BRUTAL! Never Again..... Valley of the Tears, Gran Canaria!

[@randorecumbent]

Randonnesia! This is the combination "randonneuring" and "amnesia", where you forget all the hard parts of a ride and the pledge to never do it again, but then weeks, months, or years later decide to give that ride another go. Sounds like a bit of that was going on here. Thanks for bringing us along! 🙂

[@cyclnvancouver8060]

That explains why I hiked the Inca trail 18 months after swearing to never do that again. It turned out to be better (and slightly easier) the 2nd time.

[@kevinfrost1579]

Did this 3 years ago, last week did it again. Yep culture shock at first but then it gets under your skin. Katie at 6.43 just about sums it up ……. Unless you take the Artenara exit from the valley, in which case the climb is less acute than ’ the wall’ to El Toscon, so short….a laughably relative term in GC, and very very steep OR very steep and very long , again laughably inadequate words to describe it. Always a ride that draws you back again and again. Chapeau Katie 👍 for 2023 completion of La Titanica 👋

[@Chris-mn7yy]

I lived there, near the airport for 3 years. My wife is from there. Epic hills and mountains. Stunning.

[@winston760]

‘destined to live somewhere warm’ I know what you mean! Greetings from Italy that’s a great video you made!

[@markworthington9553]

lol I agree def nothing worse than thinking your still in the big ring then looking down to find them gears all used up . Loving the Spanish islands content. Food for thought jetting off to Mallorca or Gran Canaria for some winter cycling !

[@marcobrega1122]

Well done Katie, I did mine ("solo") last week starting from Puerto de Mogan and looping through the VOOT and descending from Taurito back to the start. Considering it was around 30C, the most challenging part was for me the hydration...I was left without water in the middle of the climb and brutally dehydrated. That said, amazing route and beautiful scenery, the tarmac was really bad at some stage which made things worse ;-)

[@lenwilkinson8541]

Great achievement, Katie. The easiest are soon forgotten. The toughest - once conquered - are indelible in the mind.

[@plusbonus1165]

what , you can eat them ?

[@lenwilkinson8541]

@@plusbonus1165 Funny ?? Or simply not understood? Indelible = not able to be forgotten or removed. "his story made an indelible impression on me"

[@KatieKookaburra]

This is AWESOME!!!

[@jeyanthkrishnan]

It reiterates the fact that Ms. Katie is a legend.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awww you're too kind!

[@jeyanthkrishnan]

@@KatieKookaburra Too kind? No. I think you are a tough woman. Keep it up.

[@truwth]

Showing your pain here is so good ! At the start, I was envious, sitting here in Canada waiting for Spring, watching you in that brilliant, warm sun on that beautiful, curving, climbing road. But then, your cursing, the shots of the rough surface, the grimacing, all smacked me in the face with the reality. And yet, somehow, I'm still envious :)

[@KatieKookaburra]

Hahaha it was bloody brutal! Glad you enjoyed my pain. ha

[@GreenBunny234]

I live in a super flat part of Germany so I'm not used to climbs at all. We don't have anything to climb here. That's why I usually avoid it. Today I did a climb on Zwift and I was so done after it! And it wasn't even close to what you did. Not even one bit. You have my respect! Love your videos

[@greggsenne1268]

Come to California. We have plenty of hills. We don't mind sharing.

[@KevinDepault]

Just did it on a vacation on gran canaria. BRUTAL. Felt really good on the climb before san nicolas, but the wall killed me. If I do it again it would be early morning, not at noon like I did when it was 35 degrees.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Same I always think it’s ok then that Wall section gets me ha. Such a great achievement well done x

[@daniellethomas7191]

Thank you so much for talking about your journey with food! I really needed to hear that today

[@CarSpaEdinburgh]

Did this looped from Maspalomas, including Soria and another one. 4k meters climbed in a day. Met some amazing people on the way. Wasnt too hot in January. Still one of the hardest rides i can think of. Well done.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you!!!!

[@dou40006]

I also love to seat on the ground of a street when I take a break from pedaling, feeling that you dont need more to feel good is real freedom, cause cycling is really hard so resting from it is really good even on the pavement, it is like when you are hungry, any food is delicious...

[@stefanbuday8086]

Hi Katie, I di it today the whole distance from the Desafío Titanica 128 km included The valley of the Tears and can tell you I was repeating your words (why I'm here😂) brutal, never did such a tour before only with 2 little stops, amazing experience. Your video inspired me a lot, thank you!!! Best regards Stefan

[@KatieKookaburra]

Stefan that is amazing well done!! In actually here in GC at this very moment. Not sure if I fancy it again this trip haha

[@micaellofgren5201]

Hi Katie, nice ride and you made it harder due to the closed road. Next time you have to try the hardest climb on Gran Canaria (considered one of the hardest in Europe by a cycling magazine). The climb from Ingenio over La Pasadilla, Cazadores, to Pico de las Nieves. Hope you will come back to visit Gran Canaria 😊

[@CycleGranCanarias]

No VOTT is harder, because of many other factors, weather. road condition, desolate views, sun trap, bad food in Aldea etc etc

[@martinstenning203]

Legend! I've not had the guts to do VotT but Serenity climb from Mogan, and then up to Pico de las Nieves is a great ride and not so steep. Once you're beyond Nublo you have pine forest and gentler gradients. All GC is great including the north climbing up from Las Palmas although the weather isn't so good. Lovedthe video.

[@Joomes]

Great Video Katie, I have started watching your videos as I am somewhat new to cycling, I remember sitting on Carbis Bay beach near St Ives after hiking and I remembered seeing a cyclist who looked like they were vlogging with a few of her friends going into the sea.. Turns out after recently seeing your bikepacking video it was you! Small world. Hope theres more videos to come from Gran Canaria, it looks stunning there.

[@KatieKookaburra]

No way!!! haha small world indeed :)

[@Seppster58]

What a truly inspirational video. Well done Katie. You should be proud of yourself. All these epic rides you do show how awesome you are!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Cheers Steve!!! :)

[@andy_ppp]

It’s absolutely lashing it down in Bristol Katie and workmen have covered my building in scaffolding as they need to remove all the flammable cladding over the next 15 weeks 😂 I have no sympathy whatsoever for any sunburn 👍🏻 loving the videos!!

[@jim_mountain_88]

I was supposed to go there a couple of years ago, then bloody Covid came along and had to put that trip on hold. Seeing your video, I'm off to rebook a trip to Gran Canaria. 👍

[@derekrollings5750]

Brilliant video yet again stunning scenery I just worry about you filming with one hand can't you get some thing for your bars

[@christianrodriguez3531]

I've done it a couple of times, but starting from near the capital and during the summer, having to go back to where I started obviously. Brutal route!

[@Bigdave_t4]

Thats going into the deep!! Climbs like that just really push your limits! Chapeau

[@timjones4594]

If I could go anywhere in the world and do anything I want, I would go there and do that ! WOW. Incredible.

[@Zzyyxx22]

How do? That bikes not got the 40 up back does it? You on a 32x34 for the climbs?

[@pstt]

What is particularly impressive for me is that you easily took the detour via Soria beforehand in order to avoid the closed road at Mogan. Great Job!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awww thanks Peter! Yeah that closed road with the wall is a bit of a bugger but Soria is a nice warm up ha

[@jerrycornelisse2923]

I just did it last week! It's still hard as hell but I loved it!

[@leewilliams3153]

Awesome effort. Amazing views. I’m so glad you shared this. It’s a massive inspiration to me (to keep to the flats 🤣). Seriously though. Great video 👍

[@DreadfulVengeance]

So strong! Fantastic job! :) I did the Valley of Tears yesterday and good god - one hell of a climb! But feels so amazing to have done it! Almost at the top, I kept thinking though: "It's enough to have done this once in this lifetime." hahaha ...let's see if randonnesia will hit me just as much as you! 😄

[@Hubertus-ko6yl]

I love the surrounding! Lovely. Unique. GC is a Beauty

[@hobbo16]

I’m actually heading to Gran Canaria next Sunday for four nights and looking to do this on the last day I’m there so I’m not broken for the remainder of the days I’m there! Get used to cycling on some of the flatter routes LoveVelo have provided me I think but watching this I’m so looking forward to it, and hopefully I get to say I’ve completed it 😅 Hoping to meet some people over there as I’m on my own but can’t wait!

[@leetaylor9368]

Good stuff, the first couple of k as you turn off onto the 606 is brutal for sure.

[@thebingoman]

Did it a few years ago. absolutely amazing ride. Going for a month in July/August and will do it again!!!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Bloody hell the heat then!!!!! Be careful 🥵🥵🥵

[@glennoc8585]

Like Norton in summer but a lot longer Katie. If you aren't riding hills like that regularly in that heat you really should have stops and drink. Have you got a hydrapak or a saddle bottle cage? Riding on your own is where you don't want to get caught out.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Defo not like Nortons ha! Add in a few 20% switchbacks, gravel tracks at the heat of summer and it's about the same :)

[@colinlawrence9787]

Wales with heat looking at gradient . Smashing ride / challenge xx

[@josoap8781]

Total respect. It’s one hell of a climb.

[@dan07800]

Bringing back memories when I did that climb! Did the first zig zags that you filmed and though yeah not bad. Then got to the wall and spent the next hour and a half chewing on my handle bars. Great ride. 🤣

[@KatieKookaburra]

Hah exactly! It pops out of nowhere as well right? But how good when you see the top??? YEEEEHAAAAWWWWW

[@outbackwack368]

Gorgeous!!! That's what high volume tires were made for 🙂

[@sherazrashid7807]

I just come back from GC too! My sentiments are the same when I first did VotT, it was the hardest climb I had done and said to myself never again! The plan was to do it again last week but there was passing storm through the mountains which meant we had to about cancel the route! Fair play for having another go. For me the section out from Santa Lucia towards Doctoral (or reverse) is the best in GC!

[@rallymanize]

Sound's like a plan Katie! Here during the summer, and somewhere warmer during winter!🚴🍓🌞

[@KatieKookaburra]

That was the plan this year but my post-crash head had other ideas 🤨🤪 x

[@bradsaxton6354]

Awesome job Katie....you have a wonderful personality for video.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you so much!

[@vloi-qr3ml]

Nice, really nice Nice mountain view, nice weather, nice close up shot of you riding. Nice to be alone.

[@schalkdebeer9097]

Wow !! Its hard work but I see you smile !! Enough places to do it with an E Bike ? ( need to charge the battery )

[@sonjarose22]

Just started my bike adventure this past September. I’m so inspired by this. But yeah my goal right now is to do 60k in one day. Taking it easy. One hill at a time. This video was epic

[@KatieKookaburra]

That's awesome! I remember doing my first 60km and was POOOOOPED by the end of it. Had to spend the next day in bed haha. So I know you can do it!!

[@sonjarose22]

@@KatieKookaburra if you are ever in France and want to do baby hills in Normandie look us up. 😂 also, so inspired by your vegan lifestyle. I keep going on and off it but feel so much better when I’m vegan. And don’t care about weight loss. Thank you for your honesty in your journey

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

You are going to places many dream of. Great ride and you are way stronger than you let on!

[@KatieKookaburra]

I went into that ride pretty cocky - being like I did it three years ago how bad could it have been?! 😂🥵🔥😭

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

@@KatieKookaburra Well you found out! Still I admire your tenacity and willingness to video the good, the bad, and the ugly.

[@doskraut]

Well if you like cycling in the heat come to the Mojave desert, 36 c is cool spring weather .

[@andrewgarside5991]

Look at that road surface , riding down Shadwell lane today felt like cobbles.

[@chrisemblen7812]

Chapeau. I drove up there a few weeks ago on hols to scout it out & the car struggled in places. I realised I will never be brave/dumb enough. Lovely island though.

[@darrenchubb6926]

Hi Katie views was good you did very good it's hard but your legs will be good for climbing do the pool you are very strong what l do is try not to think about the climbing just do it thanks it's warm here in Australia

[@sassen30]

Looks like you climbed up from the Puerto Rico Mrgan side of the island. Love the middle of that island the native Indians hid from the Spanish for years in those hills I went by bus from San Fernando roundabout!

[@glennoc8585]

Native Indians¿???

[@teb37]

Good job managing the pace and never give up 👍 you’ll do it again :)

[@darrenbarlow5759]

I was honestly LOLing listening to your commentary. Kudos to you for doing this not once but twice. I don't know how you film when you're in that much agony. I'd say piss off you lot I'll see ya at the top. 🙌💪

[@cormacjordan7173]

Theres a few road surfaces like that in Whitworth!

[@MG-nm9gt]

Cracking effort. Well done .

[@mateagoston8145]

I would do it if my FTP ever gets over 400W, but it's nowhere near that mark. :D By the way is there only one route through the valley? I remember seeing multiple routes on google maps. Perhaps only one is road bikeable.

[@jerryavalos9610]

Absolute Black chainrings 48/32 and you won't cry in the Valley of Tears LOL. That road needs paved big time.

[@jim8744]

Your a champ and the was fun to watch!👍

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

I hear ya about them winters getting old … but … there’s no place like home! Another excellent video … ta very much! PS: Planning my first outdoor ride here in Montreal tomorrow! Hoping my fave bike path will be clear of snow!

[@mrmikro83]

Can't believe you uploaded this today. Did it today, in rain and 6C at the top, still beautiful and very mystic with all the cliffs covered in fog, and may have been easier than in 30C... My buddies told me it would be hard, but never would I have imagined it to be that brutal!

[@dirktolboom4060]

I think I did exactly this loop when I was there in february, only I reversed it so I could descent the valley. It even was hard on the descent!

[@humprey2]

Valley of the Tears! I love it! Only rode it once!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Once is enough 😂😂

[@humprey2]

@@KatieKookaburra i love coming back in the car thought, whenever I visit GC! Especially thrilling in convertible! 😜

[@roger6965]

Two questions Katie, what about dangerous wild life, ever come across some dangerous animals and, what do you eat while cycling and how do you keep hydrated? Thanks Katie, love the scenery, from Manitoba Canada...

[@plusbonus1165]

Humans ......!

[@yakoridesagain]

Fairly sure she said she eats bananas, not humans. Vegan rules def say not to eat humans.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Barely any wildlife on GC - well not near the roads anyway. And foods.. dates, bananas, sugar, baguettes, fruit :) and electrolytes. I like the Precision Hydration ones. Not sponsored just like them the best.

[@roger6965]

@@KatieKookaburra Thank you Katie, I"m 60 and ride my bike everyday, I ride hard and many times forget how much I have to hydrate and I found at least a bottle to two bottles an hour plus snacks while I ride. The body is amazing, it's a well tuned machine and riding bike is my favorite, thanks Katie and be safe and take care! Love you video's, keep them coming, from Manitoba Canada...

[@jesperhilligs7756]

You are such an inspiration😂 Great sense of humour👍 Keep pressing on

[@robertkramer9166]

hahaha :-) you have a dutch neighbor, as a dutchie I hear that right away.... kakkerlakken. Loved the vid!!

[@Keepinitreal61]

My 2 penn'orth worth. What can I say. You my dear, you are an embodiment of the spirit of never give in. Life's challenge over come, todays challenge meet & future challenge ready to be accomplished. Tip - let some bloody air out those tires. (work out best for your weight) 70/90

[@alexmorgan3435]

Like your jersey. You should have been riding your gravel or mtb. There are some great off road trials in GC as well.

[@bobtavener4824]

Amazing but you did say that if you said you'd do it again we've got to warn you off :) I couldn't do it for sure. Well done Katie. Chapeau

[@stewarthinsley6995]

That seemed to turn into a suvival video at one point katie. That's some climbing so good going. Nice to see you're human and actually sweating 😂

[@marksmith566]

Well done Katie 💪🚴🏼‍♀️

[@dom.a.e]

Seeing you ride Sa Calorbra definitely made me wanna ride it.. this one, not so much

[@englishcyclist]

I am jealous, what I'd give just to be in sun with some ice cold beers(after a ride) and smooth tarmac roads in some far away land.

[@KatieKookaburra]

There was snow up there the other day... SNOW?!!!!

[@WestYorkshireCyclist]

Hi Katie! Another great video thank you! Quick question: What headphones do you use for cycling?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Hey James, I did a little chat about them in the last video if you want more deets. But they are Open Run Pro by Shokz :)

[@GoustiFruit]

Yeah, I did it a couple of times, on BigRingVR. I think that I gave up, at least once. Won't do it anymore, 'cause I just left BRVR for the reason of bad client support. But the application was great for those *virtual* roads (I did the Hardknott Pass on it, for ex., great video quality); I'm sorry to leave BRVR and those beautiful rides, but I can't support them anymore after the bad experience I had with them. PS: if anyone has suggestions for alternatives to BigRingVR... I'll take my time to find one for next year Winter, but for sure, I won't use BRVR anymore...

[@petemoore6590]

Have you tried Rouvy, seems a similar format to Bgvr but with more users, hopefully better support, I find it works well for me.

[@GoustiFruit]

@@petemoore6590 Yeah, I already tried it several years ago (even before they were not "Rouvy" yet), and then again when they added the "VR" feature. The streaming was not good, videos were at different levels of quality, the virtual cyclists look so ugly that I couldn't enable the option, etc. No my cup of tea.

[@MsLizzylaw]

Really enjoyed this video Katie 🥰

[@KatieKookaburra]

Cheers Lizzy :)

[@palmer3977]

I love Gran Canaria haven't been there since 2005, i really hope to retire out there but the cost of living compered to Thailand is ridiculous, so it will probably be Chang Mai.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Chiangers!! What a place!!

[@michaelpace1075]

“Never again!”…….”Maybe one more time.”🤣👍❤️

[@Kanonka28]

Which is more difficult Masca or Valley of the tears ?

[@jamar959]

Beautiful ride! You are such an inspiration. Would you ever plan a trip over to the states to ride with some of your followers? Cheers.

[@KatieKookaburra]

FOR SURE!!

[@joannem5730]

Much RESPECT! Holy crap, I won’t ever be doing that climb!

[@JK-wl5bx]

Not really selling it katie 🤣 hell of an effort in that heat. Well done 👌👏🤜🤛💪

[@AdrianMartinez-ff3ip]

Awesome ride! Did you have any type of ND filter in your camera? Awesome views

[@KatieKookaburra]

Nope it was just a GoPro :)

[@simonbiles6244]

What is the make and model of the sunglasses you’re wearing?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Oakley Sutra Lites :)

[@hanssjostrand6265]

Being there, fantastic roads, nice tarmac ,heily recomended , i crack one Danish guy ,and two Norwegan at that hills,

[@occyman]

Well done Katie….I have a mate who always says “think of the gains” 💪

[@timw4369]

Some of the most brutal rides can also be some of the most satisfying. I'm sure it will be a memorable ride if nothing else.

[@KatieKookaburra]

SO TRUE!

[@andreperson3504]

You are freakin awesome! I wish I had your determination and fitness to do big climbs.

[@overthere793]

Chapeau. Outstanding

[@noelyboy6969]

What gears you using going up that climb Death Valley

[@KatieKookaburra]

just about low enough! ha

[@kennyhollinsworth5395]

❤️…brilliant….you make me laugh ….👏 your amazing doing it solo too… best wishes KK.

[@ejomagn]

Good job! I think you only reached stage 2 of the 3 stages of fatigue: 1. Acid and cramps 2. Food hallucinations 3. Vultures circling over your head

[@davtwill531]

What gears did you have ?

[@hansoloization]

Awesome vlog Katie looks like an amazing place 😀👍

[@davegearing2707]

I'd forgotten the road surface is probably the worst on the island! Chapeau!

[@KatieKookaburra]

It's pretty bloody brutal eh?

[@davegearing2707]

@@KatieKookaburra one worse I think, go left near the top of soria before the cafe! Or not!

[@fullhog]

😂😂😂 omg.. this is bringing back so many memories... Thanks for reminding me how bad it was..

[@KatieKookaburra]

You're welcome 😊 hahah

[@scottbert9556]

Ha! You zonked on the sidewalk! That's what I do! I'll never complain about my hills again. I will complain about the views, however. What model Lazer helmet is that BTW? I assume it's ultra safe? Does it come sized for martian-sized heads?

[@KatieKookaburra]

It’s the Lazer Genesis - yeah I love it! Looked after my head when I had a really bad crash in November. Really rate it!

[@scottbert9556]

@@KatieKookaburra I remember the horrifying crash. Thanks mountain goddess!

[@markclements1509]

Thanks for showing how brutal and beautiful it is, I think I need to find some legs for October. Me & the wife are thinking of moving over there once the kids have been packed off to Uni.

[@robhaggertyjr789]

what camera did you use on your ride?

[@KatieKookaburra]

GoPro Hero 9

[@julianlong]

Respect. We did it twice that’s enough, I do miss GC though. Anyway if you are now rocking the rough steep gnarled road rides, come visit Barbados 🇧🇧 some day. 🙂

[@KatieKookaburra]

I would LOVE to visit there!!!! what's the riding like???

[@julianlong]

@@KatieKookaburra We have some testing hills but no long alpine type climbs, the highest goes from sea level up to 340m, Modest climbs not to be underestimated as the heat and humidity takes it to another level. Some incredible scenery. Direct flights from MAN I believe. RCC Barbados in the app also.

[@17cream]

Very entertaining…I think your a great advertisement for a riding holiday in Holland 😂😜

[@KatieKookaburra]

Hahahahahahahah!!!

[@maartenholtz6605]

Nice! A Dutchie with his ‘kakkerlak’ 😂