We started off in a group at 09 (I was given a reprimand for not wearing a woolen top!! By someone eho clearly did not ride at sll and would not know a fixie if he saw one - which he clearly did!!) quickly did a wrong turn followed by corrective action and soon the peloton knew that it was “ Eat my dust Eddie” ( ref House of God) who were for the day. There were hills and hills and gravel and hills - 10% is ok , 12-13 I can just manage but 20%?? Come on!! In fact I believe that no-one did!!
The feed stations were a bit far between - one after 20 km snd one after 45 by which time I was chewing my chamois for a bit of sustenance!!
But we did it - we finished we got our medals and our beers!! A great experience on lots of Spanish gravel!!
In the afternoon we took the bus to Borges where we checked into posh hotel and went to explore the very charming town. Alas I allowed Jonathan to choose the eatery based on the beer menu - snd the calamari with mayo clearly contained a very potent laxative which kept me busy all night and most of the next day!
We had a late start (well I had several starts!) and arrived at our next rather grand destination in Carrion des Condes late and tired! The scenery en route wax not inspiring - snd our willingness to be impressed not improved by the stiff headwind - all day, and not s bush or a tree to seek shelter behind for 90 km. B.... hell!!
Today Tuesday the flags on the poles were again outstretched and the wind smack in our faces! It has been a depressing bloody hard relentless day. The landscape flat (apart from the uphills!!). We could keep speeds at 12-20 kmh - but av 16 kmh - depressing!! In places even having to stand up to get the bike down an incline. Very few bars/cafes to raid - and of course the day had to finish w (horizontal!!) rain on the finishing stretch to Hospital de Orbigo (very charming pilgrims’ hostel!!)
But what a day!! 125 km snd we worked hard for every one!!It took 10 hoyrsvto do the journey!!! St James - you will never get s Christmas card from us - snd as for candles - you can stick it where light is needed!! And as for us - a bus ride would be very
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