We are in the middle of pre-season, this time of year when we usually spend fewer hours on the bike and take advantage of it to recharge our batteries. An ideal phase to practice other sports and disconnect, and to lay the physical foundation for the following season. At the same time, many are already thinking about future objectives: cycle tours, challenges, trips…
In our case, at PlanetaBici.com, we have already faced some tests. On the calendar we have June 30, 2024 marked with a giant cross.
Although there is still a long way to go, we are already looking forward to experiencing the epic day of cycling offered by the 4 Cims march, a route that is difficult to beat in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees with close and careful organization.
The itinerary stands out for several elements: endless mountain passes, good atmosphere, altitude, accumulated unevenness… This series of factors, and many others, make it a “must” on our cycling agenda.
The march, in its longest version, passes 4 passes, 3 of them very well-known. Firstly, the imposing Coll de la Creueta (21 km at 5.2%), with the picturesque town of Castellar de n’Hug in its central section. Right after, the long and drawn-out Collada de Toses (18 km at 3%), with some fairly demanding initial kilometers and a more rolling second half.
Finally, a poisoned candy. A spectacular port, with good asphalt and movie views that, in turn, becomes hell for most.
The feared Coll de Pal (19 km at 6.7%) overcomes an ascent of more than 1,500 meters of positive gradient, a full-fledged “Hors Catégorie”.
The accumulated fatigue makes it an even greater obstacle. As we saw last year, it is a place where time stops. Pedal after pedal, it seems like the bike is not moving forward.
Little by little the vegetation is changing, a sign that, despite our pessimistic perception, we are indeed moving.
A few last open curves lead us to the finish line. There, endless sensations invade us. That poisoned candy becomes a delicious sweet that helps us digest what we have experienced.
Satisfaction. Exhaustion. Happiness. Because we cyclists have many bad things, but we know how to enjoy suffering, and that has a lot of value.
