out and that I would not find a single room in this town. All rubish. After the third trial I got a small oblong room in the third floor of an old house close to the port. It's too bad that the window opens to a light shaft and not to the port. Never mind. You can have everything in life, but not all at the same time.
Lighthouse of Castro Urdiales
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Heute wars wieder mal hübsch gebirgig. Entsprechend kurz fiel die Tagesetappe aus. 115 km mit einem Schnitt von 16 kmh. Auf den Berg-Etappen ist Dynamik immer froh wenn Pilger auftauchen. Dann hat er eine gute Ausrede, die Fahrt zu unterbrechen. Beim Bergabfahren interessieren ihn die Pilger komischerweise viel weniger.
Ein Velomobil hat übrigens einen Riesenvorteil beim Parkieren in Parkgaragen. Bauhöhebedingt kann man unter der Schranke reinfahren und auch wieder unter der Schranke rausfahren. Bezahlen muss man so nicht, es sei denn, der Garagendrache wartet bei der Schranke.
Castro Urdiales, 18.8.17
Too tired to talk
Another sunny day dawned over Castro Urdiales. A steep climb from sea level to 350 m altitude was waiting for me. From the top you could see the whole coast line up to the french border (I guess) and all the hills that were still waiting for me. Slowly but steadily I was approachng the big city of Bilbao. On this road I met many "real" pligrims, i.e. pilgrims with a heavy backpack and a long wooden wanderstock. I often stopped when I met a pilgrim and we had so many nice chats. Michael from Mannheim was especially interested in my contraption. "Hat aber nen Motor", he said. On my negative answer he replied dissapointedly "So ein Stress." Little did he know how much "stress" was still waiting for him on his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Pilgrims on the Camino Norte between Castro Urdiales and Bilbao
Usually big cities are rather a pain for a cyclist. But still it is always worth to pay at least a visit to the historic center. There in Bilbao, at around midday, I got choccolate caliente and a cruasson in a street caffee. At the neighbouring table another cyclist with a heavy loaded traditional bicycle slumped into a chair. In the intent to cheer him up a little bit, I started to talk to him. But his only answer was "I am too tired to talk". Well I guess he got something totally wrong about bicycling.
A dream of a road (Spanish north coast between Getaria and Zarautz)
Bilbao is huge. For more than 2 hours I was driving through industrial suburbs untill I reached the open country again. Winding roads along wild rivers and eventually the coast. Luckily the road did not climb again on the last 20 km but followed the coast line untill Zarautz, where I found a nice hotel and a good but expensive place for my EVO-R.
20 Euro for one night
Ein Velomobil hat übrigens einen Riesenvorteil beim Parkieren in Parkgaragen. Bauhöhebedingt kann man unter der Schranke reinfahren und auch wieder unter der Schranke rausfahren. Bezahlen muss man so nicht, es sei denn, der Garagendrache wartet bei der Schranke.
Castro Urdiales, 18.8.17
Too tired to talk
Another sunny day dawned over Castro Urdiales. A steep climb from sea level to 350 m altitude was waiting for me. From the top you could see the whole coast line up to the french border (I guess) and all the hills that were still waiting for me. Slowly but steadily I was approachng the big city of Bilbao. On this road I met many "real" pligrims, i.e. pilgrims with a heavy backpack and a long wooden wanderstock. I often stopped when I met a pilgrim and we had so many nice chats. Michael from Mannheim was especially interested in my contraption. "Hat aber nen Motor", he said. On my negative answer he replied dissapointedly "So ein Stress." Little did he know how much "stress" was still waiting for him on his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Pilgrims on the Camino Norte between Castro Urdiales and Bilbao
Usually big cities are rather a pain for a cyclist. But still it is always worth to pay at least a visit to the historic center. There in Bilbao, at around midday, I got choccolate caliente and a cruasson in a street caffee. At the neighbouring table another cyclist with a heavy loaded traditional bicycle slumped into a chair. In the intent to cheer him up a little bit, I started to talk to him. But his only answer was "I am too tired to talk". Well I guess he got something totally wrong about bicycling.
A dream of a road (Spanish north coast between Getaria and Zarautz)
Bilbao is huge. For more than 2 hours I was driving through industrial suburbs untill I reached the open country again. Winding roads along wild rivers and eventually the coast. Luckily the road did not climb again on the last 20 km but followed the coast line untill Zarautz, where I found a nice hotel and a good but expensive place for my EVO-R.
20 Euro for one night
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Heute Abend beim Aperitiv für die Gäste war ich (EVO-R) wieder einmal die Hauptfigur. Da konnte nicht eimal der Banker von London, der gerade seine Anteile verkauft hatte (oder wurde er rauskomplimentiert?) und jetzt scheinbar nach einem französischen Finanzinstitut Ausschau hielt, mithalten. So etwas hatten sie noch nie gesehen. Alle wollten sie mich aus der Nähe bewundern und stiessen aufs Wohl von Dynamik und auf seine 4000 km an.
Saubion, 19.8.17
This is neither Spain nor France
This morning I woke up in Spain and ended the day in France. But that is - according to the poeple here - all wrong. I am in the Basque country. And in honour of this I had a typical basque evening meal called "Axua avec pomme de terre" (hached veal with lots of tomatoes, paprika and other things and of course potatoes). And it was really good.
In Zarautz
From Zarautz to San Sebastian I followed a narrow valley with a dark river. The water was almost stagnant. Good for me because this way I had not much climbing. San Sebastian is much smaller and also much nicer than Bilbao. The town center with its scenic harbour and sandy beach is really worth a visit.
The next stop was Bayonne with its wonderful cathedral and its medieval town center. I could have spendt hours in the small lanes of the old town. When I came back to my velomobile, an elderly lady inquired, wether this type of bicycle might be good for her back problems. I offered here a free ride but she didn't dare.
Cathedral of Bayonne
This evening the hunt for a hotel room looked - for the first time during this trip - a bit critical. After endless phone calls the lady at the tourist information eventually got me a room in a lodge type holiday resort. The owner has created a paradise with small lakes, some artificial hills and a few tent-like wooden huts. I have a terasse overlooking a lake and on this terrasse I have a swing. With a bit of imagination you can see lions and tigers crawling through the forest.
Les Echasses, Saubion
Saubion, 19.8.17
This is neither Spain nor France
This morning I woke up in Spain and ended the day in France. But that is - according to the poeple here - all wrong. I am in the Basque country. And in honour of this I had a typical basque evening meal called "Axua avec pomme de terre" (hached veal with lots of tomatoes, paprika and other things and of course potatoes). And it was really good.
In Zarautz
From Zarautz to San Sebastian I followed a narrow valley with a dark river. The water was almost stagnant. Good for me because this way I had not much climbing. San Sebastian is much smaller and also much nicer than Bilbao. The town center with its scenic harbour and sandy beach is really worth a visit.
The next stop was Bayonne with its wonderful cathedral and its medieval town center. I could have spendt hours in the small lanes of the old town. When I came back to my velomobile, an elderly lady inquired, wether this type of bicycle might be good for her back problems. I offered here a free ride but she didn't dare.
Cathedral of Bayonne
This evening the hunt for a hotel room looked - for the first time during this trip - a bit critical. After endless phone calls the lady at the tourist information eventually got me a room in a lodge type holiday resort. The owner has created a paradise with small lakes, some artificial hills and a few tent-like wooden huts. I have a terasse overlooking a lake and on this terrasse I have a swing. With a bit of imagination you can see lions and tigers crawling through the forest.
Les Echasses, Saubion
