Engagement Ring Donut

03:11

51,0km

16,1km/h

44,9km/h

610m

660m

Garmin Edge 1040

This title - because this ride seems fun and simple but there’s a small, exciting, hard bit in the middle that totally changes the vibe and which I wouldn’t recommend adding if you aren’t confident.

Difficulty level: everything about this is beginner except for the climb, which is definitely more suited to experienced off-road riders with a good fitness level. You can push up, but it’s quite long (I think almost 4km). Nice if you want a challenge, but not nice if you just want a cruisy canal path style adventure. After the cafe stop, it’s quick and easy trails all the way back.

The roads: big variety of gravel trails in different settings, forests, fields, small towns etc. Aside from the climb, none of it was really technical. Although there are one or two little sneaky detours eg through a tiny tunnel next to a church in a forest (at beginning of climb).

The climb: absolutely ridiculous climb. Very long, very steep, very rocky with a bit of a drop on the side in some parts. I pushed a fair amount, mostly because I kept losing grip and didn’t want to let more air out of my tires. That said, the descent was absolutely gorgeous, not technical at all, with a decent view of the town.

The cafe stop: I went on a Sunday and the town was quiet but there were a few little places open. There are also a few water fountains around. At Ca L’armela (where I stopped) there’s a selection of baked goods and there’s also a little bakery around the corner. I had a coffee and sandwich and pastry and all were lovely.