Date: May 28th
Start: Rabanal del Camino
Stop: Villafranca del Bierzo
Distance: 59 km
Weather: Cold and damp ending sunny
Summary in one sentence: A wet and cool climb, a castle and set up for another climb.
A snorey night in the albergue and off to 2 degrees at 7:00 am. Dick discovered a slow leak in front tire so we found a pilgrims shelter where we could get out of wind and rain to replace tube. Basically cycl7ng inside a cloud for 5 km to high point of entire Camino (1504 meters) and the Cruz de Ferro where pilgrims traditionally leave a stone brought from home. I left a Soames beach pebble. A cold 15 km and 1000 metre descent to pretty Molinaseca where they had us with €3.50 bacon and eggs. A short spin to Ponferrada where Dick and I parted ways as he had a very tight schedule and needed to keep moving so he did. Me less so and checked out the very good Templar castle (free Wednesdays!) Before cycling the 23 hilly kms through vineyard country to Villafranca del Blerzo where I checked into the funky Hotel San Francisco around 4:00. Found a friendly bike shop to have chain lubed then off to walk about.
fabulous photos. I am enjoying your trip right along with you. keep posting!
ReplyDeleteWoah! Are you or someone doing this trip with a folding bike? I was thinking of doing it but hesitant. Be grateful to know your setup and how it's working out for you
ReplyDeleteBike Fridays are serious touring bikes that fold. Very strong 20" wheels with 27 speeds. I would highly recommend these particularly if you want/need to use buses, trains, taxis, airplanes, etc as part of the tour.
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