Day 5 of Spain-to-France (59km)
59km / 2 hours 50 min / 742m gain
(For my reference: Komoot had no estimate as I had to make up some new routes “live”.))
Today was cold and overcast but pretty. I stuck with my road route today as it is still wet, and I didn’t head into the muddy trails. Lots of pine forests and really pretty.
I ran into a big group of ~20 Americans riding the El Cid route (which I did part of today). I talked to them for a bit next to an old church. They are ending their ride in Valencia, so I gave them many recommendations. They were on road bikes, and I guess a big van carried all their gear.
I did a fair bit of climbing today, but nothing too crazy. I went to an amazing canyon, but unfortunately, that is when it started raining. It poured icy rain for the next 1.5 hours just as I descended the mountain pass. I just pedaled as hard as I could to stay warm. I should have brought my waterproof socks/gloves. I got soaked apart from my rain jacket. It was getting close to having to pull over and find shelter while I put socks on my hands along with bags, but luckily, the rain let up for the last 8km, and it got warmer as I descended. Bad packing choices, Past-Ben!
Even with the rain, it is so great to be outside for big chunks of time. Love it!
Notes
- The tape/wrap on my handlebars is a big plus for vibration reduction. I need to get a professional wrap, as I suck at it, though.
- If I ever think I am doing road routes, I need to pack my lights with the strobe light effect to ensure cars see me on both sides (check if my Garmin lights do that). I saw this on some bikes today, and it was super effective.
- I should have packed waterproof gloves and socks like I did for Italy. I also need my warm pants for after the ride as many of these hotels/houses have already turned off the boilers. Plus it is cold in the mountains.
- I heard the weirdest bobcat / mountain lion like cry coming from the mountain where I stopped. It was freaky.
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