Day 14 – Viki Gets a Boost

After a full rest day yesterday, we had a great start to the day leaving Bilbao. We saw lots of other cyclists and they’d all yell Aupa! As they passed (Basque for something like great force!) Today had lots of ups and downs, with Viki having to push her bike up a few. Fortunately all the hills were under 100m or so, so there was rest in between.

We had a nice coffee and pastry break in the pretty seaside town of Castro Urdiales. Shortly after we left, someone past us, started chatting with us, and then started pushing viki up the hill as he biked. “It was wonderful” says Viki. His name is Augustin and he stayed with us for a good while, chatting about cycling in Spain, his daughter, our trip, etc. He invited us for drinks and spanish omelet in Laredo, and we continued great conversation. He was riding on a 1983 bike and said he used to race in the 1980s.

We continued on, having lunch outside a supermarket around 70km. We then powered through to the end, at 113km, having done more km than needed, but wanting to get to a particular hotel for tomorrow. We saw lots of birds of prey that we gues are falcons. Also of note that the weather was absolutely perfect. Around 19 degrees and overcast for the majority of the day.

We’ve ended up at an Alburgue of the Camino de Santiago. We saw lots of pilgrims hiking with big backpacks today, and now that we’re registered, it’s only €5 per person to stay at the basic Alburgues. So we’ve showered, eaten, and should have a nicer sleep than expected, not having to set up camp. There are only 4 beds and 3 were already taken, so I’ll sleep on the floor.