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

Quilombo is the name of the settlements that escaped slaves founded throughout Brazil mostly during the 17th to the 19th century. We start at the city of Indaiatuba and we'll cycle through roads and dirt paths towards Itupeva. Our objective for the ride is to visit the former Quilombo that was created 200 years ago by the escaped slaves of the many farms from the region. The location was chosen because it was upstream of the Jundiaí river and also for the abundance of fruits in the flora. Today, the main building has been reconverted into a place to stop, take in the views while you grab a drink and some local food.

Equipment used:

• Winspace G2 frame
• NEWMEN Evolution SL X.R.25 wheels with Tufo Thundero 700x44 tires
• Mullet SRAM RIVAL AXS groupset with GX AXS Derraiuller

Activity:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9071363973

The road Zeferino Vaz starts at the city of Campinas, in the state of São Paulo Brazil. Good tarmac and wide shoulders made it into a big playground for cyclists at the 7 cities that this road connects. Named after the founder of the University of Campinas (one of the most important in South America), in its 80km of extension Zeferino Vaz brings hundreds of cyclists that use the road everyday to commute and train with their road, mountain and time trial bikes. With it's booming popularity, over the weekend it's common to see pelotons of sometimes up to 50 cyclists speeding by its rolling hills. A local favorite is stopping at some of the many places at the side of the road that offer all you can drink freshly squeezed orange juice.

Equipment used:

• S-Works Aethos Frame
• NEWMEN Road Fade hubs laced to carbon rims and Continental 5000 STR.
• Mix between Sram Rival and Red AXS groupset 2x

Activity:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9059623194

Today's episode of RIDE WITH ME takes us to southeast Brazil to the countryside of São Paulo. It's almost noon and a high and hot sun burns down on the powder like dirt that goes deep in between the sugar cane plantations of the city of Engenheiro Coelho. Luckily, as it's right before they are milled, the sugar canes are tall enough to give a little bit of shade if you ride next to them. Riding through this route we'll cross a variety of plantations with also animals such as horses, cows, birds, dogs and ever once in a while there are stories of a rider spotting a few of the black jaguars that are mainly active at night.

Equipment used:

• Winspace G2 frame
• NEWMEN Evolution SL X.R.25 wheels with Tufo Thundero 700x44 tires
• Mullet SRAM RIVAL AXS groupset with GX AXS Derraiuller

Activity:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9015754821

In this episode of RIDE WITH ME, we'll ride from Platja de Aro to Girona, climbing the Coll de la Ganga and Els Angels, and stopping at the popular cycling hangout, Fabrica Café. As we pedal through the picturesque landscapes of L'empordá, you'll be immersed in the soothing sounds of nature, with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves creating a peaceful and calming soundscape. To fully experience this sensory journey, put on your headphones and join us as we RIDE WITH ME through the beautiful Catalan countryside.

Equipment used:

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

Activity:

https://www.strava.com/activities/8620366810

In this episode of RIDE WITH ME, we embark on a scenic cycling journey along the Costa Brava, a stunning stretch of coastline in northeastern Spain. Our adventure begins in the charming town of Tossa de Mar, where we ride along the rocky coastlines and take in the breathtaking views of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea and rugged cliffs and culminates in the picturesque village of Sant Feliu de Guixols, where we ride through lush pine forests and scenic vineyards, surrounded by the fragrant scents of the Mediterranean vegetation.

Equipment used:

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

Activity:

https://www.strava.com/activities/8620366810