We leave Lleida crossing the Segre river and immediately join the Ruta dels Llacs, a cycle route that connects the city with the Pyrenees, following old railway service roads. The first section is completely flat with very smooth tracks and paths, surrounded by fields of cereals, fruit trees and storks that accompany us along the way. The river is on the right, meandering slowly between banks and small pools overflown by birds. We enter Balaguer with Castell Formós and the sanctuary of Sant Crist in the background. A good place to take a break and try the typical ‘coca de recapte’ before tackling the second half of the day.