The Winter Solstice, simply put, is the shortest day of the year. For people in the Northern Hemisphere, this usually lands in December just before Christmas.
For most cyclists based in the UK or Europe, December isn’t seen as the obvious month for a big adventure. However, Aleix and Millie aren’t like most cyclists. Born and raised in Girona, Aleix just loves being outdoors either on his bike or running. Sport has always been a way for him to explore and tackle his own adventures, while also pushing himself to find new limits. Fully ingrained in both the cycling and running community in Girona, Aleix loves connecting with like-minded people who have the same ambitions and interests.
Millie, a lover of a long ride from sunrise to sunset, especially in the mountains, is originally from the UK but now calls Girona ‘home’. Passionate about inspiring women to go out and do something epic, you’ll usually find Millie cooking up some crazy long ride or competing in ultra races such as the Transpyrenees or Alps Divide.
As you may have guessed by this point, our Winter Solstice adventure starts and ends in…Girona. We asked Aleix and Millie some questions about their recent trip. Enjoy.
QUOC:
Growing up in the area, how have you seen Girona change, especially around cycling and the cycling culture?
Aleix:
When I was younger, you wouldn’t even see a road bike in Girona, cycling was always just a sport I would see on the TV. I never thought my hometown could become the Mecca of cycling that it has now become. Cycling made me appreciate my surroundings even more and made me feel really fortunate to grow up in Girona.
QUOC:
What brought you to Girona, Millie? What was it about Girona that drew you in to staying for longer than just a holiday?
Millie:
I first came to Girona for the Traka and loved it so much that I stayed. The community, the weather (noticeably better than the UK for cycling), the riding opportunities. All of these make Girona a dream place to live. One day you can ride into the Pyrenees, the next day you can ride to the sea. The possibilities for adventure are endless.
QUOC:
What is it about the bike that makes you want to go on adventures?
Aleix:
I’m actually more of a runner, and have always been a runner, but what really captivated me about cycling was how far you can go just by using your own power. You can always go for a new adventure with the bike.
Millie:
Seeing both the sunrise and sunset is always amazing, how something that happens every day still gives you that ‘wow’ moment every time! I just love picking a destination on the map and then getting myself there.
QUOC:
Who came up with the idea for the Winter Solstice ride? Tell us about your idea for the day.
Aleix:
We wanted to do something special for the Winter Solstice as it’s the opportunity to do something cool, making the most of the shortest day of the year.
Seeing the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees in the distance the days before, we knew we needed to go there. We wanted to ride early, through sunrise and sunset, and to come back home in the dark. We didn’t want the light or the cold to dictate our adventure, we wanted to make the ride an epic one.
QUOC:
Vallter 2000, why did you choose that as the destination?
Millie:
Vallter is a special place for us as we spent a lot of time there last summer; riding, running and camping. Aleix actually learnt to ski there and I had never been there in the winter. Our mission was to touch the snow, so Vallter was the place to go. Plus, it is the highest paved road in Catalonia.
QUOC:
How did it feel ending your day on Els Angels?
Millie:
It was so cool to see the snowy mountains far in the distance, looking back and seeing as that’s where we had just come from. It was one of the best sunsets we have ever seen up Els Angels - and we’ve ridden up there a lot! Definitely a great way to end an epic ride.
QUOC:
No doubt you have some big running plans for 2025, Aleix, but do you also have some more cycling adventures planned?
Aleix:
Yes! I love running, especially ultra running. I’ve ran a few 100km races but normally your legs are the reason you have to stop, even if you body feels like you can keep going. I know what my limitations are with running and I’d like to explore my limits with cycling. I’m going big for 2025 and will take on my first ultra road race in the summer, I can’t wait.
QUOC:
Millie, you’re known for taking on some crazy long rides, what adventures have you got planned for 2025?
Millie:
Right now, there’s not much solidified. We’re about to go to Granada and explore some of the gravel there. But really, ideas just come to me, like this adventure; seeing the snow and a need to go there! There will be more adventures like this in 2025.
QUOC:
What would be your advice for someone looking to take on their first big, all-day, ride?
Millie:
Having a goal or a place to go that motivates you does help a lot. We were never looking at time or distance, we just had a mission; touch the snow.
Aleix:
Eat lots, take extra clothes and have fun!
What they wore:
Aleix: Mono II White
Millie: GTXC Lace Chalk
Their route: