Cyclist View of Madrid City
09 Jan 2019 • By Swaytank Maheshwari
Second day in “mechanical” travel exhibition and the bug named “explore” starts biting you. This is my second visit to the 10th most liveable city in world with a population of about 3.2 million inhabitants. Previous visit was a business visit too, which hardly gave me time to look at city. So practically was in the city for the first time with a hope to look at the city in more intimate manner.
At the same time cyclist in me popped up and shouted “I am alive boy and intimacy is my second name “. Huh …. you still alive!! Wondering Winters in India might have killed the cyclist in me. Me resisted “Its winters in Madrid too, temperatures touching 5 Degree in Celsius. Are you sure? “Cyclist in me was more vocal “Dude you are in Madrid. Go for it” So it was decided. I was game for a city tour of Madrid with an industry friend from Mumbai, a non-cyclist. Am I in something experiential? Let time take its toll. I searched online and liked www.bravobike.com . We booked online @ 35 Euros Per Person. We had to reach the start point – their shop at 0945 Hrs. After breakfast we decided to walk till their office with a view to warm up ourselves in cold but clean air of Madrid. A quick coffee at neighbouring Vienna Capellanes prepared us for the cycle tour.
We met our guides and were informed that we were only two on this fortunate day and we had two guides – perks of being in the Industry. Cannot get more personalized then this. Off we start and first thing I had to learn was right was new left and left was the new right on the roads. Right was free but left was not free. Pretty confusing on a cycle too. Any ways muscles started crackling up and we started Madrid tour with our butlers on road. First stop was Parque Del Oeste (Western Park – Just North of Royal Palace) Excellent views from vantage points showing Palaces, Parks and Urban green jungle. Second stop in same park was to admire Egyptian temples which Egypt government gifted in 1970 while Spaniards helped in building their country. That is something royal to do!! This is a great park for views and stroll, Run, walk, jog anything you wish to do.
Next stop on Cycle De Madrid Tour was Royal Palace of Madrid. It is largest functioning palace in Europe with more than 3500 rooms and appx 14,50,000 Sq ft of space. Quiet a big one and off course we didn’t had time to explore this space unless we change our profession to real estate brokers. 😊 Must say it was an impressive building with some unique architecture. Do keep some hours handy, if you wish to explore the art and antique scene of the palace.
Our next stop was stylish Mercado of San Miguel which is just .5 km from the palace. It was a wholesale food market 100 years back and now the historical building is the main gastronomic market allowing to explore Spain’s food diversity. It has everything for a food lover. Sangria of varied flavours, Flavours of Cheese, Fruits, Olives, Chocolates, Beers, Wines, Sea Food, Coffees and what not. And off course if you wish to visit in evening, great music coupled with electric atmosphere is the stealer. A must do WOW Experience tour, even if you are in Madrid even for 24 Hrs.
Next stop on the ride was Plaza Mayor, most vibrant squares of Madrid. We spend some time understanding the history of the place. The place has seen lots of bullfight, Coronations, Entertainment etc. It also has a statue of Philips III in centre of the square. Our ride continued through many by lanes and we crossed many squares and important houses. Our next photo stop was impressive building of Museo Del Prado housing an impressive collection of European art from 12th Century. This year they are celebrating their Bicentenary – 200 years of existence. This is a must do for all art lovers and enthusiast. Check www.culturefox.co for some amazing Art tours in Europe. Museo Del Prada has various tours ranging from 1 hr to 3 hr.
A short ride of 5 minutes brought us to El Retiro Park with lots of Fountains, Boating and Canoeing Lakes, walk ways, Cycling Tracks and off course just watching world go by. If you are on Sunday, you shall see lots of families and kids having great time. Offers a lot of interest for all age groups. Special note for runners - please don’t miss the charm of running in this largest park of Madrid. It does house a beautiful Glass House and a 400 years old Mexican Conifer tree.
While we were contemplating to return, our guides took us to a fruit shop – Platea. From the street it looks like a inconspicuous regular shop but as you enter it turned out to be a huge 600 Sq m space for Gastronomy, events, Food, Entertainment spread over two floors. Our cycling tour came to an end with a complimentary drink with our guides be it a pint of Beer, Coffee, juice, Hot chocolate. We had a great conversation with our guides over drinks. This is one way of discovering Madrid in most authentic way and still earn some Carbon Credits (can you do that , no Idea, can become a start-up idea)
