Tuesday May 31

Today our ride was taking us from Pamplona to Estrella.  Again, the weather was cloudy and cool.  The bulk of today’s ride, is what Spin instructors refer to as seated climbs.  It was tough!!  I got off the bike often to walk.  The hills were gradual ascents for what seemed like forever!  Granny gear was no help.

 It was fortunate though, that the sky was overcast.  If the sun had been out, it would have been doubly brutal.  Everyone rides at their own pace, but sometimes you’re grouped with others.  Lenny and I tried to stay together, but at one point, I was on my own. Once off the bike to walk, it’s hard to get back on, especially in the middle of one of those climbs.  It was during one of these “alone” times that I actually took notice of my surroundings.  Spain seems light years ahead of us in terms of harnessing wind energy.  Turbines (windmills) can be seen of many mountain tops.  While I was plodding along, I became aware of sensory overload.  The fields on either side of the road were profuse with poppies and scotch broom, the aroma of flowers and fresh mown fields surrounded me, while in the quiet, the swish of the turbines became prominent.  It was even a little eerie.

 

At the top of the millionth incline, I chose not to go on.  Lenny had just reached it also, but he went on.  Kudos to all those who stuck with it and finished the ride!

We stayed at the Hotel Chapitel in Estella.  All riders had arrived by late afternoon.  I think we all agreed that today was tough.

 

Dinner was at a restaurant off the main square.  We arrived there just at 7 when the church bells began to ring.  The food was great, company greater, and the promise of a comfortable bed enticing!  Hope tomorrow is a better ride!