Biking the Meseta, day 1

Favorite bike photo by new friends Frank and Monique.

Day 16, Burgos to Boadilla del Camino

What I anticipated: Sore down under — essentially anything in contact with the seat. Check. Actually, give that two checks. Sore quads. Check. Tan lines on feet. Check.

What I didn’t expect: Total concentration — necessary, not optional. Check. Do not even think of thinking contemplative thoughts. Check. Check. Forget food, feet or peeing. Do not look at the beautiful scenery unless you are stopped. Keep your eyes on the gravel that turns to rocks, that turns into rivets.

Oh, and mind those 18% grades. CHECK. CHECK. CHECK.

©Theresa Elliott, All Rights Reserved

Getting ready.

Sandy helps a woman with a flat tire.

Beautiful scene into the valley, aka, the Meseta.

Ya, get off the bike. Serious rockerage and grade under those tires.

Wind mills every where. The most I’ve seen in a day.

Just a nice shot.

Kinda think I hit a sweet spot here and took this photo while hands-free biking.

And there you have your 12% grade up hill in the distance. Translation: get off the bike and push.

And the sign to prove it.

The other side of the 12% grade, and the beginning of the 18% grade down. Translation: get off the bike and use the breaks while going down.

And the sign to prove it.