Fromista

Burgos – Fromista 60km on bike.

Today I have hired a bike for three days to do the Mesata. The Mesata is a 180km trail that is mainly on flat exposed land. Almost desert like. As I cannot be exposed to the sun for too long due to my medications, the cycling will only take me three days rather than 7 if I was walking it. Less exposure.

First I got up and joined the gang for breakfast at the cafe. I could see that most people were in a downbeat mood. We said our farewells and promised to keep the WhatsApp group open to keep in touch.

I finally collected my bike at about 11am and Oscar at the bike shop was a gem in getting me sorted. Unfortunately I had to have my walking stick ‘Barney’ cut in three to fit. Barney has guided me everywhere from day one in St Jean. I was looking for walking sticks when I seen this peculiar wooden one for 13 yoyos- 13 is my lucky number. What was peculiar was that one one side of the handle looked a bit like a snake. I had great fun setting this stick on peoples shoulders and scaring the life out of them as they walked. Hopefully I can get Barney fixed back together again when I get home.

Anyway, off I set out of Burgos at a nice pace and followed the yellow arrows of the Camino. I got my first 10k done in no time at all. This was great for me as I was cruising along the paths quite quickly. Then came the first hill. A big climb of about 100m. No bother getting up in working the gears. Coming down this at a quick speed the adjuster on my front wheel came loose and I had lost full control. I managed to get the bike stopped and fixed the wheel back in place. Quite a hairy moment.

I stopped at 30km in Hontanas for some grub and an ice cold beer. Then came the beast!! Alto de Mostelares. A 200m steep climb up a gravel track. I managed to cycle a third of this then I couldn’t continue any further. I got off and pushed the bike to the top of the hill and probably lost 2 Litres of sweat doing so. A nice gradual descent got me back on track and blasting the km through the flat terrain.

I passed the ruins of San Anton and made my way along a river towards Fromista

I arrived in Fromista at 6pm and got to my albergue. There is a serious lack of life in this town. Hardly anywhere open and only a handful of locals walking about. Got myself some bread, meat and cheese and made myself a bocadillo for supper.

Another 60km to Sahagun tomo. I hope my bum is a little less sore tomo. 🙈