Two Wheels Over Catalonia: Cycling the Back Roads of North-eastern Spain

by Richard Guise

Sixteen years after first moving to Catalonia, travel writer, Richard Guise, finally finds time to slow down and explore the back roads by bicycle  With more than 250 miles of sparkling Mediterranean shoreline and an interior view dominated by the Pyrenees, it's a spectacular cycling journey from wind-blown headlands to the glitzy coasts, and from bustling Barcelona to remote hillsides where only wild goats grazing and chirruping cicadas disturb the tranquility. Dipping into the unique history of this fiercely independent nation-within-a-nation, the author uncovers many of its cultural peculiarities, such as what to do in a "bugaderia." Chancing upon nudist beaches, ancient Iberian sites, and revolutionary road-sweepers, this slow cyclist revels in authentic Catalonia.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grew on me. The author is engaging and the book is full of interesting facts about living in Northern Spain and about learning the language. If you are doing any cycling in Spain, it makes a good companion.

[Elja Daae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Niet uitgelezen.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

As books go this is the type of book that buys you a drink and sits down to watch the sunset with you. it is not particularly challenging, just a satisfying summer read.

Guise has lived in Catalonia for a number of years but has not explored much of it. He decides to take follow the coast by bike, riding 40 or 50 kilometres a day. Throughout his trip he writes with wit and humour about the people the places, and the history of the fiercely independent region.

An enjoyable read, and combines some of my favourite genres, travel and cycling.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

delightful travelogue of one man's cycling journey along the catalan coastline with a mixture of culture, language, jokes, history and funny stories

[Mark Chillingworth]

Fun & easy reading, probably more for us cyclists.