Deeper into Catalonia … I can’t help noticing that there are not many signs at all that I’m in Spain here. There are no Spanish flags, people even don’t speak Spanish but Catalan, which doesn’t make it easier to understand.
I really hope they make their independence! It could send out a good signal to Europe, moving away from old borders and power struggles between nations.
From Llavorsi I ride towards Sort and then up to the Coll el Cantó. A long, very hot ride in the summer sun. A stark contrast to the rather cool weather of the last couple of days.
Just after noon and almost at the top, I take a long break in the shade. The descent is not very steep, so I have to pedal quite often, but small clouds give some shade.
The valley of Urgell is basically boiling and even though it’s flat, it’s a tough ride to La Seu d’Urgell.
This former bishop seat features a well preserved old city core and the only romanic cathedral in Catalonia.
It’s already fairly late, but the local campground is right next to the road and as the heat subsides, riding gets easier again. I continue up to the Coll de la Trava, not very steep, but high enough. The tiny road has almost no traffic and leads up through beautiful pine forests.
As the sun sets I roll down towards my goal: the campground at Molí de Fornóls.