I'm back in the country and slowly but surely the sun is coming out again, even in Germany - yipeeeeeee!! But LaPalma was pretty sweet too at 77-86°F/25-30°, with a view from the terrace of the nearby ocean. Single trails in the sunshine, black beaches and a new jump slope that was built by downhill-cannon Daniel Schäfer and others.

When it came to the bike marathon we also kicked some ass. While I myself boycotted the event due to the shamefully high starter fee of 40,-, the rest of the gang went on the trophy hunt.

What one could take from the run of the race was that the organizers had definitely learned from last year and did their best. They had put up sufficient signs on the track (but why keep it a secret until the start? Amusing quote: "I haven't seen the track, but I heard it's beautiful!" …aha!), snack stands also in sufficient amounts, in addition there were pleasant gatherings before and after the marathon with food representative of the country, which was included in the price this time… but because of it the entry fee was heightened too… When the organizers receive the entry fee at an appropriate level of about 30-35,-, then the race and the exertions that the following bike marathon on Gran Canaria will bring with it, are recommended. 30-40 participants on La Palma, compared to almost 230 on Gran Canaria, the numbers speak for themselves I think.

Aside from that, there were some very good tours and single trails under the leadership of Philipp Foltz (AtlanticCycling), the possible marathon track was inspected café con leche was eagerly annihilated…

While the others granted themselves a day of rest before the marathon, I stayed on the island a few days longer and dedicated myself to exploring the town and jumping on the slopes to Puerto Naos.

...I don't want to deny you the following picture experiment...

All in all, the Pirate Bikeweek was, once again, a pleasant beginning to the season -
biking in the sunlight, while others were clearing the sidewalk in snowsuits.
Here, everything may now continue in a smooth and laid-back fashion…

until the days...

Hasta luego

Björn