On June 22nd, 2023, we began our adventure right outside Mataró station (Renfe) at 16:50. It was a scorching 33ºC, but we were determined to reach our destination - Tibidabo in Barcelona. We'd smartly parked a car at our arrival point the day before to prepare for the challenge ahead.
Our plan was to trace a GPX track we'd discovered online and adhere as closely as possible to the GR92. The heat was punishing, particularly in the first leg, but thankfully we didn't have to scrounge for water sources. Our friend Mike (Miquel Martinez , full-on assistence 🛐) armed with a motorbike, provided much-needed assistance (mostly freshwater) at various road crossings. While we maintain that this feat is entirely achievable without support, as newcomers navigating yesterday's extreme temperature and the current drought in Catalonia, completing the route without undue stress would have been unfeasible.
Initially, we had no specific goals, we were mainly in training for the CCC. We spent the day experimenting with pacing and tweaking Garmin's settings. However, as we pushed onward, it dawned on us that a sub 6-hour finish was within our reach. Energized by this realization, we kicked up our pace and raced to the finish line.
Our hard-earned reward? A late-night, fast-food feast at TGB, indulged in at the stroke of midnight.
Here's to next time!