Vitoria to Estella - Riding and Pilgrims

Today was all about the ride. This was our longest day so far and even though the total day was just going to be about 3,000 feet of climbing from the profile it promised to be all in one big climb. This made some of us a bit anxious about the day ahead. Here is the profile, as you can see a big up, but good news is a big downhill was in the cards as well.

We set off and rode out of town and were soon riding along a beautiful estuary and it looks like the Vitoria area has lots of bike clubs because there were a lot of riders on the road. We passed at least 100 and only saw TWO young women. As we passed everyone waved and/or shouted out "hola" giving an almost festive air to the beginning of our day's journey.

At one point we passed four guys and of course, the challenge was on especially for the lead rider. He quickly hopped on the tail of three women and one guy. When we hit a small climb he passed me he winked and and said in basque something that clearly translated into "why are you so slow?" I just shouted back "vamos."

This occurred a few times and we stopped at a bottom of a hill and chatted through hand signals and limited Spanish. I pointed to the bags we carry on the back of the bike and indicated they were very heavy and he pointed to his belly and said it was heavy too. Then he held up his fingers indicating he was 55 - such and old man. I just laughed and held up mine showing I was 66. His eyes widened as he was clearly impressed as not not was a I a woman, but I bested him by 11 years. We had a good laugh and each rode away with a good road story.

Then we hit the promised climb. There was what appeared to be a triathlon going on so as we ascended there were volunteers along the route controlling traffic for the riders coming down the mountain. That was great news for us as we headed up the switchbacks to the top. The volunteers encouraged us and cheered us on shouting "Oupa!" as we passed.

The climb was a series of many switchbacks and even though we hit some 9-10% grades, it stayed mainly between 6.5 - 8%. What a view as we went up - we even saw some local with their cows near the top.

Mary Margaret and me and a few cows we met along the way.

Young man at the rest stop selling mushrooms he had just picked.

It took a bit but we all made it and when we hit the small restaurant (bar as they are called) everyone was smiling and elated with The accomplishment of conquering the mountain.

The journey into Estella was a thrill ride as we descended at rapid speed doing the "twisties" almost all the way into Estella.

Estella is the beginning point for many of the pilgrims who walk or bike the Camino Santiago which is a journey that can be either religious or just a challenge for many. Some people do it all and others just segments. I will write more about the Camino later. When we arrived at our hotel we met two young women from Sweden that we're going to walk it for the next two weeks.

The path to the Camino is marked by a sea shell that points one in the direction of the route. Estella is filled with pilgrims, young and old, getting ready to set off on their journey.

One final note - these towns that we pass through are absolutely dead between 3:00 and about 6:00 pm, most restaurants don't open until 8:00 at night. Because most people live in apartments they all seem to hit the streets in the evenings and visit and walk. Everyone is out, older folks and families. The children are playing games and having so much fun and not a device in site.

Fireworks we saw on our walk home from dinner

All for now, off to ride to Pamplona and visit Ernest Hemingway.

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