To Reinosa

May 15, 2024

We’ve been anxiously watching the weather reports for the last few days, worried about the two rides ahead - in fact, worried about conditions for the rest of our few remaining days in Spain. Last night we got a reminder of how badly things could go when we stayed warm and dry in our room watching the rain pour down and the occasional flash of lightning and rumble of thunder.

We’d hate it If it’s like this tomorrow. Train and bus schedules have been studied just in case.

This morning though it’s a relief to see clear skies and the report that rains aren’t due to arrive until around three. With a short ride ahead to Reinosa, for today at least we’ll be fine.

The view south from our room this morning. These are the rocks I passed by on my walk yesterday.

We make it down to the bikes around ten, and I’m puzzled to find that my saddle is damp. Maybe the wind was strong enough to blow rain in under the shelter we’ve parked them beneath? But then I look up. Oh, crap.

I still can’t believe this was a solid covering when we parked here. If I’d noticed, we’d have gone back into the hotel and pleaded for a dry spot indoors somewhere.

So that’s a poor start to the day, but at least it’s not raining as we bike out of town. I stop on the way out for a last shot at the castle, and then a half mile later I’m watching for a chance to pull over and oil my grinding, rusting chain. Fortunately that hushes it down for now, but I imagine it won’t be long before. Trip to the LBS is needed. Every time I think of it I feel angry at the hotel and myself.

Looking up at the castle on the way out of town. Below it is the Church of Saint Cecelia, which looks worth a look when we come back.

The first miles of the ride are on this terrific new bike path.

This is a prettier one, as we enjoy several miles on this colorful path.

Beautiful! Even the clouds building up add to the scene, if you don’t think bout them too hard.

On days like this where we’re trying to make time it helps that Rachael can take a decent road shot with the GoPro. I don’t feel as pressured to stop as often for my own shots.

At the high point of the ride and off on a smaller road, we’re back in the snow pole zone.

Beautiful country, and a ride I’d enjoy repeating some day.

As we near Reinosa we’re seeing more and more horses. Here they’ve taken over a roped off section of a public walking path.

The last of the few passes we’ll cross in Spain this time through.

The rain isn’t forecasted to arrive until about three, but when we cross the last summit and start a descent toward our town it’s apparent it’s coming in a couple of hours early. I put the camera away and we bike fast, hoping to make it to our hotel before the rains arrive.

We lose the race, but at least the first showers don’t come until we’re nearing the outskirts of town and there’s shelter here and there. We pull off and hide under a slight overhang for a few minutes, debating whether we should break out the pannier covers or rain gear, but finally decide it’s not showering enough to bother. We get wet over the remaining two miles, but not miserably so; and we’re relieved when we arrive at our hotel two hours before check in, find it staffed, and are let in early. They’ve got a covered atrium in the back that the bikes go into (and this one really is covered, as I look up this time to verify), and then we quickly change for lunch.

Video sound track: Aeolian Tale, by Oregon

It could have been worse. We’ve gotten spoiled and have gotten too casual, not really taking enough precautions for rain. The iPads weren’t protected in a zip loc bag and my shoes were just riding on the top of my back rack uncovered, which Rachael helpfully pointed out wasn’t really a very smart plan. It’s a good reminder, and we’ll do better.

I wasn’t sure about Reinosa in planning the tour, and we’re only here for the one night. Now that we’re here though it looks like it would have been worth a second. I at least got out for an afternoon walk during a brief break in the weather, and liked what I saw.

In Reinosa. Is there a name for this architectural style? We’ve been seeing it throughout the region.

This surprised me. I hadn’t noticed we’d be crossing the Ebro here, just beginning its long journey to the Mediterranean. It’s the longest river in Spain, and begins just west of here in Fontebre. If we had a second (and dry) day here, I’d bike out to see it.

There is a lot of mural work in Reinosa. If my walk hadn’t been cut short by rain we’d be seeing more of it.

In Reinosa. I wonder what the story is behind this one.

An homage to the workers in the town’s former steel industry.

#235: Rook. I took this shot without giving it much thought, assuming it was a carrion crow. Later though I realized its true identity, based on beak shape. We’re certain to get a better look at one up in Britain.

I’m less than a mile from our hotel room here. Looks like I shouldn’t go much further though.

Definitely looks like a place worth a longer visit.

And a place worth seeing on a clearer day. The Picos de Europa aren’t that far west of here.

The Ebro again, and back in town. I’ve timed it just right. Umbrellas are just starting to pop open when I stop at the cafe I planned to get a snack at.

Today's ride: 22 miles (35 km)
Total: 1,518 miles (2,443 km)

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