Chasing away Jetlag in Bilbao

After a relatively uneventful trip from Seattle to Bilbao, Jen and I arrived in Bilbao last night.  We are set to embark upon Cent Cols Challenge(s) Cantibrico and Cevennes.  As soon as we arrived at the hotel (Hesperia Zubialde) we were greeted by familiar faces (Dave, Ralph, Phil, Aimar, and Louise) which helped lighten our spirits after a day of travel.  We have settled into a routine and have quickly come to enjoy the food at the hotel.  Dinner and breakfast hit the spot.  After getting the bikes together this morning, we headed out on our first ride in Spain!  We were greeted by clouds, humidity and temperatures in the lower 70's.  We decided to do the first few kilometers of Stage 10 backwards.  A gradual climb on smooth tarmac just outside Bilbao got us started.  A rougher bumpy descent soon followed.  But it really only took about 4 to 5 km before we were on quieter roads with sites of red chili pepper gardens, small vineyards, a sheep herder along the roadside beside his flock eating a baguette and four Basque Kittens.  After 25 km out, we turned around and retraced our steps home.  A taste of what is to come greeted us on the way home (20+% in places).  It was a good first full day in Bilbao with hopefully many more to follow.

Climbing the northern outskirts of Bilbao

Being greeted by quiet roads

Of course there were cats along the ride