Stage 8 started off with a gentler climb to wake up the legs, as Phil would say. The air was thick with humidity this morning on this climb which had actually been our descent at the end of Stage 1.
From there it was on to Torzano and La Braguia where were we greeted with 15-20% stretches. They were not as prolonged as those of the L’Angrilu from Stage 5, but on legs which have 7 stages in them, they hurt at times. Balancing standing and sitting at the right times added extra challenge with wet pavement from showers last night. The top of Braguia was plateau-like with wild horses running around and also crossing the road as we passed by. From there it was down to Feed #1 where Aimar and Leslie were taking orders for Cafe con leche - a treat after a chilly descent!
Next up was climbing back up La Trueba which we had descended on Stage 1. Today the scenery was much more mysterious with clouds looming at about 1,000 meters. Once we crested the top we were in the clouds for the first part of the descent and garmin maps was helpful to know when turns were upcoming, but were soon greeted by sun to set us up for the next climb, La Sia. La Sia was steep in places, but views of Wind Farms covering the hilltops added for extra scenery and sounds of large spinning blades got louder as you neared the top.
After lunch, Biscayan climbs were on the menu and steep gradients came with them. The top of La Bastilla was made all the more interesting with its concrete section at 15-16%. Las Arreturas was somewhat of a surprise as it was not on the top tube bar tape we had for the day, but its 15%+ sections were clearly evident.
From there we had 2 more climbs, much subtler in gradient and a final visit with Aimar at Feed #3 helped to nearly close out the day with one more descent and climb to follow. Showers had returned but Jen and I made it to the hotel before it really started to rain.
The shin splint was ok today, stiff again in the morning and ok for most of the ride until it got cold again with rain showers on the last climb where it stiffened up again.
Next up, the princess stage - Stage 9, lots of shorter and steeper Basque climbs for the next 2 days...
Wild horse atop the plateau of La Bastilla
Jen nearing the top of La Bastilla
Climbing La Trueba
Top of La Trueba, not much to see today
Back in the sun
Looking back down at the top of La Sia, wind farms in the distance
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