This was a long day – as I was leaving Itziar I was advised by 2 local chaps, independently, that the Camino norte was not doable on a mountain bike – especially with a trailer. I’d be carrying both up a long way. So I took the road which though easier was longer – in total 90km! And it was pretty hot. Apart from the exhaustion and sun stroke it was a pretty uneventful day – though as I passed through one town, Amorebieta, they had this statue in the town centre. God knows what it”s supposed to be.
Not only was the journey long but it was very hot. As I went through towns I could see thermometers in the shade showing 28 degrees C, so God knows what I was experiencing in the sun. Also despite being on tarmac around the coast there was lots of climb – almost 2000m…this is the same problem I had experienced on my way to Itziar. I was soaked in sweat, and had to change my underwear after lunch as I was getting trench-foot in the groin.
I finally arrived in my cheap but nice hotel by Bilbao airport in a technology park. Unfortunately it lacked the technology to stay cool – no aircon and a north European design that made it hotter on the inside than the outside.
My leg had been very bad today but I don’t have time to take a day off after only 2 days riding. So I have decided to combine progress with rest by taking the train west for a day tomorrow, and then taking a day off by the beach.
My Epic Journey 