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Category: B(H)iking Page 24 of 36
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It is Sunday morning, blue sky with light trade winds. Hardly swell in the bay. Less traffic, perfect conditions: No excuse! Let’s get on the bike.
There was some extended off-road included today, most of it very pleasant, with trees providing shade against the rising sun. Some cattle crossing my way. Carriacou offers some beautiful nature not only on the island itself but also around its shoreline. Some stunning views to Grenada, Petit Martinique, Union Island, etc. Most picturesque the anchorage at Sandy Island – SY Black Pearl included.
Back in Tyrrel Bay, I stopped at Barakena Bar for a beer and some of the best reggae music in the bay before taking the bike back with the dinghy.
Fair winds…
Today’s ride was a challenge and probably the hardest one I have done in the 50-60km range. It started off as ususal at the break of the day with a straight climb to get out of town. My legs were not strong and my mind was struggling. Close to turning around and going back, I pushed not only myself hard but also the bike as some of the ascents showed 22% and walking the bike was required. No way I cycle that. Filling in Coke helped a bit but I kept struggling on the uphills.
However, finally I got to the centre of the island seeing some great nature before getting my bike bottle filled with fresh Coconut alongside the road in Gouyave downtown, a very interesting spot.
The ride along the coastline was less impressive but still nice and less mountainous and I was happy to arrive back at the boat after almost 4.5h in the saddle.
Fair winds…
Despite some rain in the very early morning hours my mind was programmed for another bike ride accepting wet roads and potentially additional showers on the way. It is warm rain anyway and showers hardly take longer than ten to fifteen minutes besides being very local. Playing likelihoods!
I enjoyed the ride ending with a downhill back into Saint George’s town center and popping by its fish market, which did not impress me at all.
Will need to get the bike cleaned & greased before hitting the road again.
Fair winds…
My first bike ride on Grenada took me to the southern lighthouse of the island located at Prickly Bay, which is a popular anchorage as well.
With highest care and respect on the conditions to be expected, I left at the time of sunrise, 6:30am. It is also the time where roads start to get alive and first traffic kicks in. Apart from the speedy mini-busses, people are getting on the road to reach work or get to school. General noise levels increase accompanied by horns being blown often and regularly to claim right of way. Left side driving/riding had to be refreshed mentally, which happens quickly.
I decided for a short ride to start with and test the scene. Once you accept the conditions and play with it, the fun part starts. Having been in the saddle in more chaotic conditions (e.g. Manila) biking Grenada will continue.
Fair winds…
Today’s morning ride took me to some other parts of the island. From best tarmac to roughest gravel, I got it all covered. Latter one came as a Komoot surprise!
Some boat work is waiting now…
Fair winds…
We wish you all a Happy New Year !
We had a quiet transition over a nice dinner. Overall the marina was calm, some live music here and there but nothing crazy.
Instead, I decided to hit the road in the early morning hours for the first ride to start the year. It took me to the southern tip of Martinique to see some salt lake reservoir and the associated beach, one of the longer sandy beaches on this island. It was a nice ride after some heavy personal push to overcome the physical and mental resistance build up over the last two weeks without being in the saddle.
Some good tarmac and scenery are inviting for further rides to come.
Fair winds…
After a long Siesta it got me back into the saddle for a short evening ride. On my list was a luxury property development in a valley close to Mindelo. Before getting there, I was stopped by a security guard at the barrier towards a private property. I believe the development failed or at least it looked all a bit dreary and abondened.
On the way back I passed by the City Beach.
Fair winds & good night.