ROCACORBA: Girona, Spain - Worst Retirement Ever HONEYMOON EDITION - Part 1

My attempt to conquer the Rocacorba KOM with Horizons Cycling, a tour company based out of Girona that creates soul-thrilling cycling trips in all the best destinantions in Europe. Check them out at:
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I wanted to take Emily to a very special restaurant for our honeymoon, located in Girona, Catalunya, Spain. She has a good friend in Nice, France that she wanted to visit afterward, and I'd be miserable to go to those places and not experience them as you're meant to: by bike. Then I was contacted by a tour company in Tenerife who wanted to host us for a video, and Worst Honeymoon Ever was born. For two weeks, my wife and I will tour Europe, ride our bikes for fun, and at each location I'll get a one-day "hallpass" to film a KOM attempt.
In Girona, you can join us for dinner at a restaurant that was recently ranked number one in the world, before I take on the legendary Rocacorba climb, which I consider the toughest segment I've tackled on my channel. There are the legendary climbs that you've watched on TV, but those records are usually set when riders are fatigued--halfway through a Grand Tour. Girona has long been a training ground for pro racers, and Rocacorba is where they do their intervals and power tests.
/ strava
Intro Music: Bad Religion
Outro Music: @brooklynduo
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[@salvadorromeromolina3719]

MONT CARO IS THE HARDEST CLIMB IN CATALONIA

[@worstretirementever]

It’s not the climb. It’s who you’re up against

[@salvadorromeromolina3719]

@@worstretirementever AGAINST POGY IT S HARDEST

[@TravisHarjula]

"churchbells and freehub bodies" that cracked me up.

[@robahelms]

Congratulations to you both! Emily is a great addition to the series! Cheers

[@marcj8464]

Tipsy Emily post-dinner is making my day!

[@JamyRyals]

Honestly I’m inspired to try out one of these world class dining experiences. Your perspective on the experience as not a meal but art is really intriguing. Congratulations on the wedding Phil❤

[@stephenmorris6202]

Nice mix of humour, food, culture, topography, and cycling. Enjoy the honeymoon.

[@worstretirementever]

This is my goal thank you! Have a great weekend

[@oOoACFREEMANoOo]

Let you take your bike is just leverage for her in the future. Congrats to you both! ♥

[@mototaco2132]

When visiting Paris, I thought I would be in Paris only. I did the museum and Eiffel tower tours. But I forced myself to take a side trip to Alpe D'Huez. That was the most memorable decision of that trip.

[@glennoc8585]

It's a mixed feeling to return to somewhere you visited years ago then see changes. Sometimes places change for the worse but that's life. Such a beautiful place is Catalonia.

[@vancouvertwerp]

Thanks for the video, Phil! I follow you on Instagram, but haven’t been on it for a while! I am so happy for both you & your wife. Thanks for what you’ve done for your sport & life, in general. All the best! Hope the dogs are doing well! 🙏

[@worstretirementever]

Thank you!

[@bitgeist21]

I really appreciate the insights, Phil. I've been living in Germany for the last 13-years and while I've been to Spain loads of times; I've never been to Girona. I mostly go pedal in France because it's driving distance from where I live. (Frankfurt to Girona is like a 12-hour drive. And that's without traffic and road construction...) But thanks to your video; I'm going. I'm bringing the SuperSix and finding some routes. It's probably too late for the restaurant, but for that I'm willing to take a flight over a long weekend at a later date 🙂 Congrats on your anniversary, I'm sure you had a great time and I'm sure re-visiting that place as a former Pro was a very nice experience. Hope you're doing well. We all love you!

[@worstretirementever]

Enjoy! France has great riding as well of course! That’s our next video in this series

[@glennoc8585]

12 hours It seems like a long drive from Frankfurt to Girona doesn't it but there's always road works going on in Europe especially in Germany.

[@matttilley8620]

12:15: "I did 29:58." This reminds of a quote I read by Davis Phinney in the mid 80's, when I took up cycling. Phinney said one cannot call themself a cyclist until they ride a 40 km tt in under an hour. That thought stuck with me until the time a few years later when I rode a 40 km tt in 59:56, which led to a feeling of accomplishment. It's funny how words spoken by a complete stranger can effect someone's life.

[@user-gh8kf2sr3d]

love the chill music during the Roca climb. LOL!

[@lesflynn4455]

You smashed the climb. Don't worry about the sheep not understanding. You did good work sir. Congratulations to you and your bride.

[@Bertie..]

The smile on Emily's face after that dinner! Women and food is another level compared to men and there bikes! I've been married for 36 years my bikes and riding will always take second place when it comes to food and cooking.

[@chrisstrider]

Congratulations to both of you ❤

[@tomcunin2155]

Thanks for bringing us along Phil! Great video!

[@EVOQBIKE]

awesome vid, loved the honeymoon tied into this; wife is a champ! no alcohol the night before and you're definitely getting that KOM, nice work

[@louisrafaelcom]

Ha! I was in Girona then too! Different pace though, Barcelona to Lyon with a loaded up Tailfin.

[@ramonsanabria1472]

Fabulous video Phil , thanku !

[@dennisdownes9319]

Even the best bike workouts have to have some culture, relaxation, and exploration! Thanks! DD

[@LastLamplighter]

That looked like a lot of fun Phil. Look forward to seeing your next couple of stops!

[@JasonAGregg]

You done good! You and Emily look very happy. Best Honeymoon Ever

[@bighammer3464]

I can’t imagine dropping $500 for a single dinner. That’s a months worth of groceries!

[@joellanager4343]

Very nice video

[@danielhertercasagrande1686]

Thank you for thé vidéo very inspiring

[@d_charles]

6:56 Ottawa's own Derrek Gee and Mike Woods high up the list! I've done that climb, but had also climed St. Marti earlier, so was very gassed at the end of the day.

[@goldenretriever6261]

And James Picoli from Montreal

[@spdaltid]

As a 66yo, I'm happy just to stick with the local target...... age + 10 = minutes ..... for Roca Corba! Great video, thanks.

[@ericgbarber]

Great content and Emily's a winner. Noticed on a lot of the KOMs in this series that the top times are from 2016-19, with the random 2020/21 mixed in. Almost none from 2022. Any thoughts as to why?

[@worstretirementever]

I think the young riders started doing power tests on a nearby climb called amer. Rocacorba was always the gold standard but amer has a steadier grade and no downhills. For sure better average there if you’re looking for watts

[@mstrasser]

I've also been lucky enough to go to Girona, and eat at El Cellar (also got in via email). It was incredible. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience

[@fenggao8620]

Congrats Phil!

[@maniastrat]

Nice Vid thanks! But that 1K dinner 😮 Better go to Thailand for your anniversary,,,,Great climbs & you can have 100 dinners for that same amount 😅

[@tempusfugit3635]

Ya’ll look very euro. The honeymoon vibes are sweet.

[@peter_smyth]

"a cold off-season day," yet Phil is wearing shorts and only arm warmers. In the UK, this would be a warm and pleasant day.

[@brandonmusgrove6294]

Drunk Emily, is a funny Emily!

[@troycollett8540]

Great video

[@goslingmarcus]

Congrats!

[@gtnelson2004]

I love the purse!

[@falklevien]

I'm also editing out the bits below 400W. Which is why I don't have a KZbin channel 🙃

[@Hill_Walker]

Not only did your Emily gift you a one day hall pass at EACH destination you're visiting on hers and your honeymoon. It's with your first love, the cheek to even ask!

[@michaelgoodman3326]

First Girona, then 2 days later I see you in Griffith Park...I'm hoping this wasn't your second stop on the honeymoon :-) And please apologize to Emily...Could not remember her name at the moment I passed you both. She deserves better than "Phil's wife!" It's not easy being old and slightly senile...

[@worstretirementever]

Haha thanks I’ll let her know. Editing takes a bit…my KZbin is a couple weeks behind my strava if that makes sense

[@buzzman4860]

A grand on dinner = consummation of the marriage

[@robertchandler587]

Phil is dressed like a American impersonating a European 😂

[@Xhadp]

I love that you show the behind the scenes footage and not just show all the footage you took from shoving the camera into other people's faces during a ride or even your own.

[@razorree]

do they have any craft beers for that food ?

[@heikkisanelma6625]

finally a climb i have done! :D :D :D ...with a tt-bike (triathlon heavy ass bike) with rear wheel rubbing in the frame (noticed after descending with the smell of burning rubber following me on every hairpin..) not even close to times starting with 3..... hope to make it one day back there to give it the berries with road bike :)

[@worstretirementever]

Descending that on a tt bike sounds fun 😳

[@rck812]

Did the strap on your Man Purse break at 5:09 ?

[@TheGazavman]

Poor girl !

[@jcoul1sc]

So did you book in Jan 2022 ? Def on my list to visit and USA too, a driving holiday in a RV

[@worstretirementever]

Booked in March before our wedding

[@brianhagan4728]

CONGRATES YOUSE GUYS!!!

[@jessetamez7362]

I see you were ahead of Mike Woods on the KOM list. That must’ve felt good.

[@sorbet4]

Thanks for the insights, I will be in Girona this summer do you have your routes on Strava or Kamoot.? And on wait list for Le cellar 😊

[@denali9643]

Nice Seinfeld reference!! 😂

[@AyahuascaSage]

Got married in 2019 but still have yet to take our honeymoon because of the pandemic. I think the wife will agree to a trip to France, Italy, or Hawaii where we can see cool stuff and I can also get in some epic climbs 🤙

[@emya513]

Send her to a spa while you ride 😉

[@keithburt7874]

The Nerve of these skinny Climbers, bombing downhill faster/better/ sleeker than their older Siblings , oh well Magnifico O/O°

[@ohadrefael42]

Great Phil 5.52w/kg for almost 30 min 💪

[@Phil-dx8rw]

Are you racing Mt Washington again this year? they paved the dirt section

[@toastandpoop]

Seen Mike Woods there!!

[@craigzorman5785]

Pretty solid Seinfeld reference (purse).

[@heyangst6159]

Awesome trip

[@philipk4475]

This video is hilarious. Congrats on top 10! For someone who pays attention to aero and marginal gains - what do you make of the narrower handlebar craze? Ever tried 38 cm or 36 cm bars?

[@worstretirementever]

Seems faster but I haven’t gone tighter than 40. Leaving that one to the kids

[@glaubertrianachacra]

"the most expensive vomit ever" 🤣

[@bcampbell0011]

you should have had the chef make you a cheeseburger ( not sure if they would get the reference )...... next up..... once your back in Cali....lunch at French Laundry :)

[@TomBray-LowCarbonLifestyle]

We are heading to Girona and have 1 day cycling... what route would you recommend for 1 day?!

[@worstretirementever]

Lake banyoles and roca corba!

[@TomBray-LowCarbonLifestyle]

@@worstretirementever thanks Phil!

[@dylanl9532]

Girona has half of the world tour pros living there. Is it possible for Phil to get a KOM there?

[@allenc4941]

Sa Calobra is not too far away!

[@ChrisWagner-bh3vn]

12:20, "not BAAAAAAAAD"!

[@nick_the_gross]

Looking for lodging recommendations in Girona! Lmk

[@lauig]

If anyone wants to understand how utterly crazy doping was in the very worst years of cycling, and how tremendously better it is now, just have a look at the Strava KOM chart at 11:06 there's a former Rabobank guy in there from that era who climbed it years later (2019) with the heartbeat of a meditating yoga guru, that guy wasn't even considered particularly good back then...

[@Thaddeus_Howe]

It's not a purse, it's european!

[@dannyholder1359]

5:08 If you lost your man purse I think I know where it is (though I guess it was empty by then...)

[@jackvalenti7500]

You know it's getting rowdy when the man purse flys off

[@felicetanka]

When God considers gain the angels look to Spain.

[@michaeltrollope8048]

So if the worst honeymoon is successful does that make it a failure 🤔

[@dgasmd1]

In a sabbatical from cycling right now, but the first thing I noticed in all the bikes was "No disc brakes". Maybe that fad is running its course?

[@worstretirementever]

I don’t think that’s it. Just easier to travel with the rim brake setup currently

[@letriciabrowder2942]

Don't let the Karens get to you Phil!

[@worstretirementever]

Thanks I know. The comments can get to me sometimes. I appreciate the reminder.

[@reflectionsdetail]

13:39 did you kiss that cat on the pole?

[@stratbutcher]

The Lioness of Girona. If you kiss her back you will return. Local guide actually told me it really means to kiss her ass! 🤣

[@GMSlash]

The sheep were speechless

[@worstretirementever]

Just after i turned off the camera one of them took a shit

[@JP-gravel]

Beat Mike Woods, all that matters 😂

[@worstretirementever]

My true nemesis

[@chromebomb]

TBIT is the best terminal at LAX i will disagree with your assessment

[@Baj64]

You talk to your wife about your mom on your honeymoon ! Are you insane ?? LOL

[@malmsey1541]

Man what are u on about

[@emya513]

Phil’s mom is the sweetest no issues here

[@dropatrain]

Lax has nothing on Newark buddy!

[@worstretirementever]

It’s like you’ve seen the boarding pass I’m holding in my hand right now

[@ellerybice3787]

The electric moped is just that, nothing more and nothing less. It is not a bicycle. And they need to be fully licensed, insured and forbidden to be operated bicycle paths. Ect.

[@timdixo]

Quite wrong,they don’t power themselves,try one.

[@ellerybice3787]

@@timdixo ELECTRIC! Do not know about it? It corrupts the human endeavor of accomplishment.

[@tzed2509]

I kinda want to be Phil NGL

[@jcoul1sc]

Expensive vomit or you get to eat gourmet food twice 🙂 (Prob lots of food in there that your stomach bacteria biome has never experienced, like when you eat sprouts you get gas )

[@worstretirementever]

Was better the first time but true

[@jcoul1sc]

@@worstretirementever congratulations to both of you too, something tells me your wife has more fun or relaxation in the spa. Take a 3 day trip to Ireland and do the everesting record in mamore gap in Donegal

[@joeploeger-je4wr]

Where do I get a cookie passport 😅

[@dannyholder1359]

12:11 Should have tried it in Spanish?

[@ketjuariittaa]

Dont worry 6.66 is nothing☝️

[@markcavandish1295]

Most expensive vomit!

[@garywebber3228]

conrgats phil and the missus ! but your in the wrong place ! denia costa blanca region es la primera lugar !

[@notreally2406]

*you're

[@pushBAK9]

Who takes care of Creature!!!?

[@worstretirementever]

Remember Harry from the Mexico trip? He’s staying at the house now!

[@bobvalois3272]

Spanish sheeps do not speak english. Silly Phil!

[@therider4909]

They're also bored of the constant stream of cyclists talking about their Strava time (almost all of them in English).

[@nastycooperation9901]

Whats up suddenly with all the cycling guys on youtube going to freaking Girona

[@CG-99]

I agree with you. Must be the most over hyped place ever. It's nice, but really it's nothing special, lots of better cycling destinations.

[@worstretirementever]

Girona has been a cycling hotbed for decades. It’s great and I lived there for two seasons, but agreed there’s better places (such as LA where I live). Next they’ll all go to Los Angeles. Damn posers

[@miatomi]

2:12

[@galenkehler]

"Suddenly" 🤣🤣🤣

[@kiaanwatts309]

@@CG-99 what’s up with you and Girona? It shit in your coffee or something? Seen you comment this a few times now

[@n1909-t4q]

massive dislike for promoting flying all over the world just to cycle. you can do that anywhere - no need to pollute the planet!

[@johnnste1]

😂