Le fin, Vitoria Gasteiz to Bilbao
Well. I will be penning a long missive to the ceo of Komoot this very day. Another massive misdirection. More later.
Starting on a more pleasant note Victoria Gasteiz was absolutely buzzing last night. We had difficulty finding anywhere to eat but eventually got some fine pinchxos (? Spelling )
a big political rally in progress also.
Earlyish start as we had asked Komoot to recommend a gravel route which was longer and higher than the road alternative. On the map all was fine.
The day started well with coffee and a lovely run out of town on the greenway.
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All way going well with several coffee stops and lovely scenery.
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The first issue of the day was thanks to these guys
It was hunting day. And we entered a forest , passed two men with large guns who said nothing , but the third man sent us packing. So we had to find a re route. I won’t blame Komoot for that one.
Next a fine climb
Met some biker lads at the top getting some air.
A treacherous descent to lunch
Then the fun started.
A very steep 18% climb. Road at first then gravel. So far so good. But at the top we were directed down a muddy track obviously frequented by wild boar. It was tricky but passable although there was some bleeding. , opened out to three options with Komoot recommending the central one. NO WAY , it was impassable. Left one went the wrong way and didn’t seem to link with route so we went right and prayed hard. There were some disco lights at this stage. 🚦.
However we survived with an extra layer of mud all round and proceeded to the next climb which was to drop us seamlessly into town 🧐.
After about 300 m of climbing a car raced up behind us and a man jumped out waving at us. Apparently Antonio was a mountain biker ( a comfortable looking one I would have to say ) and insisted our route was impassable, if he had only seen what we had just survived 😳. However he was having none of it and directed us back to a gravel path which we failed to find. So it was was road for the last 10 km to Bilbao , unpleasant but traffic was light.
Now ensconced in a lovely apartment, perusing the local restaurants.
Another adventure over. Biggest lesson learnt…. Do not trust Komoot.
A great trip with all sorts of surfaces , climbs , flats , wonderful views , lovely people , cheap accommodation. Great food but please some veg ….886 KM THIS TRIP WITH ABOUT 10000m climbing 🤪
BOG remains at zero , I will have to seek out the BBC ( Bilbao Bentley club) or big plate will be dissatisfied with me.
ASS = 0
MDT 🚦 a lot of dangerous red today at various points on the mountain and again on the run into Bilbao 🤪
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