Ouch!

Well that was a rather hard day to start with... 90 miles and 2365m of relentless climbing. It was a rather challenging start, getting lost following the guide through the beautiful, but large and confusing city of San Sebastián. We did the obligatory starting photo by the beach, the group photo was missing a few people who had got even more confused at the junction.

Once we made it out of the city, the climbing started and went on and on and on... There are some really strong hill climbers in the group - from Windermere, Glossop, Holmfirth and New Zealand - I think my poor undertrained tree trunks are telling me to move house!

This area of Spain is certainly hilly and just fabulous for cycling, there were so many local cyclists out for a Sunday ride and very well behaved motorists. The coffee stop was well populated with Lycra and not just our group.

Plenty of animal action to keep me amused on the hills..

Goat obstacle course

Horses wearing cow bells

There was a heron here somewhere!

The climbing just carried on and on until we eventually reached a plateau and a fabulous descent when of course it started raining (I was relieved it wasn't too hot today!).

I managed a maximum of 34mph today which is good for me and didn't squeal too loudly on the hairpin bends.

We eventually arrived at the hotel at 6.30 pm after 7 hours of cycling and of course, Rusty was sitting there with an empty glass having had a very happy day pootling around this gorgeous area in his Ka. 

The food so far is living up to expectation - manchego cheese and crusty baguette for lunch and this for dinner...

I'm not sure the tree trunks will be talking to me in the morning but 'only' 65 miles tomorrow 😃