Vitoria to Pamplona - Motorcycle encounter!

Today we had a fairly short ride, but short does not always mean easy - we climbed round 2900 feet, but had a killer downhill on the other side. We rode through vineyards and an area where the river becomes very salty and they make salt. The scenery was again spectacular and the roads lovely.
Today there were lots of motorcyclists out on the road taking advantage of the the beautiful weekend weather - in the 70's. Most of the bikes were of the smaller variety but I did see a few Gold Wings taking the tight turns. When we were about 5 km fro the top of the mountain when we stopped for a short break and I struck up a conversation with a few of the local motorcyclists and even showed them a picture of our bike alongside my handsome husband Bob. They were very interesting and one was even a racer. Of course I took time for a photo op. The eldest brother of the three insisted that I sit on his bike and we took anther picture.

I LOVE MAKING NEW FRIENDS ON THE ROAD!

I made it to yet another summit and then enjoyed the fast paced 10-15 km downhill - spectacular!

THATS THE DOWNHILL ROAD! YIKES!

We are now in Pamplona the city famous for the running of the Bulls. There was a major festival going on when we arrived. It was quite a challenge trying to get across the square. We had to walk through a sea of people and make a loop to reach the hotel. The city was alive with revelers and it was very festive.

After showering, and changing we hit the streets and enjoyed the numerous street vendors and the baked goods for sale. I bought a macaroon and quickly went back for four more and shared a few. I have two more that have saved for tomorrow's ride. Also had a REAL hot off the grill tortilla. Did I mention how hungry I have been with all this riding?

We had an early meal and then created out own "running of the Bulls moment" right through the streets of Pamplona. I even had time to visit with Ernest Henningway for a bit.

ME WITH MY FRIEND ERNEST HEMINGWAY - wrote "The Sun Also Rises" all about Pamplona. gotta go back and read it again.

Tomorrow we head to St. Jean Pied-de-Port as we cross the Pyrenees - it promises to be our out challenging day. Keeping the rubber side down and peddling one foot at a time. Having a blast!

Posted with Blogsy