Join me in this exhilarating episode of RIDE WITH ME, the ASMR cycling podcast, as we venture into the heart of Montseny, Catalonia's picturesque massif boasting the highest peaks south of the Pyrenees. Brace yourself for a 30-kilometer epic descent from the towering Turó de L'Home at 1700m down to the charming city of Sant Celoni at 200m elevation. This cycling odyssey promises tight switchbacks, breathtaking vistas, and a journey through the natural wonders that define Montseny. Immerse yourself in the sensory experience, don your headphones, and come RIDE WITH ME through this awe-inspiring adventure.

Equipment used:

• Winspace G2 frame
• NEWMEN Road Fade hubs laced to carbon rims and Continental 5000 STR.
• Mullet SRAM RIVAL AXS group set with GX AXS Derailleur

Activity:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9345872523

The first stage of the 2023 La Vuelta was a controversial one. The Team Time Trial was planned to take place at the end of the day so that the 40 degree summer heat of Spain wouldn't be so strong. While for weeks Barcelona enjoyed perfect sunny days that only went down after nine o clock, as luck would have, this opening stage coincided with the first storm in months. Soon, what was an enjoyable end of the evening opening stage became a soaking wet, dark stage with little illumination and thunders reverberating all around. Cyclists were falling down on the curves as if they were on a slip'n'slide.

This episode was recorded at ground level at the inside of the last curve before the ending line. Riders passed by flying at over 50 km/h within centimeters of the recorder. Although it's hard to replicate, I believe the energy of being there was at least a little captured through sound , thunder, rain, helicopters, police cars, motorcycles, the audience roaring in support and banging their hands on the protection barriers to give the soaking wet, and many times injured riders, their last push before the line.

The Kenda Open Cup brands itself as being an authentic MTB race that mixes in insane gradients through dirt and rocky climbs together with single tracks and some more technical descents. The races are held in different locations throughout the south of Minas Gerais and is a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Brazil. This episode was recorded in the 2nd stage of the Kenda Open Cup. The route went through the mountains, farms and roads of the city of Bueno Brandão. And a special mention here to going through the valley of crystals which offered up to almost 30% gradient climbs but rewarded everyone who endured it with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

This year a Gravel category was included although the route was the same as the MTB riders which is what was recorded for this episode. So there will be a lot of shaking and noises in the sound as there was a lot of rocky descents that kinda required a suspension. But where is the fun in that?!

Equipment used:

• Winspace G2 frame
• NEWMEN Evolution SL X.R.25 wheels with Chaoyang 700x50 tires
• Mullet SRAM RIVAL AXS groupset with GX AXS Derraiuller

Activity:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9113677690