Riding Stats (Link to Tom’s Strava)
Accommodations (daily mileage, elevation, etc.)
Route Tracker (track our southbound ride on a Google Map)
Good things happen on bike tours but the day doesn’t always start out that way.😂
We woke to steady rain drumming on the tin shelter above our tent. We peeked out of the tent only to find a growing puddle forming just uphill, poised to spill straight through our campsite. While scrambling to assess the situation, the camp stray dog tipped over a full trash can left by previous campers, and a small, rat-like creature happily moved in to enjoy the buffet. That’s a lot to think about the first minute of the day.
We jumped up and moved onto action by emptying the tent of its contents and stacking it on the picnic table. Tom quickly took the tent down and moved the bikes under shelter while I made coffee and peanut butter bread for breaky.
Soon we were ready to start our 10 mile climb, in the rain and mid 40’s. 🥶
The good news is that none of our dry items in our tent got wet, the climb kept us nice and warm on the rainy cold day and we found a fabulous hostel with the kindest woman (Giesela) who owns it. And in answer to our morning prayer, we arrived safely.
All of the contents in our bags stayed dry but we were so wet and cold from the five mile windy descent when we met Giesela.
She quickly showed us where to lock up our bikes, where to hang our wet clothes (right by the wood fired stove she keeps burning all day) and then to our room (that has its own bathroom🙌🏻). All done without mastery of a common language and instead communicated with smiles and gestures.
The community room has such a good vibe. It’s warmed by the stove. Giesela comes in and out with her daily routines that include making bread, hanging linens inside (no dryer) and welcoming guests.
After grabbing a couple empanadas and a bag of chips and some fruit from the mini market we returned to the hostal to enjoy our dinner, very grateful to be out of the continuing rain.
On our way into town before we found the hostel, this nice lady made us a coffee to warm us. We went back for her yummy empanadas.
And a little well deserved dessert for the Debster.
Thanks for following along. On deck tomorrow is our longest ride this trip and more rain.
Click on the image below to view today’s video:
Keep Calm and Pedal On 
Loving this ride, ra
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