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Published: June 27th 2011
Signs!
Leaving Zubiri, Roncesvalles and France ahead.Going UP!!!
The operative word here is UP! The climb would not have been so bad had we been able to do it in the morning cool or if the temperature were cool, but it was a hot day. We started the climb at about noon from Zubiri, 20 kilometers from the campground where we planned to camp. This is Bill writing today; Gerri is drinking a non-alcoholic beer, trying to get energy for tomorrow’s ride.
Two or 3 kilometers from Zubiri, I began to feel my heart racing. We stopped in the shade to rest. There will be two minor summits today and then Ibaneta Pass early tomorrow, and we’ll be in France. But the first summit had to be climbed. A few more kilometers and we rested again. Gerri was feeling strong; I’m the one who succumbs to the heat. Finally, after a few more rest stops, we gained the first summit, Alto de Perdon. At the top, the French Camino route crosses the highway and some enterprising gentleman had his vending truck parked there to sell food and cold drinks to the bikers and hikers, the Pilgrims. What a wonderful surprise. Fortified with a cold drink,
we coasted down the back side of the first summit and started the climb to the second summit.
Similar routine -- bike a few kilometers and let me rest, repeat, repeat, etc.. My hamstrings were threatening to cramp . I thought I would have to walk to the top. Gerri forged ahead and as I rounded a hairpin curve, her whooping let me know that we had reached Merquiriz, the second summit. Thank goodness! But we still had to find the campground in or near Espinal. Asking directions, we are told that it is about two kilometers beyond the town. Ugh! More uphill. About 200 yards from the entrance to the campground, my right leg started to cramp. I got off the bike and began walking. But the end (at least for today) was in sight. We got to this campground, ate lunch, laid out the ground cloth and sleeping pads, and took a well deserved afternoon nap before even setting up the tent.
So now we are camped high in the Pyrenees, just 10 kilometers from France!
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Gary Lueck
non-member comment
Loving the Blogs
Just a quick note to let you know I'm really enjoying your blogs. Kind of boring here in Albq, NM about now with 100' heat....only early morning rides are feasible. I'll be living vicariously through you two for a while, so if you hear some huffing & puffing to the rear, it'll be me trying hard to hang on your rear wheel......little tough on that last climb. Take care and be safe. Gary