Test Ride

The idea was that I would wake up this morning, pick up a couple of things quickly, catch the beginning of today´s stage of the Vuelta a Burgos, and then be on the road. From the first step out of bed, I was already running late. Knowing myself, I should not be surprised that´s not how things went down. But despite delaying my departure another day, it was a productive day.

First of all, I am now officially a pilgrim. The pilgrim´s hostel (albergue) in Burgos granted me pilgrim´s credentials, which are good for getting discounts at tourist sites and access to facilities for those making the pilgrimmage to Santiago. You don´t have to be a Christian to be a pilgrim, which is a good thing. And pilgrimmage seems to be an appropriate way to me to think of my trip. I feel like I am searching for something within, but I can only attain it by exposing myself to challenges.

Second, I have my guide. Ana loaned me her 2006 Campsa guide, which is a 1:300,000 scale road atals of all of Spain. It is not too bulky, has loads of traveler´s information, and will help me find my way.

Third, my bike computer finally works. I had lost the magnets that go on the wheel and crank to determine speed and cadence. After much searching, I found an open bike shop today that had these available. Finding the bike shop was difficult. The first two shops I visited were closed for vacation, one from Aug 12-18, the other from Aug 14 to Sep 2. They just had plain paper signs on their windows announcing such. The other shops I visited opened at 4:30pm and 5pm respectively, and of course, the one that opened earlier didn´t have the magnets. But I´m not complaining because I found what I needed at a good price, and it was my fault that I didn´t have them to begin with.

Fourth, and most importantly, I went out for my first test ride. I loaded up the bike with my bags, and took the loaded bike for its first spin. Having never ridden a loaded touring bike for more than a block or two, I was curious and hesitant about how it would feel. Happily it feels wonderful! Different, yes, mostly when climbing and going downhill, when it´s respectively much slower and much faster than usual. But the rest of the time, even though it´s not fast, it´s really nice. The weight of the load serves as a reminder to not go so fast and enjoy the view. And what a view! I put in 30km in an out-and-back ride, and on the way back this is the view of Burgos.

Oh, and Mauricio Soler is still in the lead. The idea is to go tomorrow to Roa, site of tomorrow´s time trial stage of the Vuelta to cheer him on. A good performance is almost sure to get him the top podium spot on Saturday.