Résumé

Bilbao – Bari, 3000 km in 58 days!

Maybe it was the hilliest route in the history of BaltiCCycle – hard but very picturesque and peaceful. We have vivid memories not only of breathtaking views in Spain, France, Andorra, and Italy, but also the joy of being together. Paldies jums ļoti, great thanks to Latvian Velokurjers drivers – Aldis & Janis – who debuted in our rides and had a big influence on the friendly atmosphere in the group. Grazie mille, great thanks to Giulia & Carlotta, who invited us to Italy, prepared a wonderful route, found unexpected sleeping places, and led us through the touristic and untouristic places, showing face of their homeland far from stereotypes; and Emanuele, the local cyclist, who joined us in Apulia twice to guide through interesting roads and paths, and gave many information about his region. Last but not least ačiū, thanks, to Saulius who gave the idea to visit the Basque Country, prepared the draft of the route, passed some contacts, but finally couldn’t join us. And of course we are grateful to all of you without whom the ride would not happen.

The average distance of the cycling day was 65 km. During the whole ride we climbed up (and down!) 44 km – on average almost 1 km every day. The highest point of the route was the pass in Andorra – Port d’Envalira 2409 m, not counting the Peak Coma Pedrosa 2943 m, which we hiked during the rest day. 42 people took part in the ride from 9 countries: Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Poland. 29 men and 13 women. 7 of them cycled the whole or almost the whole route. The average duration of participation was 24,6 days. The oldest participant was 79 years old (he cycled almost the whole route), the youngest one was 17. The average age of participants was 48 years. Most of us knew each other from previous rides, but we welcomed 12 debutants!