QF Focus Magazine “Get on yer Bike.”


Monthly cycling tips / advice and routes by Gary and Lynn, “Cyclogical” Quesada. The Albudeite Rio-Mula Cycle Sportif.


Recently, ten members of Team “Cyclogical” based in Ciudad Quesada travelled to Albudeite in Murcia to participate in the “1st Marcha Cicloturistica, Albudeite Rio-Mula Sportif.” The team left from Cyclogical shop in Quesada at 6am and travelled in convoy along the AP7 heading for Murcia where we picked up the Almeria road following it for twenty kms, then headed up towards Mula where the tiny village of Albudeite sits tucked away at the bottom of a valley.


The race was well organised and started at 9.15am with a mass start following the pace car which was brilliant. The group soon thinned out as many of us left the town and started climbing however the pace car kept slowing down to make sure everyone was together as part of


the police requirements at some of these events. We had only gone about fifteen km when we were passing through the first village at about forty km per hour and hit some speed humps. Most of us were airborne and when we landed many water bottles had jumped out of their cages and started running down the road (including Binnsy’s). No one stops for them as it is too dangerous. Ten minutes later this tall lean Spanish semi-pro-looking cyclist caught up with Binnsy and tapped him on the shoulder to give him his bottle back; he had stopped and picked it up and chased Binnsy to return it. Now that’s sportsmanship for you.


There were over two hundred riders participating and two of our guys were taking part in their first event - Phil Nobbs and Big Dave Bliston, who were both a bit nervous at the start soon settled in and found their own pace. The route was well sign posted with plenty of helpers, dispatch riders and police motorcycles assisting to marshal the route, and people cheerting us on.


The course covered a total distance of ninety kms with just over 1200 metres of climbing involved, this was an easy route and ideal for beginners. Most of the route was neutralised (following a pace car) but there were various parts where we were free running including a timed 6km hill climb with an average gradient of 7%. Most of the fitter guys all sprinted up here to try and secure a trophy. At the half way point there was a compulsory food and water stop for approx 30 minutes which also allowed the slower riders to catch up. It is at an event like this that you find out just how fit you are as you can compare your ability against others and not just your own guys. Once we had all crossed the finish line we had baguettes, beer and music before the prize giving ceremony. Sniffer was not only one of the oldest competitors in the event, but also won the trophy for the fastest up the hill climb in his age group (65-75) and was chuffed to bits. We were all really pleased for him when he went up onto the stage to collect his trophy. He just looked like Rocky Bilboa in a Rocky film. Well done everyone and here’s to the next one.


The team who took part were Malcky Murray, Alan Quearns, Owen Desmond, Richard Binns, Gary Routledge, Dave (sniffer) Robertson, Big Dave Bliston, Phil Nobbs, Graham Kinghorn and Darren Heath. All of the team had an excellent day’s cycling and returned to Quesada for a well deserved beer and a good laugh. The team would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support. Sol-4 investment consulting, Expat pensions and investments, Arrow rent a car, Shenanigans bar, Spanish Insurance, Securidan, Pulse Core Fitness and Ambience fires and solar.


Team “Cyclogical” meet every Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am and cover between 90 and 120 kms at a moderate to fast pace so if you fancy a challenge come along and join us.


Looking to improve your fitness, riding ability and speed and also have a new group of friends to train with? Then why not come along and give it a try, or call Gary on 637 487 377.


Gary and Lynn are available at Cyclogical in Quesada Monday to Friday 09.30-17.30 and Saturdays from 10.00-14.00 to assist and advise you on all your cycling requirements.


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