Today was described as a recovery stage which it was in every possible way. There were many sore and tired faces this morning after yesterday’s brutal Stage 5. No matter which Stage 5 version a rider did; extreme or regular; it was one of the harder stages Phil Deeker has developed.
After a small warm up climb, a long gradual climb to Puerto de San Isidro started. It was nearly a 40 km climb which started very gradually and had us climb into and out of the clouds making for a spectacular morning. I was lucky enough to be riding with Jen as we broke out into the sun.
We eventually made our way to the plateau we traversed on Stage 3, but today was under entirely different conditions. Little wind and copious amounts of sun were everywhere. On the way to lunch we even cut through a town atop the plateau where a local wedding had spilled out into the street.
After lunch, one of our climbs was Puerto de Pandetrave. The most interesting part of the climb was that it started off with two roads - one beautifully paved and the other, one that only Phil and Aimar could find as it included gravel, small towns and 20% ramps, truly an adventure! Which road do you think we took?
Following Feed #3, it was on to Puerto de San Glorio and Collado de Liesba. It was on the way to that climb that I made a navigational error and missed a turn, hadn’t done that in a long time. But I caught my error after a couple of kilometers and got back on track. Atop this climb, it is easy to say we were rewarded with some of our most spectacular views yet. And following a brief rest, we were treated with a nearly 30 km descent on nearly pristine pavement.
The other note is that I now have something akin to a shin splint in my left leg. Painful, but I was able to manage it today and will need to take it day by day. It is ok on the bike but walking is painful at times and a challenge. Hoping Louise and kinesio tape will help with the next few days...
Jen heading out of the clouds and into the sun, smiles all around
On the way up to Puerto San Glorio, there have been plenty of tunnels like this in Spain
Nearing the top of Collada de Liesba, following Kelli and Jen
Jen and I with the masterminds, Aimar and Phil, or maybe its evil minds
No comments:
Post a Comment