A Run, a Bike Ride, and a Swim at Illa de Arousa
Our invigorating day began with a refreshing 5.4-kilometer morning run through the lush park just a stone’s throw away from our cozy abode. As the sun cast its golden rays upon us, we reveled in the joy of nature’s embrace. Little did I know that this adventure was only just beginning.
With our bodies still tingling from the endorphin rush of our run, Andrea had a novel idea.
“We can bike from my mom’s place to the beach,” she proposed. The mere thought of the wind tousling our hair as we pedaled along a picturesque route filled me with enthusiasm.
“Ok!” I responded, captivated by the prospect.
“Imagine,” I continued. “If we swim at the beach, it would be like doing a triathlon.” The idea sparked a sense of accomplishment even before we set off.
Entrusting the supervision of the apartment to our astute cat Oreo, we embarked on the next phase of our escapade. Our trusty companion for the afternoon, Andrea’s BMW, stood ready to transport us to her mother’s abode. We effortlessly stowed the Super Bike in the cargo area, with the seat gracefully folded down, a precursor to the exciting journey that lay ahead.
Upon arriving at Andrea’s mother’s house, a charming step-through cruiser bike awaited us, nestled against the wall. Its quaint kickstand and inviting basket gave it an air of nostalgia, akin to the Huffster in Colorado. However, this bike was equipped with modern marvels such as gears and handbrakes. The contrast intrigued me, and the sight of Andrea’s joyful countenance, as she took to the saddle, conveyed the promise of an enjoyable ride.
In the video below, she sure looked like she was having fun, yes?
Intrigued, as soon as we reached Arousa Island, I mounted the cruiser bike and began to pedal. The sensation was sheer delight, each rotation of the pedals akin to a dance with the wind. Yet, my fondness for the racier Litespeed remained, a loyal preference that I carried with me through the journey.
Our route unfurled like an explorer’s map, leading us across a lengthy bridge, flanking the mesmerizing coastline, and weaving through the enchanting woods. Our destination? A tranquil beach haven where the gentle waves embraced the shore, a secret oasis with only a handful of kindred spirits seeking solace. This intimate setting became the canvas upon which we painted our moments of relaxation—lounging, reading, and simply being, as the world faded into the background.
Eventually, the call of the pristine waters grew irresistible, beckoning me to plunge in. Yielding to its allure, I immersed myself in the crystal-clear expanse, swimming a satisfying 500 meters. The water’s caress enveloped me, its temperature just right, offering a refreshing balm for body and soul.
As the sun started its long descent toward the horizon, it was time to mount our trusty bikes once again. Our journey led us to another enchanting part of the island, where the promise of cool beers and laughter awaited. Captured in a photograph was the tableau of our bikes, a silent testament to our spirit of exploration and adventure.
In retrospect, our Galician odyssey proved to be a quintessential summer day—graced by warm sunbeams, languid breezes, and a sense of unhurried pleasure. We reveled in the thrill of each moment, an intrepid duo navigating various terrains, and relishing in the gentle exhaustion that follows an active day. This experience wasn’t just a mere day out; it was a reverse triathlon of sorts, a testament to the harmonious blend of activity and leisure that defines the essence of summer in Galicia.
